Allergies involve specific reactions to substances known as allergens. Allergens cause no harm to non-allergic individuals, but result in harmful reactions in allergic individuals. This reaction typically occurs in the respiratory tract (such as the lungs, sinuses and nose), the skin and the digestive tract. Common examples of allergic disorders include hayfever, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis (itchy eyes), eczema and hives. Many adverse reactions to foods, drugs and stinging insects are similarly due to allergies.
The tendency to develop allergies is clearly more common in certain families. Scientists have shown that allergic responses are controlled by complicated genetic (or inherited) mechanisms. When a person has had the bad luck to have inherited an allergic predisposition, he is at risk for developing allergies. This risk is @ 15% in the general population, @30% if one parent was similarly effected and greater than 50% if both parents are allergic.
Before we blame our ancestors too much, remember that these allergic responses were very beneficial a few thousand years ago. This response was used to fight off parasitic infections and other important illnesses. Finally, you are in good company. More than 30 million people suffer from allergies in the United States alone!
Our immune (or self-defense) system produces many powerful substances called antibodies (or immunoglobulins). They help to guard our airways and skin against invading germs that may otherwise cause infections.
These antibodies may also bind to allergens. In the allergic individual, the reaction between allergen and antibody sets off many alarms throughout the immune system. A powerful army of cells and molecules are quickly recruited to fight the allergen. Although this battle is quickly won, it results in much damage to the surrounding tissue (such as the nose or lungs). This damage is called inflammation, and it causes the typical symptoms of allergic illnesses. So, in many ways the allergic response appears to be a misguided one, with an overprotective immune system responding to an otherwise harmless intruder; the allergen.
Recurrent symptoms of a runny, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, wheezing of the chest and/or skin problems may be the first clues. An extensive review of a person's history, environment and physical health is the next step towards recognizing allergies. If indicated, testing for specific allergens may be advised. This involves re-creating an allergic response by introducing different allergens into the skin. This is the most sensitive and cost effective means of allergy testing. It is the method recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and is the way that allergy is practiced and taught at medical universities. Occasionally, microscopic, blood or lung function tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
After the relevant allergens have been identified, an individualized program of care can be suggested. The first step involves avoidance measures. This is often all that is needed for such problems as food or animal dander allergy. For individuals allergic to non-avoidable allergens (such as pollen and mold spores) medications are usually given for temporary symptomatic relief. Finally, a course of allergy injections is often suggested to allergic individuals who have had a poor response to avoidance and medical measures. This form of treatment involves weekly injections of allergens under the skin. The dose is gradually increased until a person is desensitized. This form of treatment is usually continued until a person has been free of allergy symptoms for several years.
A Board Certified Allergist is a physician who is qualified in Internal Medicine and/or Pediatrics who has had at least two additional years of training in Allergy and Immunology; and has passed the certifying examination of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. These physicians are considered experts in the diagnosis and management of immune system disorders such as Asthma, Allergic rhinitis (hayfever), Eczema, Urticaria (hives), drug reactions, food allergies, immune deficiencies and anaphylaxis.