Allergy Information

About 25% of the American population has some form of allergy. But while allergy is a medical terminology that a lot of people are familiar with, not many understand what allergy is.

Allergy Defined

When the body has an abnormal reaction to allergens, it is said that the individual is experiencing an allergic reaction. Allergens are organisms, substances or basically anything that can trigger an abnormal reaction. Dust mites and cockroaches are common allergens. Certain nuts (peanuts and almonds) and fruits (strawberries) can also be allergens and affect some people.

Say, for instance, that you are allergic to shrimp. In this case, shrimp is an allergen and when it enters your body, your immune system becomes aware of the allergen and automatically releases antibodies into your system. Your immune system does this because it assumes the allergen is going to cause harm to your body. The antibodies then trigger other cells to release chemicals to defend themselves even though doing so is not really necessary. While all these are happening on the cellular level, the allergic reactions manifest themselves as irritation, swelling, rashes and inflammation.

Allergen Types

It is not always easy to tell what can trigger an allergic reaction. However, there are certain types of allergens that many people are allergic to. Common outdoor allergens include certain types of trees, weeds, grass and flowers. Industrial pollution is also found to be a common allergen. In many cities in the U.S. and around the world, industrial pollution has been found to be one of the main causes of allergy and asthma in thousands of people. Just as there are many allergens outdoors, there are just as many allergens inside the home. Indoors, common allergens are feathers, dust, cosmetics, animal furs, cigarette smoke and chemicals contained in paints and like products.

Allergy Tests

There are three common allergy tests available: the skin prick test, blood test and patch test.

The most common allergy test today is the skin prick test, which measures specific IgE attached to the body's mast cells. In this type of allergy test, the allergens that are used are based on the patient's medical history. The skin prick test is recommended for babies so that they can be tested for allergies early on and so that mothers will know what things or substances they need to keep away from their babies. In a blood test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and is subjected to testing to determine the type of allergy the patient has. The patch test is an allergy test that is done when a patient is suspected of having eczema or contact dermatitis.