Nobody really knows why some people are allergic to different things, while most people are not. However, there is good evidence to suggest that allergies run in the genes. So, this means that they pass on from one generation to the next. In case your parents are allergic to something, then chances are that you may as well be allergic. Sometimes, allergies develop overtime due to a week immune system such as after illnesses or when a person is pregnant. This plays a big role in the development of a major allergy. IN case you suspect that you are allergic to something, find allergy doctor today and get yourself tested.

What are the causes of allergies?

Before discussing the possible causes of allergies, let us first discuss what are allergies after all.

The immune system of the body is not as simple as we think. Rather, it is a huge network that consist of a range of different cells and organs that defend our body. This defense is there to protect the body from invaders that are foreign to it. When we expose our body to the outside elements that includes virus and bacteria, the immune system triggers the production of antibodies. These activate the white blood cells, and hence together, they work to fight the invaders off.

However, the problems arise when the immune systems start considering otherwise healthy and harmless substances are foreign invaders. This results in the production of an antibody referred to as immunoglobulin E. Most commonly it is called IgE.

This antibody is produced when someone comes in contact with an allergen. For instance, those that are allergic to cat hair will produce this antibody as soon as they come in contact with a cat. Similarly, those that are allergic to peanuts will produce it when they come in contact with peanuts.

These antibodies attach themselves to the mast cells that are present in intestines, skin, eyes, lungs, and nose. This triggers the production of histamine, which results in sneezing, itching, wheezing, hives, and watery eyes. These are the symptoms that we recognize as that of allergies.

What causes allergies?

Coming back to the original question regarding what causes allergies, the answer is that there is a wide range of allergens out there. Technically speaking, allergies could arise from anything. Mostly, they are genetic. However, they are also developed later in life as a result of a compromised immune system.

Common allergens that results in allergies include peanuts, milk, cats, dogs, pollen grains, and a lot more.

How to control allergies?

Now, you may be wondering how can allergies be ended or controlled? Well, there is no specific cure for allergies. However, avoiding the allergens is the best way to keep the allergy symptoms from flaring up. At times, the medications can help in relieving the symptoms. However, these medications do not change the immune response. So, your allergy symptoms will return in case you come into contact with the allergen again.

Allergy shots can be taken, that temporarily put the allergies in the remission. They are good for those who work around allergens and do not want to take medicines daily.

Ending note

Remember that you do not have to suffer silently from allergies that are untreated. In case you are suffering from an allergy that is bothering you in your everyday life, it is best to visit an allergy doctor Germantown right away. This way, you will be able to prevent your symptoms from flaring up. By controlling your allergies, you will also prevent them form becoming life-threatening or lethal. Because allergies can certainly become life-threatening over-time.