Allergys, What are Allergies?

Allergies are unexpected reactions to substances otherwise considered harmless. Few people suffer reactions to them, those that do have reactions ranging from minimal irritation to disability to death. Eating a handful of peanuts can be pure joy to the hungry airline passenger, while their mere aroma may result in death to the passenger seated alongside him.

Allergies are immune reactions: antigen and antibody unite resulting in a chemical reaction. There is an outpouring of chemical fluid which results in an inflammation. Local, and perhaps distant body tissues are injured. Many cells and tissue fluids take part in the process, including white blood cells, chemical mediators, enzymes, and cytokines. The  end result is tissue destruction.

In hay fever there may be some sneezing, watery and itching eyes. To one allergic to bee venom, convulsions, heart attack, and death within minutes may occur. Reactions may vary to the identical protein. Less than 90% of the public is bothered by cats. For those who are, hay fever like symptoms are the rule. Fewer react with asthma: less with skin eruptions, called welts or hives.  

Management of allergies is best when we can avoid contact to the allergens. Don’t eat those peanuts; don’t choose a cat as your homebound pet. But avoidance is not always possible. Peanuts for example are present in many preparations unknown to the casual diner. Cat dander is dropped off by their master, almost as a calling card, everywhere they go.

Medications such as antihistamines, antileukotrienes, bronchodilators, and steroid preparations are the next line of defense when help is warranted.

Finally, when possible, allergy injection therapy is provided when indicated and available to those unable to be safeguarded otherwise.

Bill Ziering

Rx365  A Year of Tips for the Successful Medical Practice