The Immune System and Allergies
Most people can be around dust, pollen, and pet hair without any problem. But for millions of allergy sufferers, these airborne allergens are misery waiting to happen. That’s because their immune systems overreact to the presence of allergens, treating the substances like foreign invaders and launching an offensive.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes allergy symptoms and how you can minimize their impact on your life.
The Mechanics of Allergies
Here’s an example of an allergic reaction, from start to finish.
First, an allergen enters the body through the respiratory or digestive system. In the case of a skin allergy, simply touching the allergen is enough to cause a reaction.
Just as it would react to a virus or harmful bacteria, the body sends white blood cells to attack the allergen. The thymus produces T cells, which are white blood cells that search the bloodstream for intruders. Once they find a foreign substance – in this case, the allergen – they mark it for removal.
Once the allergen has been identified as a threat, other white blood cells called mast cells and basophils hone in on the site of the invasion. The presence of these cells causes the body to produce chemicals called histamines. Once the histamines have surrounded the allergen, it is safely neutralized and passed from the body.
Problems begin when the immune system overreacts to everyday substances. The histamine production can go into overdrive, causing the common allergy symptoms we know and hate – itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; nasal discharge; and problems with the skin or digestive system.
Minimizing Allergy Symptoms
The stronger your immune system, the more efficiently it can fight off allergies. Try to stay in good health by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise. There are immune system supplements you can take, like vitamin C and Zinc. Bad habits like smoking can depress your immune system, and should be avoided.
Even if you have a strong immune system, it’s a good idea to stay away from the things that make you allergic. If this isn’t possible, minimize your exposure as much as you can, and take an antihistamine when you know you’ll be around allergens. For more serious cases, consult a doctor to find the treatment plan that’s right for you.
