Understanding Allergies: Immune Responses and Management

Allergies are immune system responses to usually harmless substances, known as allergens. They can range from mild to life-threatening. Common allergens include pollen, dust, and certain foods.

When encountering an allergen, the body wrongly identifies it as a threat. The immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which trigger cells to release histamine, causing allergy symptoms.

Histamine, best known for allergy symptoms, actually serves to protect us. It increases blood flow and white blood cell count around an allergen, but in allergies, this reaction is inappropriately triggered and problematic.

Allergies can be hereditary. If both parents have allergies, their children's risk can be as high as 70-80%. Interestingly, specific allergies are not inherited, rather the tendency to develop allergies is.

Surprisingly, too clean environments in early life, known as the 'hygiene hypothesis,' may contribute to allergy development. Limited early exposure to bacteria and viruses can hinder immune system development.

Allergies can be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies are often due to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, while perennial allergies may be triggered by year-round exposure to allergens like pet dander or dust mites.

Besides avoiding triggers, treatment options include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy gradually desensitizes the immune system, a process that can surprisingly take several years to be effective.