Causes and Effects of Allergic Reactions

All allergies bring allergic reactions to humans. The reason behind this cannot be biologically identified in the thinking process; rather, a comprehensive medical evaluation is needed. Usually, allergic reactions occur due to the difficulties that the body of the immune system faces and identifying a specific substance as a threat or rejection. The reactions that people can experience are diverse like common symptoms, hives, and itching, but if it’s severe, it will be life-threatening, like one of the symptoms called, “anaphylaxis.” In order to prevent these symptoms, and reactions from happening, we humans must know the causes and effects of them which will include the role of genetics, environmental factors, and the basic immune system in our body.

One of the primary causes of allergic reactions is genetics. According to Nature Genetics, it has been said that individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to affect and develop allergies to other members of the family as well. Genetic factors especially increase the possibility of having more particular individuals become more susceptible to allergic reactions. In addition, specific genes are associated as well, such as the filaggrin gene, which is involved in the maintenance of the skin barrier. As in environmental factors, exposure to air pollution, climate change, and chemicals are the main causes that influence the immune system’s response. Air pollution can cause inflammation in the airways and increase the body’s susceptibility to allergens. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the distribution of allergens like pollen and therefore lead to expanded vulnerability. With chemicals, the usage or contact with pesticides and cleaning agents will definitely affect and disrupt the immune system’s normal functioning. With the basic immune system in our body, they produce an antibody called immunoglobulin in response to the specific allergen. Then, the immunoglobulin triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine causing the symptoms such as itching, swelling, and inflammation. Furthermore, the effects of allergic reactions can vary in the range from mild to severe. Allergic reactions have itching, hives, and even life-threatening ones such as anaphylaxis. According to Mayo Clinic, anaphylaxis can cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Therefore, as in this case, it requires immediate medical attention and treatment with epinephrine.

In the end, allergic reactions can be created at any time with the cause of a combination of genetic and environmental factors as well as the basic process of how the immune system works. In order to develop effective treatments and preventative strategies for the different variety of allergic reactions that happen to a particular person, whether it is mild or severe, it is very significant for us humans to understand the concept of the causes and the effects of allergic reactions.