Causes and Risk Factors
Allergies
occur when the human body feels
threatened by a foreign material.
Allergens have direct contact with
the skin, may be inhaled, and may
be unconsciously ingested.
When the
body perceives an external object
as threatening, the immune system
activates and counters the entry
of the allergen through the production
of antibodies known as Immunoglobulin
E (IgE). The body's efforts to
combat the perceived threat are
expressed by the variety of symptoms
associated with allergies.
When an
individual is sensitive to a specific
allergen, the allergen triggers
hyperactivity which results in
the experience of an allergic
reaction. Individuals who are
not sensitive to this allergen
remain unaffected. Genetics are
important in determining the susceptibilities
to allergies. Children of individuals
with allergies are more prone
to acquiring similar allergies.
Living
in an extremely sterile environment
has been observed to inhibit the
speed of the immune system which
in turn increases the body’s
susceptibility to allergies. Perhaps
too much cleanliness is unhealthy!
|
