Allergy: a disorder in which the body becomes hypersensitive to particular antigens (called allergens), which provoke characteristic symptoms whenever
they are subsequently inhaled, ingested, injected, or otherwise contacted. Normally antibodies in the bloodstream and tissues react with and destroy
specific antigens without further trouble. In an allergic person, however, the allergens provoke the release of a class of anfibodies (19E) that become
boundto mast calls in the body’s tissues. The subsequent reaction of allergen with tissue-bound antibody also leads, 3s a side-effect to cell damage,
release of histamine and serotonin (5 hydroxryptamine), inflammation, and all the symptoms of the particular allergy. Different allergies affict different
tissues and may have either local or general effects, varying from asthma and hay fever to severe dermatitis to gastroenteritis or exiremely serious shock
(see
anaphylaxis). The 1998 Second Ediion of the Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary
An allergy occurs when the body’s Immune system overreacts to any substance thatis normally harmless. Itis the body’s way of dealing with something
seen as a foreign substance, an invader. tis possible to be allergic to anything, both natural and synthetic. First time exposure to an allergen (an antigen
that causes allergy in a hypersensitive person) will probably only produce a mild reaction and may not be noticed by the person. Second and subsequent
exposures will produce more and more reactions and he person becomes sensitised to the allergen. Hany conditions are the result of an allergy, for
instance, eczema is a mucous condition of the skin and, in very young children, often results from intolerance to dairy products
Itis estimated that one in every three people in the United Kingdom will suffer from allergies at sometime in their Ives, this number increases every year.
Food allergies may have severe and life-threatening reactions. The most common allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish &
shellish and free nuts. These are just some of the factors; there are also many environmental and chemical pollutants we are surrounded by them e.g.
strong detergents, sprays, which al affect our immunity some may get affected more than others.
Many people today find that they suffer from an allergy or intolerance to foods, additives or substances in their environment. Our diets are no longer of
only fresh wholesome foods, they have been genetically and artificially engineered and become unnatural and foreign to our bodies, and cause ill health
Many different foods can cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to foods may be severe and sometimes include an anaphylactic reaction. Food
allergies may start during infancy. They are most common among children whose parents have food allergies, allergic tints, or allergic asthma. Infants
and young children with f00d allergies tend to be allergicto the most common allergic riggers (allergens), such as those in eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts,
and soybeans. Food allergies are commonly triggered by certain nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soybeans.
Symptoms of Allergic reactions.
Symptoms vary by age and may include rashes, wheezing, a runny nose, and, occasionally in adults, more serious symptoms. Food allergies are
‘sometimes blamed for such disorders as hyperactivity in children, chronic fatigue, arinrits, poor athletic performance, and depression. To date these
associations have not been substantiated.