Allergénnels

Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful invaders, but in people with allergies, it mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. This triggers an immune response, leading to the release of chemicals like histamine, which cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Common allergens can be broadly categorized into several groups. Inhalant allergens include things like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander. Food allergens are a significant concern, with common culprits including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Contact allergens can cause reactions upon skin contact, such as poison ivy, nickel, and latex. Insect sting allergens, like venom from bees and wasps, can also trigger severe reactions. Medications, particularly antibiotics, are another class of allergens.

The severity of allergic reactions varies greatly. Mild symptoms might include sneezing, itchy eyes, or a rash. More severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and involve difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the throat. Diagnosis of allergies typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and specific tests like skin prick tests or blood tests. Management focuses on avoidance of the allergen, medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, and in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the individual to the allergen.