Allergies impact more than 100 million Americans every year, ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions that require urgent medical care. How do allergies actually develop, and what role does the immune system play in triggering these responses? Understanding this process can shed light on why allergic reactions happen.
How Allergies Develop
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. When this happens, the body reacts by attacking the substance, leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing and watery eyes.
The first time someone encounters an allergen, like while spending a day in Boyd Park, surrounded by pollen, dust or pet dander, the immune system might overreact as if this allergen is dangerous. During this initial exposure, the immune system creates a specific antibody known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The next time you encounter the same allergen, these antibodies are ready to respond, prompting the immune system to react more strongly with each new exposure.
How Allergy Symptoms Are Triggered
Once the immune system is sensitized to an allergen, it releases chemicals like histamine when the allergen is detected. These chemicals cause the symptoms commonly associated with allergies. The cells responsible for this reaction are found in various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs and digestive system, which is why allergic symptoms can vary.
For example, if the allergen is inhaled, histamine is released in the nasal passages, leading to common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose and itching. If the allergen irritates the eyes, it can trigger symptoms like redness, itching and tearing, known as allergic conjunctivitis. In more severe situations, a massive release of histamine throughout the body can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition where the airways constrict and breathing becomes difficult. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.
The Immune System’s Role in Allergies
In short, allergic reactions are the result of the immune system’s attempt to protect the body from what it mistakenly perceives as a harmful substance. The process involves complex immune responses that lead to the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing a wide range of allergy symptoms. While the immune system’s goal is to defend against harmful invaders, in the case of allergies, it wrongly targets harmless substances, leading to discomfort and sometimes dangerous reactions.
If you’re interested in learning more about which allergens affect you or seeking treatment for your allergy symptoms, contact Collin County ENT to schedule a consultation today.