Allergy
readlittle.com
When the body reacts to harmless things
Allergy is a condition in which the body’s immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless. These substances are called allergens. Common allergens include pollen from plants, dust mites, animal fur, certain foods like peanuts or eggs, and insect stings. When a person with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system treats it as a threat and reacts to protect the body.
The immune system makes special proteins called antibodies to fight germs. In people with allergies, these antibodies react too strongly to allergens. This can cause the release of chemicals like histamine, which leads to allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing problems. In some cases, the reaction can be very mild, but sometimes it can be strong or even dangerous.
Allergies can affect different parts of the body. Hay fever happens when pollen causes sneezing and watery eyes. Food allergies may cause stomach pain, swelling, or trouble breathing after eating certain foods. skin allergies can cause redness or itching, and insect sting allergies may cause swelling or hives. Each person’s allergy is different, and symptoms can vary in how strong they are.
Doctors can help find out what causes a person’s allergies by using skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is known, the person can try to avoid it. Some people may also take antihistamine medicine to reduce symptoms, or get allergy shots to help their body adjust slowly to the allergen over time.
Allergies can start at any age and may last for many years. While there is no complete cure for allergies, careful management and understanding what triggers them can help people live comfortably. Knowing how to avoid allergens and when to get medical help is an important part of allergy care.
The immune system makes special proteins called antibodies to fight germs. In people with allergies, these antibodies react too strongly to allergens. This can cause the release of chemicals like histamine, which leads to allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing problems. In some cases, the reaction can be very mild, but sometimes it can be strong or even dangerous.
Allergies can affect different parts of the body. Hay fever happens when pollen causes sneezing and watery eyes. Food allergies may cause stomach pain, swelling, or trouble breathing after eating certain foods. skin allergies can cause redness or itching, and insect sting allergies may cause swelling or hives. Each person’s allergy is different, and symptoms can vary in how strong they are.
Doctors can help find out what causes a person’s allergies by using skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is known, the person can try to avoid it. Some people may also take antihistamine medicine to reduce symptoms, or get allergy shots to help their body adjust slowly to the allergen over time.
Allergies can start at any age and may last for many years. While there is no complete cure for allergies, careful management and understanding what triggers them can help people live comfortably. Knowing how to avoid allergens and when to get medical help is an important part of allergy care.
What We Can Learn
- An allergy is a reaction of the immune system to harmless things.
- Common allergens include pollen, dust, food, and insect stings.
- Symptoms can include sneezing, itching, swelling, or breathing trouble.
- Avoiding allergens and taking medicine can help manage allergies.
