Daily Health Care

The increased incidence of allergies in the world is such that we believe that by 2010 half the population of industrialized countries will suffer some of the types of this disease. The explanation of that happening is the increase of pollutants in the environment, which sensitize defense systems that protect our body.

But all this, what are allergies? Arise as a result of impaired immune system that responds in an exaggerated manner to the presence of substances (called allergens) which is sensitive, and are harmless to most people. These are compounds such as pollen, certain foods, dust, humidity, animal hair, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals or some textiles, among many others, with whom we have constant contact and we can be allergic.

The main cause for which they suffer allergies is genetic predisposition, that is, if we are allergic is very likely that our sons are. Another, very important, is the growing tendency to self-medicate at the first sign of illness, while the defensive system itself acts as well as the presence in everyday foods (especially fruits and vegetables) of pesticides, chemicals discharged from planting until harvest by way of protection and favor the development of allergies.

Battles in the body

To understand the mechanism of action of allergy, imagine that when the allergen enters the body, it reacts as it does when attacked by viruses or bacteria and protects itself by producing antibodies (immunoglobulins) to neutralize any future attacks. The antibodies attach to the walls of the tissues and to make an appearance again allergen emerge to attack. This separation causes deterioration of the tissue that gives rise to the release of histamine, a chemical that through the blood reaches the skin and mucous membranes, causing the characteristic symptoms of allergy.

The manifestations of this disease can be confused with other diseases, for example, some allergens attack the mucous membranes of upper respiratory tract (mouth, tongue, palate, nose and throat), causing sneezing, mucus, itching, watery eyes and infection ears, so you can make it appear that it’s flu. Some others produce gastrointestinal disturbances, severe headaches, dizziness or nausea. Sometimes the only symptom is a mild skin disorder, such as hives and eczema.

credit to: Raul Serrano

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