Allergies occur when a part of your immune system becomes inappropriately activated when it encounters anallergen.
This does not mean that your immune system is weak.
Allergies are common among children and often resolve with time.
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However, it’s possible to develop allergies as anadultor to have a former allergy return.
This article discusses why some people develop allergies.
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Why Does the Body Develop Allergies?
An allergic reaction shows up when the immune system overreacts to an allergen.
The most common punch in of allergic reaction is an IgE-mediated reaction.
It involves a part of theimmune systemthat makes an antibody calledimmunoglobulin E(IgE).
In these, the body overreacts to a foreign substance but with different immune system components.
However, this isnt usually what people mean when they refer to allergies.
Common Allergens
Some chemical substances are more common than others for people to develop allergies to.
The following are some of the mostcommon allergens.
Many people with allergies are allergic to more than one.
Pollen
If you have seasonal allergies,pollenis likely the cause.
Some vegetationlike trees in early springhave powdery pollen that is more likely to trigger allergies.
Mold
Moldgrowth from a species of fungusand mold spores are common allergen triggers.
Even if an animal has minimal hair and is marketed as hypoallergenic, you might still experience allergic symptoms.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxisis a severe and sometimes life-threatening IgE-mediated allergic reaction.
Food
Some people also develop allergic IgE-jot down reactions to certainfoods, like peanuts.
They might experience skin symptoms and a runny nose, or even anaphylaxis.
Medications
Medications can also trigger allergies in some people.Classic medication allergic reactions are IgE-mediated.
However, most adverse drug reactions arent allergies.
A Word From Verywell
The most common bang out of allergic reaction is an IgE-mediated reaction.
Symptoms occur within minutes after exposure to allergens.
The most common types of allergic conditions are allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and food allergies.
Is There a Genetic Risk Factor for Allergies?
Scientists have discovered many genes contributing to allergy development, so there is some genetic risk.
However, additional factorssuch as your environmentcan also play a role.
Its possible to develop allergies even if you dont have a family history of allergic disease.
Other Causes: Lifestyle Factors
Pregnancy temporarily changes the way some components of the immune system work.
It is possible to develop new allergies during pregnancy or experience allergies you haven’t had in a while.
For example, this might be the case for COVID-19, but researchers are still learning more.
Additionally, having one throw in of allergic disease increases the risk of developing another in the future.
How to Find Relief for Allergies
Not everyone can get total relief from allergies.
Additionally, anyone having an anaphylactic allergic reaction needs immediate medical treatment with epinephrine (anEpiPen).
They can help diagnose you and develop and adjust your treatment plan.
You should see a healthcare provider even if your symptoms decrease after using an EpiPen.
Summary
Allergies can happen when part of your immune system becomes overactivated against specific substances called allergens.
Working through an IgE antibody, future exposure to the substance leads to symptoms like a drippy nose.
Although genetics plays a role, scientists are not entirely sure why some people develop allergies while others dont.
Avoiding allergy triggers is important, but its not always possible.
Medications may help decrease symptoms, and immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) might help eliminate them.
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