Allergies affect people in a systematic manner. Typically a substance, referred to as an “allergen,” is introduced to a person through skin-to-skin contact, by breath, through the air or through ingestion.
Once exposed to an allergen, the body produces a type of protein called an Immunoglobulin E – also known simply as IgE. This is what many doctors refer to as an “allergic antibody” and responds in the presence of something a person is sensitive to, or something the body perceives as threatening. IgE attaches to cells in the body called “mast” cells.
These cells reside throughout the body, including on the skin, in the nose, in the lungs and in our respiratory tract. The first time an individual is exposed to an allergen, they typically respond with a “weak” allergenic response or sensitivity. This may include some “light” symptoms such as itching, redness or bronchial discomfort.
With time, a person who consistently exposes their body to certain allergens become overly sensitive to these allergies. The body responds by producing increasing amounts of IgE every time a person is exposed to allergens, resulting in a worsening of symptoms, to the point where asthma or other severe conditions may be triggered in some.
Inflammation is another common response to repeated exposure to allergens. Inflammation may manifest in many different ways, including swelling of internal and external organs, cells, tissues or lining in the body. Inflammation may be localized or occur throughout the body, in which case a more aggressive approach to treatment may be sought.
Typically, allergic responses occurring in the eyes, nose or lungs result from exposure to allergens in the air, like pollen, dust mites or mold. Some people will experience mild to moderate allergies every spring when the trees, grass and flowers bloom. Most doctors will prescribe medications or recommend antihistamines to patients that have annual allergies.
Exposure to foods or chemicals one is allergic to may result in hives, nausea, vomiting and related symptoms.
There are varying levels of reaction one may have to allergens; these range from mild to severe. Many people experience a worsening of their symptoms with repeated exposure, which is one reason it is important to avoid known allergens when possible.
True Allergies vs. Sensitivities – Did You Know?
There is a common misconception among a large part of the population that a sensitivity is the same as an allergy; this is not the case, though a sensitivity to a known irritant can, with time, result in a full-blown allergy.
Stay a step ahead of the game by understanding the difference.
Allergy – Any substance provoking an altered reaction in the body, resulting in increased production of IgE, a substance in blood tissues triggered when the body is exposed to a known allergen. Release of IgE results in symptoms including watery eyes, itching, sneezing, coughing and more. Typically, when one has an allergy, they have a reaction to a food or other product within a few hours or immediately after exposure.
Sensitivity – A reaction that occurs to a food or other substance similar to an allergic reaction, but to a lesser degree. A patient may exhibit symptoms many hours or days after exposure. Symptoms may include discomfort, slight rash, irritation or gas in the case where someone has food intolerance.
When someone is “sensitive” to a product, they do not necessarily have to avoid the substance altogether, but if they do they decrease the chances they will develop a full allergy.
Many people mistakenly think they have an allergy to a food or other substance when really, they are just sensitive, meaning their body doesn’t tolerate exposure as well as it might in other people. Sensitivities often result in chronic symptoms that can lead to mysterious “illnesses” like frequent nasal drip, abdominal pain or distention, coughing, ulcers, repeated ear infections or even respiratory problems and frequent headaches. The greater the volume of a product you are exposed to, and the lower or more weakened your immune system, the more likely you are to react negatively to an irritant.
Understanding the difference between an allergy and sensitivity is difficult. Often, you would treat both similarly; your best bet is to avoid the known irritant. You may not need to take medication for sensitivity however, whereas in the case of an allergy, more than likely you will want to have some form of medication available to help mitigate your symptoms.
Consider it the difference between having a cold and having the flu. The two produce similar symptoms, but one is often more serious than the other. You are not likely to catch a cold that is so severe it will prove life-threatening, but the flu can often lead to more serious illness, hospitalization and even death, especially among those who are most at risk, including those with compromised immune systems.