What are allergies anyway? Why do they exist in the first place? How do people develop them, and is there any way to cure them? As it turns out, allergies are still a bit of a medical mystery. While we do know how to treat them, we don’t know exactly why they exist. That being said, here’s your Buffalo, NY ENT’s allergy definition.
What is the Definition of an Allergy?
An allergy is the body’s erroneous reaction to a foreign substance that is completely harmless for all intents and purposes. Whether the allergen be pollen, mold, animal dandruff, or peanuts, allergens, in and of themselves, are not designed to attack human beings in any way.
For whatever reason, people sometimes develop sensitivities, and when they’re exposed to their allergen, their bodies will launch an immune response to rid itself of the “intruder.” Depending on how severe the allergy is, people will come down with various symptoms including but not limited to watery eyes, congestion, coughing, wheezing, and hives.
Why do Allergies Exist?
There are plenty of theories for why allergies might exist, but as of now, no one has discovered any specific cause. Allergies are, indeed, rather mysterious. While we have an allergy definition, we have yet to establish a clear genetic link, and since allergies can develop at any age, it’s very difficult to pinpoint any environmental factors.
Do You Really Know What Allergies Are?
There’s reason to believe, however, that early exposure to dogs might strengthen a child’s immune system ultimately preventing allergies later on in life. The same, in fact, could be true for peanuts and other foods, but there is, as of yet, no consensus in the scientific community. Allergies might also be the body’s way of protecting itself from possible toxins in the environment.
Is There Any Way to Cure an Allergy?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to cure allergies. However, if you suffer from an environmental allergy, there are some intensive treatment options. By introducing your body to your allergen in small doses, you can familiarize your body with the substance gradually. This form of treatment, known as immunotherapy, has become very popular over the past few decades because it’s quite effective.
Allergy Definition: Final Thoughts
While we still have a lot to learn about allergies, we hope that we were able to shed a bit of light on the subject. If you’d like more information on allergies, then visit our blog where we post weekly articles on allergies, treatment, sinuses, and more.