Allergy or also known as hypersensitivity is an abnormal reaction to certain substances that usually occur naturally. If the allergen is exposed to these substances, called allergens, the body’s immune system prepares to combat them. Allergens are microscopic proteins that are common and provoke allergic people to produce antidotes (antibodies). The most common allergic substances are pollen from weeds, grass, flowers and wood, mold and mold fungus, house dust mites and poultry.
Where do allergies come from? How did they come about? The earliest report on allergic diseases refers to the King Menstruates of Egypt, who was killed by a wasp sting at some time between 3640 and 3300 BC. From the ancient history of Britannica, the son of the Roman emperor Claudius, was allergic to horses and developed a rash in his eyes and swelled up, which he could no longer see.
The concept of allergy was originally introduced in 1906 by a Viennese pediatrician Clemens von Piquet. After he noticed that some of his patients were hypersensitive to usually innocent entities, such as dust, pollen, or certain products. Pirke called this phenomenon "allergy" from the ancient Greek words allos, which means "other" and ergon, meaning "work". According to history, all forms of hypersensitivity were classified as allergies, and this was caused by a poor and inadequate immune system.
Scientists believe that allergies arose millions of years ago as a way for the human body to free itself from parasites and the invasion of worms. The body fights these elements and other invaders, producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the intestines and lungs. IgE triggers immune cells to release a series of chemicals, one of which is histamine. Histamine produces hives, watery eyes, sneezing and itching. The more a person is exposed to allergens, the more the body produces IgE, and, as a rule, the allergy often worsens with age.
What causes allergies? Allergies can be caused by almost any substance that you inhale or swallow, or by touching your skin. Today, allergies are extremely common and constantly occur. They cause irritating symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, swollen and itchy eyes. They can also cause other conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis, ear infections and skin rashes. The most common symptom of allergy is allergic rhinitis, most commonly known as hay fever. These symptoms are similar to those of a cold. The difference is that the usual cold runs for 7-10 days, while allergic rhinitis can last for weeks or even moths.
