I believe everyone will always see one or two people around them who keep sneezing during seasonal changes, and at gatherings, there is always a friend who mentions being allergic to seafood, almonds, or the like. Allergies are common symptoms in daily life, among which food allergies and nasal allergies are the most common. Sometimes, some contact cleaning liquids, hand sanitizers, and even the frequently used hand sanitizers during the recent pandemic can cause hand eczema. But how do allergies occur? Are allergies incurable for life? This article briefly introduces allergies.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is not only a disease but also a kind of bodily defense mechanism, referring to the body's immune system overreacting when it comes into contact with substances in the environment that are generally harmless. When an allergen (a substance that triggers an allergy) enters the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases excessive immune factors, leading to allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, skin redness and swelling, difficulty breathing, and so on. The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person; some people may only experience mild discomfort, while others may have severe allergic reactions that can even be life-threatening.

Allergies can be divided into acute and chronic allergic reactions. An acute allergic reaction refers to the risk of anaphylactic shock, a severe systemic allergic response that can be life-threatening; chronic allergic reactions include symptoms such as eczema, nasal allergies, asthma, eye allergies, and hives. These symptoms are generally milder but may persist for a longer time.

Causes?

The main reason the body's immune system overreacts to harmless substances is an abnormal response of the immune system, with the greatest influences being genetic factors and immune system development factors.

Genetic factors: Genetic factors play an important role in the occurrence of allergies. If a person has a family history of allergies, they may be more likely to develop allergic reactions than others. Genetic variations can increase or decrease an individual's response to specific allergens. Some genetic variations may increase the risk of allergies, while others may provide protection.

Immune system response: The immune system mistakenly treats these substances as invaders and releases excessive immune factors, causing allergic symptoms. This situation occurs due to a misjudgment by the immune system. Some people's immune systems are not fully mature or stable, failing to effectively recognize and respond to potential allergens, thereby increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions. Some studies indicate that excessive cleanliness and lack of exposure to microorganisms can lead to immature immune system development, increasing the risk of allergies.

How to know if you have a reaction?

You can go to specialized centers that check for allergies and immune responses.

Prevention Methods

There are ways to manage all allergens systematically. Once people understand the principles, it is not difficult to avoid them. The most direct method is to do tests to know in advance what you are allergic to. Although it is impossible to completely avoid allergens (or foods) in daily life, spending around a thousand dollars on testing is better than regretting it after an incident occurs.

Types of Tests

Blood Test

Normally, less than 5 milliliters of blood are used to compare against hundreds of environmental factors to see what the immune system reacts to or has problems with.

Skin Patch Test

This type of test is performed on the skin. After the skin comes into contact with the patch for at least 48 hours, the patch can be removed, and results are available 4 to 5 days later. This helps determine which allergens cause allergic reactions in skin eczema. It is safe and reliable.