Allergic Reaction: What Causes It?
An allergic reaction is often characterized by itchy skin, watery eyes, or a runny nose. Some of those affected are even unable to breathe. Find out here what exactly triggers an allergic reaction.
What is an allergic reaction?
In principle, an allergic reaction is like the body’s reaction to a specific pathogen. With the difference that it is aimed at rather harmless substances and can sometimes be very violent. An allergic reaction is therefore a hypersensitivity to foreign or even endogenous substances.
Allergic reaction – what happens in your body?
To protect yourself from foreign substances, you have a body’s own defense system. This usually fights the entry and spread of bacteria or viruses. The allergic reaction begins as soon as allergens attach. The immune system identifies them as “foreign” and produces IgE antibodies. This activates the so-called mast cells. These are tissue cells that render harmless foreign substances that want to enter the body. This leads to increased formation and release of histamine, a messenger substance that is then distributed in the body tissue. The histamine binds to certain feelers in the tissue and can cause the following allergic reactions:
- itching and red skin
- Runny nose
- teary eyes
- headache
- dizziness
- malaise
- shortness of breath
- Stomach and intestinal problems
In the worst case, a severe allergic reaction can trigger anaphylactic shock , which can cause the cardiovascular system to fail.
- Call the emergency doctor immediately.
- Lay the affected person flat on the floor, elevate the legs.
- Reassure the affected person and do not leave them alone.
- If the allergy is known and medication has been prescribed, it should be taken immediately.
What triggers an allergic reaction?
It is not yet known exactly why an allergic reaction is triggered. However, experts assume that they arise from a combination of environmental influences, lifestyle habits and psychological stress. Heredity also plays a certain role. An allergic reaction can therefore be triggered by a wide variety of factors.
Certain allergens, substances with an allergenic effect, are usually inhaled or enter the body through food. But even touching it can cause an allergic reaction. This is the case, for example, when metals in jewelry or certain cosmetics come into contact with the skin. In total, there are over 20,000 different substances that can cause an allergic reaction in people.
Theoretically, any substance can trigger an allergy – so there is nothing that you cannot be allergic to. The most common are:
- hay fever
- animal dander allergy
- house dust allergy
- contact allergy
- Food allergies such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance
- insect venom allergy
- sun allergy
- latex allergy