allergies

An “allergic or hypersensitivity reaction” occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances (allergens), and the white blood cells begin to attack them as invaders. When this attack causes more harm than good for the body, the allergic response can become an annoying ongoing condition. Almost any substance can act as an allergen.

Allergies

Specifically, the overly sensitive cells of the immune system implicated in allergies are mast cells and basophile cells. When mast cells are exposed to antigens they release histamine and inflammatory chemicals into surrounding tissues. Histamine release causes the small blood vessels to dilate (widen), permitting fluids to pass from the blood stream into surrounding tissues, resulting in the symptoms of allergies: cold-like symptoms (nasal congestion, runny eyes, itching eyes, itching ears, itching throat), shortness of breath, headache, swelling of mouth and/or throat, diarrhea, intestinal discomfort, inflammation, and hives.

Allergies are extremely common, affecting more than 25% of people worldwide. The most common allergy triggers include: pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander, latex, foods, and insect venom. Foods known to cause allergies are: wheat, sugars (fructose and sucrose), soybeans, shellfish, pineapples, onions, dairy foods (cheese and milk), citrus fruits, chocolate, bee pollen, and alcoholic drinks (beer and wine).

If the allergen is airborne, the allergic reaction will primarily affect the eyes, nose, and lungs. If the allergen is ingested, the allergic reaction will primarily affect the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Though an ongoing chronic inflammatory response can eventually affect other parts of the body. For instance a food allergy could lead to nasal congestion or joint pain.
If enough inflammatory chemicals are released, a reaction such as hives or rash could occur throughout the body. The most severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can lead to low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, shock, and loss of consciousness, all of which can be fatal.

Sometimes specific ailments can be the underlying cause of increased susceptibility to allergies. Ailments known to increase susceptibility to allergies include:
• Leaking capillaries (known medically as microangiopermeability), which permit otherwise inert antigens to gain entrance into the bloodstream where they can provoke allergic reactions
• “Leaky gut syndrome” (excessive permeability of the intestines) permits antigens to pass through the intestinal tract
• Impairment of the immune system can result in a high ratio of helper T-cells to suppressor T-cells
• Under functioning of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
• Chronic dehydration can also be an underlying cause of allergies.  Similarly, allergies can aggravate and contribute to the development of many other ailments including:
• Celiac disease (which is caused directly by food allergies to a protein named gliadin)
• Colic (which is frequently caused by food allergies)
• Some cases of duodenal ulcers
• Bed-wetting in children
• Some types of cancer
• Bacterial & viral infections (the immunes system can become stressed by frequent allergic attacks, leaving it vulnerable to infection)
• Fatigue
• Backache
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis
• Tinnitus
• Allergic asthma
• Chronic bronchitis (occasionally)
• Emphysema (occasionally)
• Hay fever and sinusitis
• Dermatitis, eczema, acne, hives and psoriasis.

Health is an integrated network of systems in the body. Stress and other emotional upset may aggravate allergies, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

Especially with allergies, it is vital to care for all possible contributing factors.