It is thought that in some industrialized nations, 1 in every 4 people suffers from some kind of allergy. But what exactly is an allergy? According to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, allergic reactions have many different causes, but the general mechanism of reaction is common. When an allergen – the material that a person is allergic to – enters the body, an immunochemical response is triggered in the sufferer. The immune system releases antibodies, which then attach themselves to mast cells, causing discomfort, swelling and damage.
Finding out the wrong way
Most people will find out about an allergy the wrong way. They’ll eat something new or be exposed to a new material and be subjected to the symptoms. It can be scary the first time, and unless you are around somebody carrying an adrenalin injection or antihistamines, it can necessitate a trip to the local ER. In recent years, private companies have offered food allergy testing from home. Getting a comprehensive test before you get bad symptoms can ease a potential sufferers mind.
As a keen cook, we know that you will have come across food allergies when cooking for guests. It can be rather awkward and involve paying extra care to the recipes you use. You might be wondering which allergies are most prominent around the world – which allergens you should be careful to ask about when cooking, for instance. Well, we have you covered. Here are some of the most common allergies that effect people today.
Pollen
You might not be surprised to hear that immune system responses to pollen are the most common form of allergy. Commonly known as hay fever, roughly 7.8 percent of people over the age of 18 in the USA suffer from this allergy. Throughout most of the year, plants do not release large amounts of pollen – meaning that the allergy is rather dormant. However it blossoms in the spring and summer months. Antihistamines are usually sufficient to curb symptoms.
Dust Mites
The symptoms of dust mite allergy are very similar to hay fever, but occur all year round and are caused by tiny insectoid creatures common in carpets and furnishings.
Mold
This family of fungi commonly cause immunochemical responses when inhaled. Be sure to clean any damp areas in your house to avoid subjecting guests to this allergen. Certain kinds of mold can trigger quite extreme responses and should be carefully eradicated in habitable spaces.
Insect Stings
Insect stings can trigger a very extreme allergic reaction that affects the entire body called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is very serious and requires the intramuscular injection of adrenalin and hospitalization.
Latex
Latex allergy is more common than you might expect. People with this allergen response should avoid latex gloves, condoms and protective equipment. It can be a pain searching for an alternative, but avoiding a reaction is paramount.
Food
Food allergies are often mixed up with food intolerances, but are actually completely different. An allergy, by definition, has to be an immune response. The most common food allergens include peanuts, nuts, soybeans and shellfish.
Finding out the wrong way
Most people will find out about an allergy the wrong way. They’ll eat something new or be exposed to a new material and be subjected to the symptoms. It can be scary the first time, and unless you are around somebody carrying an adrenalin injection or antihistamines, it can necessitate a trip to the local ER. In recent years, private companies have offered food allergy testing from home. Getting a comprehensive test before you get bad symptoms can ease a potential sufferers mind.
As a keen cook, we know that you will have come across food allergies when cooking for guests. It can be rather awkward and involve paying extra care to the recipes you use. You might be wondering which allergies are most prominent around the world – which allergens you should be careful to ask about when cooking, for instance. Well, we have you covered. Here are some of the most common allergies that effect people today.
Pollen
You might not be surprised to hear that immune system responses to pollen are the most common form of allergy. Commonly known as hay fever, roughly 7.8 percent of people over the age of 18 in the USA suffer from this allergy. Throughout most of the year, plants do not release large amounts of pollen – meaning that the allergy is rather dormant. However it blossoms in the spring and summer months. Antihistamines are usually sufficient to curb symptoms.
Dust Mites
The symptoms of dust mite allergy are very similar to hay fever, but occur all year round and are caused by tiny insectoid creatures common in carpets and furnishings.
Mold
This family of fungi commonly cause immunochemical responses when inhaled. Be sure to clean any damp areas in your house to avoid subjecting guests to this allergen. Certain kinds of mold can trigger quite extreme responses and should be carefully eradicated in habitable spaces.
Insect Stings
Insect stings can trigger a very extreme allergic reaction that affects the entire body called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is very serious and requires the intramuscular injection of adrenalin and hospitalization.
Latex
Latex allergy is more common than you might expect. People with this allergen response should avoid latex gloves, condoms and protective equipment. It can be a pain searching for an alternative, but avoiding a reaction is paramount.
Food
Food allergies are often mixed up with food intolerances, but are actually completely different. An allergy, by definition, has to be an immune response. The most common food allergens include peanuts, nuts, soybeans and shellfish.
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