Best Allergist in Adelaide

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an acquired, immunologically caused, specific hypersensitivity to foreign substances. An allergy occurs after repeated contact with the allergenic substance and is based on a reaction of the body’s own defense system. Pollen, food or other substances that are brought into the body through inhalation or through the skin are foreign substances that are also known as antigens or allergens. The body forms specific antibodies against these substances. With a corresponding hereditary predisposition and renewed contact with the substance concerned (the allergen), an allergic reaction can occur.
An allergy is based on a malfunction of the immune system. While the immune system of our body normally only reacts to harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, the hypersensitive immune system of an allergy sufferer defends itself against naturally harmless substances from nature and the environment (e.g. components of plant pollen or house dust mites). Even in very small quantities, these so-called allergens can cause allergic reactions. Itchy, watery, burning eyes, a runny, blocked or itchy nose, the urge to sneeze, difficulty breathing and a rash are common allergy symptoms .

How does an allergic reaction occur?

However, the pollen allergy sufferer ‘s eyes do not water at the first allergen contact , the house dust mite allergy sufferer ‘s nose itches or the insect venom allergy sufferer reacts to a wasp sting with severe wheals. The patient will feel symptoms at the earliest when the second allergen contact occurs . Because the defense substances that ultimately lead to the allergic reaction, the IgE antibodies, are only formed by the body after the first allergen contact. This immunization process is called sensitization. If a sensitized allergy patient comes into contact with the specific allergen again, the allergens bind to the IgE antibodies and inflammatory processes similar to an infection are triggered in the body. The released histamine and other messenger substances attack the skin and mucous membranes. For those affected, this immune reaction or IgE reaction manifests itself, for example, as a cold, in the form of watery, burning eyes or, in the case of food allergies, as stomach pain.