Allergy

What is an allergy?

Colloquially called allergy or hypersensitivity, this is the body's incorrect response to the effects of foreign substances, i.e. allergens. Our immune system is involved in allergic reactions - antibodies are formed in the body that bind to the antigen and cause inflammation. Allergy is therefore an abnormal manifestation of immunity because it leads to damage to your own tissues. Allergies can have a very mild course, such as those manifesting, e.g. redness of the eyes or sneezing, but can also be dangerous to life (anaphylactic shock and death).

Histamine is a chemical that is important in the formation of an allergic reaction. It occurs in the body of each of us - its task is to protect the body, but in allergy sufferers, when it comes into contact with an allergen, histamine can even be dangerous to health.

Allergy - a global problem

A huge number of people suffer from allergies all over the world. According to statistics, up to 40% of the population. Pollinosis and bronchial asthma are most often diagnosed. Studies show that people born in the months that immediately precede the pollen season are more likely to suffer from allergies to plant pollen.
The number of people struggling with allergies is constantly increasing. This is probably due to industrialization, increasingly severe environmental pollution and chemistry present almost everywhere (even in food). Although allergies occur all over the world, we may notice some differences depending on the region and the country's previous level of morbidity.

Is the allergy hereditary?

Allergies can be caused by both environmental factors and genetic load. It has been proven that if one of the parents suffered from allergy, the risk of having it in a child is about 40%. If the father and mother were allergic, the risk increases to 60%. It is estimated that the majority of allergies present today are caused by a burden in the family, and the remaining tens of percent are allergies caused by environmental factors.

Environmental factors affecting the occurrence of allergies

The growing pollution of the environment, especially the air we breathe, is not without significance for our health. A large number of cars emitting harmful exhaust gases contribute to the development of allergies and respiratory diseases. People who have frequent contact with cigarette smoke and chemicals are also exposed to allergies. Disturbed intestinal microflora, yeast infection, excess antibiotics as well as strong stress and calcium deficiency may also contribute to the development of allergies.

What are the most common allergy symptoms?

The reaction concerns a certain system or specific organ. The most common are: swelling and rhinitis, itching, watery discharge or stuffy nose, wheezing and difficulty in breathing, conjunctival itching, tearing, itchy skin, rash or swelling, as well as headaches.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock that are dangerous to health are pressure drop, increased heart rate, and elevated body temperature. This can lead to coma or even death, so these symptoms should not be underestimated.

Food allergies

Food allergies affect a very large part of society, so if you want to test your body for allergies, you should also include food intolerance tests. The most common symptoms of food intolerance and allergies are gastrointestinal complaints that appear after consuming a product. It is worth observing your body to see what is harmful to us and, if necessary, eliminate the allergen from the diet.
Allergy symptoms can be alleviated by providing appropriate nutrients, such as, for example, fatty acids containing OMEGA-3, DHA and EPA under specialist control, but not only. It is also worth thinking about changing your diet under the watchful eye of a dietitian and doing food intolerance tests.