What are Allergies - Types of Allergies

An Allergy is one of the major ailments of our time. We often hear and see people being ‘allergic’ to any outside substance, which leads to many other life threatening and deadly diseases. However, many of us are unaware about exactly what is an Allergy? Generally, when asked about the its definition, we come to know about the Hyper-sensitivity of the body to something. So what exactly is it?

An allergy, also known as ‘atopy’ refers to the over-sensitivity of the immune system to some foreign substance, resulting in the disorder of the functionality of the body. Out of the four main forms of hypersensitivity, allergies are known as the immediate or type I hypersensitivity. There is an exaggerated reaction from the immune system that gives response to the harmless substances, which it feels is harmful. Any of the foreign substances that we touch, swallow or breathe can be responsible for abnormal allergic responses from our immune system. These foreign substances are known as Allergens and in order to counter attack them, the immune system releases antibodies which further release ‘histamines’ that are the real culprits for making a person allergic. Some of the common allergens are pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust. Other types of allergies are Food and drug allergies. Allergic reactions can also be caused by insect bites, jewelry, cosmetics, and other substances.

Types of Allergies:

An Allergy may affect any part of the body like ear, nose, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal tract, as there are different types of Allergies, by coming in contact with the Allergens. And they are:

1) Allergy Rhinitis (or seasonal hay fever), Hay fever is a seasonal in nature. It is a result of Inhaling of particles like pollens, ragweed, trees and grasses or other allergens present in the air. Pet Danders and Mold Spores can also cause mold Allergy.

2) Dust mite Allergy, it is commonly spread due to allergens commonly found in houses and buildings. The symptoms of this type of Allergy are more or less same as Asthma.

3) Allergic Eczema, it is a skin disorder resulting in rashes on the skin, redness of the skin in Children, dryness of the skin and itching. It is also known as Atopic Dermatitis.

4) Allergy from the Milk or commonly known as ‘milk allergy’, it results from allergy that results in the abnormal reactions and doesn’t allow the body to drink milk. Gradually the person himself or herself stops drinking milk and deprives the body from essentials nutrients.

5) Food Allergy or Wheat Allergy or any other type of allergy from eatables that results in allergic reaction after their consumption and thereby affecting the eating habit of the person, leading to Malnutrition.

6) Drug Allergy is also a grave threat to the human body, as it affects the body to a great extent. The Person suffering with this type of Allergy can go in ‘Coma’, just because of the exaggerated and abnormal reaction within the body due to the consumption of any drug.

7) Allergy can also be caused due to insect bites. The sting of insects like bees and wasps are most common factors responsible for igniting the allergic reactions within the body; however Fire ants, scorpions and even mosquitoes are also some names to remember. Most of us (including me) know how it feels getting stung by an insect, but its grave after-effect is a more deadly threat.

The above account illustrates some very important but basic details about Allergies and to know about how an allergic person himself describes the other essential aspects of Allergy just read on what causes Allergy? And Symptoms of Allergy only at health.top54u.com.