An allergy is an exaggerated response of the defense system (immune system). Many patients identify their allergies as harmless, albeit harmful substances (such as pollen of some plants or house dust mites, for example) and are usually tolerated by most people. However, many allergies are detrimental to the patient and produce a number of inflammatory disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, which cause different symptoms and signs of allergic diseases. If you have allergies, seek care from Doctors in Maui. How do allergic diseases originate?
There are a few genetic predisposing factors and environmental triggers. Family history is very important. It has been estimated if one parent is allergic, the likelihood the child has allergies is about 50%. If both parents are allergic, the probability is about 70%. Importantly, if you are not born allergic, you may have a genetic predisposition and there could be environmental factors that cause you to be allergic to certain substances. These substances are called allergens.
There are many types of allergens:
* Inhaled or airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc.)
* Food (proteins from cow’s milk, egg, fruit, nuts…)
* Drugs (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anesthetics…)
* Contact (nickel, chromium, perfumes…)
* Occupational or work (latex, flour…)
* Insect venom (bee, wasp…)
All these substances can sensitize a predisposed person so that their immune system produces a series of antibodies, usually immunoglobulin-E (IgE). These IgE antibodies bind to the surface of some cells called mast cells (located in the skin and mucous membranes) and basophils (circulating in the bloodstream). When the patient regains contact with the allergen, the IgE attaches to said cells and a conformational change is effected on the surface of these cells. This releases a series of pro-inflammatory mediators that are responsible for the different signs and symptoms occurs allergic diseases. If you are predisposed to any of the above items, seek care from Doctors in Maui.
In the case of contact allergens, implicated hypersensitivity mechanisms are mediated by delayed-type cells (lymphocytes). Contact allergens sensitize the cells and when the patient comes in contact with these substances, the body releases a number of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the characteristic symptoms and signs of allergic contact dermatitis. Click here or visit Wailea Medical Center and Urgent Care today.
