You see, our immune system is designed to protect us from the many thousands of harmful bacteria, virus, fungi and even chemicals. The main defensive army of our immune system are the white blood cells (WBC). Like soldiers, there are many varieties - army,navy, air force etc., the WBC varieties include the the neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and platlets. Without going into details, suffice to say their job is to defend our body against infection around the clock 24/7/365.
The WBC are able to identify and distinguish between a friendly cell (such as our own organ cells called self cells and an enemy cell such as bacteria and viruses called non-self cells). Not all of the invading cells are harmful; indeed a large percentage of these non-self cells are harmless bystanders that neither help nor harm our body. Examples of these 'innocent bystanders' include what we call as allergens such as dust mite droppings, animal furs and tree pollen inhaled when we go about our daily activities.
The confused WBCs attack these 'innocent bystanders' thinking that they are bacteria or viruses. And hence, an allergic reaction produce similar effects of a common flu such as nose itch, sneeze and runny nose. The eyes are often involved too, with red watery discharge.
It's believed that similar responses occurs within the skin causing contact dermatitis and in the lungs as in asthma. Over time, research into immune system revealed the highly complex pathways that allergy develop, i.e. right from the time of contact with the allergens to the development of symptoms. In fact, new research shows there may be many other complex pathways and chemicals involved in forming allergies of other systems, such as food and eczemas.
To develop allergies, one needs to have the allergy genes within their DNA. However, possessing the allergic genes alone does not confer one to suffer allergies. Exposure to allergens is a vital ingredient to developing allergy. Prolonged exposure to allergens (months or even years) may be necessary to provoke an allergic response. This may be the reason why many patients find it hard to believe the house they lived in or their pet FiFi is a source of their rhinitis or asthma!
I hope this sheds some simplistic light into the basic mechanism of allergy. I must admit, it has been a challenge and a learning experience for me to simplify the immune mechanism of allergy.
Up next: How do we find out if we have allergies
Great info, but also need relevant advice on prevention
ReplyDelete