In North America allergic disorders are common. Asthma, hay fever and eczema are the most chronic health conditions. For children the symptoms can be fatal from a simple stuffy nose, hives, to difficulty breathing. Allergic disorders are responsible for many trips’ to the doctor’s office and time off of school. Many aspects of this disorder are still not understood and researchers around the world continue to study their causes, effects, and methods of improving treatment. Some facts you should know:
The most common chronic allergy disorder is rhinitis and asthma is on the rise in children
It is estimated that allergies affect 30 to 35 percent of the population and the numbers keep increasing according to research.. The most common of the allergies is the allergic disease rhinitis, both season and all year round conditions. About 20 percent of individuals have symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, itchy and runny eyes.
One of the fastest growing diseases is asthma. It affects double the amount of children than adults. Two to four percent experience food allergies some may out grow them before starting school. Anaphylaxis , a severe allergic reaction to foods, medications or insect stings affects one to two percent of North Americans.
Allergy is a result of our bodies coming in contact with allergens
An allergy is the body’s reaction to an allergen that does not generally produce harmful effects in the majority of people. We come into contact with allergens in several different environments and in a number of different ways, by breathing, eating, drinking or touching, coming near or having them ingested into our bodies. The most common allergens in North America include:
- Non-food allergens; these include pollens from trees, grasses and weeds, moulds, house dust mites, animal products such as dander (skin scales), saliva or urine, drugs, latex and insects.
- Food allergens; Peanut butter, nuts, shellfish, fish , milk, eggs, wheat, soy and sesame seeds.
The higher the level of the antibody IgE in our bodies suggest that allergies are present.
Our immune system produces different antibodies (proteins) such as IgA, IgG and IgM to fight bacteria and viruses through out our bodies. When we have allergens our immune system overreacts and produces antibodies. These antibodies that react against allergens are known as IgE. These antibodies bind and react on the surface of specialized cells called, ‘mast cells.’ These cells are found on the lining of the nose, lungs, skin and intestines. Once the allergens come in contact with these cells, these cells release chemicals, including histamines, which produce changes in various parts of the body, such as hives, swelling of the nose, chest linings and mucous also begins to increase. These changes are referred to as an ‘inflammation’ and cause a variety of symptoms. An elevated level of IgE suggests the presence of allergies.
Many people with allergies tend to also have an increased sensitivity to various, ‘irritants,’ substances that do not normally cause an allergic reaction. These include; cold air, damp weather, rapid changes in humidity, tobacco or fireplace smoke, strong odours or sprays, pollution and exercise.
Disclaimer : The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Source: The Kid's Complete Allergy and Asthma Guide, Dr. Milton Gold, Robert Rose Inc. Toronto, Canada
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