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Understand Allergies Better


2022-08-11

Background

Allergy is related to the development of an inappropriate reaction of the body to contact with an allergen. This reaction develops in a context that brings together a set of family and environmental factors. It results in the appearance of a wide variety of symptoms that evolve over the course of a lifetime and can affect several organs.

The medical consultation is essential to discuss the diagnosis, identify allergens and follow the evolution of the disease. In addition to the information collected during the consultation. (Symptoms, history of the disease, exposure to allergens.) The doctor has at his disposal quality biological tests.

There are indeed blood tests for allergies that can help confirm or exclude the diagnosis if the doctor is suspected. Other examinations, and identification tests, also make it possible to look for allergens responsible for symptoms or to personalize management.

What is Allergies?

Allergy is an inappropriate, harmful response of our body, which is called a hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction is triggered by exposure to a substance in our environment that should normally be tolerated, the allergen.

Allergy is related to the synthesis by our body of specific antibodies, immunoglobulins E or IgE.

It is these antibodies that will interact with an allergen to trigger the allergic reaction. The mechanism of an allergy takes place in two stages. On the 1'st contact, the body becomes aware of the allergen and produces IgE. It is from the 2'nd contact that the symptoms appear, defining the allergy.

Allergy is the consequence of an inappropriate and exaggerated reaction of the body following contact with a substance that should be tolerated. This phenomenon leads to the appearance of very diverse and sometimes severe symptoms.

Note: The phenomena of intolerance are not to be confused with allergy. The mechanisms involved are different and the diagnostic tests are also distinct.

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