One of the most important roles of your immune system is to kill harmful substances from the body. If you have an allergy to something, your immune system will automatically react to that substance as if that substance is dangerous and will attempt to eliminate it from your body as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes these substances are not always harmless and can cause serious problems for those who are allergic. These are known as allergies, and are the number one cause of death in the United States.
Allergies can be broken down into two main categories: airborne and contact. Allergies caused by the allergens that are inhaled can often be diagnosed by conducting a series of allergy blood tests. The most common allergy test for dogs is the Contact Immuno-Empathetic Enzyme Assay, or CEA. This test measures the amount of IgE antibodies against seven common allergenic substances. This test measures the amount of antibodies, or the body’s “friendly” cells, to each substance.
Allergic reactions can occur in many different ways, and the exact cause of a particular allergy is unknown. But there are some known causes. Many types of allergies are believed to be caused by chemicals, such as preservatives in commercial products, environmental toxins, food allergies, pollen, and animal dander. There are also types of allergies that are more genetic – there is no known explanation for the allergy, but if family members share the allergy, then there is a higher chance that the allergy will show up.
Allergies can also occur because of an internal problem. For example, if you suffer from hay fever, an internal illness could be the cause. Other common allergies include shellfish, peanuts, eggs, fish, and food preservatives, like gluten and milk. However, some foods, such as nuts and seeds, are considered “allergy-provoking” by some people. If you’ve eaten a product that is labeled as “allergy-provoking”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the food is dangerous, only that you are sensitive to it.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s important that you learn about the types of allergies and how to treat them. Some types of allergy can lead to skin infections, breathing difficulties, and other health complications. For example, asthmatic individuals are often advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after an allergy-inducing event. There are different allergens, or allergen, that may cause your symptoms to worsen. If you suspect that your allergies are affecting your health, you should visit your doctor so he or she can run tests to identify what is causing your symptoms. It’s always best to catch the problem early before it’s too late!
Allergy symptoms differ from person to person; sometimes the reaction is mild and sometimes it manifests as a severe allergic reaction. In rare cases, serious side effects can be caused by an allergy, which can be fatal. The most common allergy-provoking substances include pet dander, dust, mold, pollen, and small animals. For those suffering from hay fever and other types of allergies, exposure to substances such as smoke and mold spores can result in an adverse reaction.
