Alergioihin

Alergioihin, often referred to as allergies, are a group of conditions in which the body's immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, animal dander, and insect venom. When an allergic individual encounters an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and produces antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin E (IgE).

These IgE antibodies then trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamine, from specialized cells in the body, like mast cells. The release of these chemicals causes a range of symptoms. The specific symptoms depend on the type of allergen and how it enters the body. For example, inhaled allergens like pollen can lead to respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion, commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Food allergies can manifest with digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, as well as skin reactions like hives or eczema, and in severe cases, can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. Contact allergies, such as those caused by poison ivy or nickel, result in skin inflammation where the allergen touched the skin. Insect sting allergies can cause localized swelling and itching, or a systemic reaction.

Diagnosis of allergies typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing, which can include skin prick tests or blood tests. Management strategies focus on avoiding known allergens, using medications to control symptoms like antihistamines and corticosteroids, and in some cases, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the immune system. While allergies cannot typically be cured, they can often be effectively managed to improve quality of life.