This section contains many interesting articles concerning allergies that have been written by doctors working at Medicover
The term “allergy” originates from two Greek words (allos – other, ergos – work, reaction).
Allergy means reactions harmful to the body, depending on the secondary immunological response to contact with an antigen.
Antigens are foreign substances in the body which cause the formation of antibodies within the immunological system. Antigens that cause a reaction in the body are called allergens, and lead to the formation of a special type of antibodies called reagins.
Allergens can be various natural substances such as food, animal hair, plant pollens, spores of mould fungi, dust, dust mites, chemical substances, drugs, preservatives, detergents, or cosmetics.
On the basis of the route they enter the body, allergens are classified as:
- Airborne allergens, which enter through the mucous membrane of the respiratory system in the course of breathing;
- Food allergens, which enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract;
- Contact allergens, which cause a reaction through contact with an allergenic substance; these allergens act on the skin and mucous membranes,
- Injectable allergens, such as insect and reptile venoms that enter the body as a result of stinging or drugs administered by injection.
Allergens do not always cause pathological symptoms in the area through which they enter the body. For example, food allergens may cause symptoms not only in the gastrointestinal system, but may also cause skin and food allergies.