Causes of Allergies - Symptoms of Allergies - Rhinitis

Causes of Allergies

The common misunderstanding about allergies is that it can be only caused by allergens. Although allergens may be the precipitating event that causes allergenic symptoms, the fundamental problem is a compromised, weakened and out-of-balance immune system as a result of food and lifestyle mismanagement.

The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to identify and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are competent of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE. The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. Examples of allergens include pollens, molds, dust mite, danders, and foods.

Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They normally occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age.

The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, skin, lungs and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people.

Allergies can come from various sources. This being the case, it is not quite simple to come up with a single treatment plan that covers all type of allergy, most allergies are acquired after birth. The best solution to keep away from triggering allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual.

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. The symptoms are sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose, coughing and postnasal drip, itching eyes, nose and throat, allergic shiners and others. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, animal dander, or molds. Asthma is a breathing problem that fallout from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a thinning of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include are a feeling of tightness in the chest, breathlessness, difficulty inhaling and exhaling, coughing and noisy breathing.

Hives (urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Allergic eczema is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen which symptoms are itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin, rash on the face and eyes.