In recent years, allergies have increased significantly. Allergies are now even categorized as defined immunological malfunctions. This means that the cause of an allergy is a disorder in the immune system.
More precisely, it is an overreaction of the immune system. It can no longer distinguish harmless stimuli such as pollen, house dust, or animal hair from real threats like bacteria and viruses, and initiates a defensive response.
The challenge with allergies is their wide variety. There are many different forms and resulting reactions. For example, allergies can trigger asthma, neurodermatitis, intestinal inflammation, joint inflammation, or skin changes.
Our body constantly comes into contact with foreign substances,
which the immune system typically combats. After initial contact, it
produces antibodies against the invaders and can eliminate them more
quickly upon re-exposure.
When the immune system is defective, incorrect reactions occur, and
the body produces the wrong antibodies. Suddenly, the immune system
identifies harmless substances like pollen, house dust, or food
ingredients as dangerous invaders, and an allergy develops.
A series of bodily reactions follows: mucus production increases, blood pressure drops, mucous membranes swell, and typical allergy symptoms appear (from a runny nose to severe asthma).
Don’t underestimate the danger of allergic reactions! Some symptoms may be mild and localized, but there's also a risk of rapid and severe reactions, such as swelling of the mucous membranes in the entire respiratory tract. The throat area can swell dramatically, leading to difficulty breathing. At the first signs of such reactions, you must contact a doctor immediately!
An allergy is therefore a very burdensome and life-restricting condition. In our next article, learn how allergies can be successfully treated!
March 11, 2019