What Causes Allergic Reactions?
It seems that we’re always being told to stop and smell the flowers. It’s a metaphor, but it also illustrates one of life’s simple pleasures. But what if one whiff of those blossoms has you sneezing and running for the medicine cabinet? If you’re an allergy sufferer, you know how quickly an allergic reaction can happen, and how draining they can be to your mind and body.
What you may not know is the science behind an allergic reaction. When an allergen enters your body, it starts a chain reaction of physical symptoms. These ultimately result in the familiar runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes of a classic allergic reaction.
Inside an Allergic Reaction
When the body doesn’t like something, it tries to fight it off. This is usually a good thing. For example, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, a strong immune system can fight them off. But immune system reactions can also be a problem, as with organ transplant rejections and allergies.
When the body detects an allergen, it goes into attack mode. First, it produces T cells which drift through the bloodstream searching for invaders. When these T cells find foreign substances, they call on other white blood cells to rush to the area. These mast cells and basophils then trigger the production of histamines, which trap the foreign substance and neutralize it.
During an allergic reaction, T cells flag allergens as foreign invaders, and the immune system has an overreaction. Too many histamines are produced, causing the swollen membranes, discharge, and itching sensations common to allergic reactions.
What Makes People Allergic?
Nobody really knows why some people suffer from allergies while others don’t. There seems to be a genetic factor; parents with allergies tend to have children with allergies. Even newborn babies can exhibit food allergies to lactose and soy. Doctors recommend breastfeeding for the first four months of life. Because breast milk doesn’t contain foreign proteins like formula does, it strengthens the baby’s immune system rather than causing a reaction.
Some people have an allergic reaction every time they are exposed to their allergens. Others can withstand a period of exposure before their allergies kick in. Still others find that their allergies decrease with repeated exposure to allergens. One example is cat owners whose bodies gradually learn to tolerate their pet’s dander.
Allergies definitely work in mysterious ways. Hopefully, ongoing research will make allergies a thing of the past, and future generations won’t be troubled by them. Until that happens, you can minimize your reactions by avoiding allergens and using over-the-counter antihistamines when you feel an attack coming on.
