Allergies are increasingly common in industrialized countries. Several explanations are used for this. For one, greater diversification in food consumption with more exotic products, dishes prepared with preservatives, and potentially allergenic food additives, are issues. Air pollution also participates in the sensitization to allergens (allergenic airborne particles). But do genetics play a role to the point a person needs to visit an Allergist in Louisville KY?
An allergy occurs in genetically predisposed subjects, as most of the time there is a family history of allergy. Allergic manifestations within the same family can be very diverse and provides a favorable environment for allergens. The environment must contain the allergen to which the person is sensitized to cause the allergic reaction. Very low amounts of allergens are sufficient to trigger an allergy. The allergen may be present for a long time in the environment, such as a hairy dog on a sofa. People can be allergic to the dog even though it has been removed from the home for months. Upon initial contact with the allergen, there is no allergic reaction, but there should be an awareness. The body remembers the intrusion of this foreign substance, it is only during subsequent contacts that the body will defend against an allergic reaction.
Allergies can manifest itself in different forms:
* Skin allergy with eczema and hives.
* Respiratory allergy with allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.
* Ophthalmic allergy with allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the main manifestations of a skin allergy? An allergy can take different forms of cutaneous manifestations. For instance, hives and angioedema are severe reactions that can be life-threatening. Then there is eczema, both child, and adult. The main allergens responsible for problems are pet hair, food, medications and allergens.
As with any allergy, the best way to prevent another reaction is the eviction of the allergen. The identification of the responsible allergen may be found through skin tests performed in the office of an Allergist in Louisville KY. Patients should be better informed about the presence of allergens in food products. Prepackaged foods must have ingredients listed on said package. For non-prepacked food, the indication of the presence of allergens must be in writing near the product. Visit Accredited Asthma Allergy & Food Intolerance Center to learn more.
