Manifestation of an allergy

The manifestation of an allergy is a whole symptomatic complex, diverse and diverse, each manifestation of an allergy directly depends on its kind, on the provocation factor and on the health of the person himself. Since the allergy is a hypersensitivity of the body, any allergen can trigger reactions, which on the one hand are combined by common signs, on the other hand - each person is individual, and therefore reacts to the invasion of the antigen in a specific way.

[1], [2], [3], [4],

Typical manifestations of allergy

Some of the most typical allergic reactions are: 

• Rash on skin, different localization and structure; 
• Cutting in eyes, swelling of eyes; 
• Reddening sclera of the eyes; 
• Rhinitis, not associated with colds; 
• Hives; 
• Frequent sneezing, not associated with colds; 
• Hyperemia of the skin; 
• Shortness of breath, suffocation; 
• Anaphylaxis.

Since ancient times, mankind knew what a manifestation of allergy was. Actually the name "allergy" was introduced relatively recently, at the beginning of the last century. The child's doctor noticed a recurrent tendency to atypical reactions to common diseases. Von Pirke was the first to define the terminology of the disease and described it in some detail. Although many centuries ago both Hippocrates and Galen also described in their writings an unusual response of patients to products, flowering plants and trees, to smells. Since then, every century, there are new theories and versions of the main cause of allergies, but so far the medical world has not come to a consensus.

Manifestations of allergies depend on what body substance takes the first attack of the allergen and how it reacts to the allergen. The first type of response - the hypersensitivity reaction is explained by the active response of IgE immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin provokes sensitization (recognition) of the body of an allergen and fixation of this property. Such a process, caused by hypersensitivity of the first type, can lead to consequences, which are called benign, that is, supervised. It is allergic rhinitis, itching, rash. However, there are other reactions that are extremely dangerous not only for health, but for the life of the patient. This is a Quincke's edema and anaphylaxis.

Allergy manifestations are most often caused by visible causes: 

• Flowering (seasonal) of plants, trees; 
• Food allergen; 
• Intoxication with infectious, bacterial diseases, inflammatory processes; 
• Household, industrial dust; 
• Air pollution by chemicals; 
• Hereditary factor.

Common factors recently considered hygiene hypothesis - the theory of hygiene, which is based on the hypothesis of weakened immunity. Excessive destruction of microbes in the human environment has led to the fact that the immune system has forgotten how to combat the intrusion of harmful agents. There is also no permanent load that would train defensive functions. In an effort to perform a genetically incorporated function, the immune system begins to respond to any intrusive factor, regardless of the degree of its harmfulness. The authors of the theory, as one of the arguments, cite a lot of examples of absolutely healthy in the sense of allergy of children and adults, living sometimes in appalling conditions of unsanitary conditions. Of course, these people are susceptible to other diseases, but they do not know what is the manifestation of an allergy. Also, a child in a large family is less likely to suffer from allergies than the only child from whom, literally, dust particles are blown away. In addition to hygiene theory, among the reasons, one can note unfavorable ecological conditions, unreasonable nutrition, stress. Manifestation of an allergy, why does it depend?

Types of hypersensitivity and their visible signs depend on the types of immune response.

1. The phase of the immune response can be acute. Plasmocytes begin to intensively isolate the IgE immunoglobulin, which in turn binds to the Fc receptors. The process of sensitization starts from the moment of synthesis of secreted IgE and Fc. Repeated intrusion of the allergen occurs on the already prepared, antigen-familiar soil. Cell granules, which have already been sensitized in sensitization, release histamine and other inflammatory mediators (leukotrienes, prostaglandins, cytokines). Once in the tissue these mediators irritate the nerve endings, provoke mucus secretions, spasms and contractions of microschemia in the vessels. As a result, a person begins or sneezes, or he has a stubborn, non-curable runny nose, tearing, choking. In severe cases, such a biochemical reaction can end very badly - anaphylactic shock.
2. The phase of the immune response is slow. As soon as the mediators stop provoking the inflammatory processes, the hypersensitivity seems to subside. This is because the immune system sends lymphocytes, leukocytes, all possible substances to neutralize the problem in the inflammatory focus. These cells begin to repair the damaged tissue, replacing it with connective tissue. The delayed reaction can last more than two days, and begins six hours after the acute phase.

The manifestation of an allergy is divided into categories - local or general.

Local signs: 

• Swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, rhinitis; 
• Conjunctivitis; 
• Respiratory allergy, bronchospasm, asthma; 
• Pain in the ears, hearing loss; 
• Rash on the skin, dermatitis, eczema; 
• Headache.

Symptoms can be very diverse, but at the very least signs of their appearance it is worthwhile to see a doctor to stop the development of the allergy in time and prevent serious consequences.