Allergic Reactions

Allergies are suffered by many people including myself. What is going on inside our bodies that is causing such annoying symptoms?

Immunoglobulin – a protein of animal origin with known ANTIBODY activity aka a antibody.

IgE – a reaginic antibody sensitizing the body to allergens. One of five classes of immunoglobulins found in the body. (IgA, IgD. IgE, IgG, IgM)

Histamine – a vasoactive amine that causes a capillary to dilate and become permeable allowing entry of white blood cells and other proteins to engage foreign invaders in the affected tissues of the body.

Mast cells – a connective tissue cell containing histamine and heparin.

Immunology -- the study of the structure and function of the immune system.

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Allergies are caused by a over sensitive immune system that form antibodies against substances that are not usually recognized as foreign. Most allergies can be caused by foods such as peanuts and shell fish; drugs like penicillin ; and environmental factors such as dust, pollen and mites amongst a list of other allergens.

The human body’s immune system is said to know self and ordinarily will not attack it’s own body cells. When a allergen enters the body, "a foreign invader" is recognized and the immune system is alerted.

Allergy reactions are rated as Type I, II, III, IV. Type I is the most hypersensitive. Common symptoms can range from mild and annoying flu-like signs to severe reactions.

Anaphylactic shock is the most serious and life threatening condition that affects the whole body. It has been found that large quantities of IgE antibodies is being released in the blood stream causing immediate sensitizing of the cells.

IgE can be found throughout the body and is attached to various cells and they interact immediately with the allergen. It is this interaction that can be destructive or severe and the outcome fatal.

During the interaction of a allergen and antibody (foreign invader vs IgE) IgE stimulates the release of histamine which causes constriction of airways, lowering of blood pressure and swelling of which all can cause respiratory failure and abnormal heart beats. Lack of oxygen can lead to organ failure and complete collapse ending in death.

The ability to control allergic reactions are available. Over-the-counter medications that are available can alleviate mild allergy symptoms while Epi-pens and newer brands like Twinject, a needle containing single or double dose of adrenaline are available for those susceptible to severe anaphylactic reactions.

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