Allergen
An allergen is an otherwise harmless substance that triggers an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals by stimulating an immune response.
In technical terms, an allergen is an antigen that is capable of stimulating a type-I hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals through immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses.
In atopic individuals, non-parasitic antigens stimulate inappropriate IgE production, leading to type I hypersensitivity.
Allergens can be found in a variety of sources, such as dust mite excretion, pollen, pet dander, or even royal jelly.
[13] One form of treatment is the administration of sterile epinephrine to the person experiencing anaphylaxis, which suppresses the body's overreaction to the allergen, and allows for the patient to be transported to a medical facility.
[20] The immune system also has strong influence on seasonal allergies, because it reacts differently to diverse allergens like pollen.
When an allergen enters the body of an individual that is predisposed to allergies, it triggers an immune reaction and the production of antibodies.
For instance, grass pollen allergens cross-react with food allergy proteins in vegetables such as onion, lettuce, carrots, celery, and corn.
Besides, the cousins of birch pollen allergens, like apples, grapes, peaches, celery, and apricots, produce severe itching in the ears and throat.
In some rural areas, there is another form of seasonal grass allergy, combining airborne particles of pollen mixed with mold.
Therefore, researchers on this report claimed that global warming is bad news for millions of asthmatics in the United States whose asthma attacks are triggered by seasonal allergies.
In the laboratory tests, the doctor will take a nasal smear and it will be examined microscopically for factors that may indicate a cause: increased numbers of eosinophils (white blood cells), which indicates an allergic condition.
[36] A study in New Zealand found that 22 percent of patients with respiratory allergic disorders tested positive for basidiospores allergies.
[45] In India Fomes pectinatus is a predominant air-borne allergen affecting up to 22 percent of patients with respiratory allergies.
[47] Children who are born during autumn months (during fungal spore season) are more likely to develop asthmatic symptoms later in life.
[48] Treatment includes over-the-counter medications, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, allergy shots, and alternative medicine.
However, these antihistamines may cause extreme drowsiness, therefore, people are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive while taking this kind of medication.
Other side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness.
[57][58][59] By reintroducing the allergen from a fully cooked, usually baked, state research suggests that a tolerance can emerge to certain egg and milk allergies under the supervision of a dietitian or specialist.
