Common allergies - What causes them

Common allergies are known discomfort or reaction that occur when the immune system is in contact with an harmless substance, also known under the name of allergen. Normally, a person who is not allergic to a substance does not feel a reaction.

However, the opposite happens if the person is allergic to a substance. That's because the immune system is triggered thereby mistakenly believing that this substance is harmful to your body. 

To protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies that cause certain cells release chemicals in the bloodstream. The chemical acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes reactions; sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching, rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, and many others.

How common allergies develop in a person is still unknown. Some common allergies are hereditary, family members may all have the same allergy to a certain type of food.

Common allergies are often caused by a direct intake with food substance. Any form of food is a potential allergen for sensitive people. The most common are allergy to cow's milk, eggs, chicken, seafood and more.

Another source of common allergies are airborne substances such as pollens, dust, smoke, perfumes and other chemicals. These substances may affect the respiratory tract, which focuses on sneezing, coughing, breathing impairment.

A person may also develop an allergic reaction to inhaled spores and fungal particles. Mold spores trigger a reaction in the tissues of the cells lining the nasal passages. Because the substance is very small, it can easily reach the lungs and cause the accumulation of mucus, wheezing and shortness of breath associated with asthma. Dust and animal hair (cats and dogs) can also cause common allergies that lead to asthma attacks.

There are also man-made allergens who brings all kinds of reactions. "Asthma packages of meat," is a common form of allergy that results from inhaled poly-vinyl chloride fumes. This substance is found in packages used to wrap processed foods, when inhaled this can lead to burning eyes, sore throat, wheezing and shortness of breath, stomach aches and other ailments.

Another source of common allergies is a reaction from smog caused by motor vehicles. The smog is composed of hydrocarbons, oxydes of nitrogen and other chemicals activated by the energy from the sunlight. The smog can affect the normal function of the lungs, causing difficulty breathing.

Medicines and drugs, such as penicillin, or serum used in vaccines, can also cause allergic reactions. According to medical science chemicals in certain drugs combine with the protein molecules in the patient's body may form an allergen, which can trigger a reaction of the body's immune system.

Another source of common allergies are insect stings of bees, ants, yellow jackets, wasps, or hornets, this may cause serious allergic reactions. A single sting to a sensitive person can lead to a serious drop in blood pressure, shock and even death.

Antihistamines are the best remedy for common allergies. This neutralizes the allergen, and provides relief from most symptoms.