Allergeenide

Allergeenide is a Finnish term referring to allergens. Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. These reactions occur when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance as a threat. Upon exposure, the immune system produces antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin E (IgE), which then trigger the release of chemicals like histamine. These chemicals cause the symptoms associated with allergies.

Common allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, mold spores, certain foods such as peanuts, milk, and eggs, insect venom from bee or wasp stings, and animal dander from pets like cats and dogs. Some individuals may also react to medications, latex, or certain chemicals.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary widely depending on the allergen and the individual. They can range from mild, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or a skin rash (hives), to severe and life-threatening, like anaphylaxis, a systemic reaction that can involve difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Diagnosis of allergies typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and specific allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests. Management strategies include allergen avoidance, medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids, and immunotherapy (allergy shots) in some cases.