Causes of allergy

CAUSES OF ALLERGY

Done by Ahmed Ali Al-Asmari

Introduction :

In simple terms, an allergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to certain substances which are "foreign" to our bodies. These substances are called "allergens", and they can range from food and pollen to dust and drugs.

Overview :

Immune reactions are out of proportion to the damage caused by a pathogen, or the immune system produces a reaction to a harmless antigen, causing hypersensitivity reactions.

The various forms of hypersensitivities

Immediate reaction

The immediate reaction responsible for anaphylactic shock, angioedema, and hives is caused when IgE and antigens bind to basophils and mast cells, resulting in the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and platelet-activating factor.

Type I IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity

Cont...

These substances contract smooth muscle and cause an accumulation of extravascular fluid by increasing vascular permeability.

delayed-type hypersensitivity The delayed-type hypersensitivity

reaction is mediated by a T-cell response rather than by antibodies and leads to granulomatous inflammation. Two examples of this reaction are inflammation resulting from a tuberculin test and contact allergy to a topical antigen.

Cont...

The immune nature of an allergic reaction is well accepted, but the relationship of the immune response to other diseases remains controversial.

:Causes

Allergic reactions are unique for each person. Reaction time to allergens can vary widely. Some people will have an allergic reaction immediately, for others it will take time to develop.

The top 10 causes of allergies

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Certain foods such as peanuts, strawberries, shellfish, shrimp, dairy, and wheat.

Vaccines and medications (antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, iodine), general anesthesia and local anesthetics, latex rubber (such as in gloves), dust, pollen, mold, animal dander.

Peanuts:

Cont...

Babies can also have food allergies. There are more than 160 allergenic foods. Common foods that can cause allergic reactions in babies include milk, eggs, nuts, and soy.

Reference:

Burket’s Oral Medicine Diagnosis & Treatment Tenth Edition p.480

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergic_reaction/article_em.htm