Allergies are the reaction of a person who is sensitive to certain substances. The person has a body reaction. It may be a mild reaction or a very serious reaction. Common forms of allergy are a rash, asthma, and hay fever.
Any substance that causes an allergy is called an allergen . Common allergens are dust, mold, pollen (a powder made by plants), and the hair or dandruff (flakes of skin) of a pet. Many foods may cause allergies. These foods include chocolate, cow's milk, eggs, wheat, and some seafood’s. The first symptoms of an allergy usually show up in childhood. However, an allergy can appear at any age.
When a person has an allergy, the allergen can cause the body to make substances called antibodies . Together, the allergens and antibodies cause the body's cells to release substances into the blood. These substances affect other parts of the body. If there are a lot of these substances in the blood, allergy symptoms may occur. Common symptoms include a runny nose, breathing problems, or a skin rash. Once a person's body has made antibodies to a certain allergen, it will make antibodies every time it comes in contact with that allergen.
There is no cure for allergy. But it can be kept under control by a doctor with medication.
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that makes it hard for a person to breathe. During an asthma attack, a person may feel breathless. The person may wheeze, or make a whistling sound from the chest. The person may cough, gasp for air, and feel tightness in the chest. Many things can trigger an asthma attack. The most common kind of asthma is caused by allergies. In an allergy, common substances can cause sneezing, itching, and other problems. Substances that cause allergies include house dust, foods, or tiny plant grains called pollen. Doctors can relieve the symptoms of asthma with medicines. They also can reduce or prevent the allergies that cause asthma. They do this with special injections (shots).
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