Indoor Air Quality
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Allergic reactions may not occur until a person had repeated and prolonged exposures
to a specific allergen. Previous exposure may have gone unnoticed with no or only
mild symptoms. One day, however, the immune system is overwhelmed and reacts violently
and may cause a great deal of discomfort. From that moment on, the person may react
almost instantly every time he or she encounters this particular allergen. There
are always exceptions, of course. A so-
It is known that a person can inherit the tendency to develop allergies or sensitivities, but not necessarily a reaction to a specific allergen. For example, a parent may be allergic to dust mites while their child develops a reaction to animal dander. Children are much more likely to develop an allergy if either or both parents have an allergy.
Some evidence also suggests that exposure to allergens in childhood may lead to an allergy in adult life. Children are generally more likely to become allergic, because their immune system is still developing or weakened after illnesses and during times of exposure to other environmental pollutants, such as secondhand smoking or certain chemicals; and they breathe a larger volume of air in comparison to body weight, therefore, taking in pollutants at a higher rate.
The allergic reaction depends on the type of allergen and on the place where the allergen comes into contact with the body. For example, an allergen ingested with food gets, obviously, in contact with the stomach and the intestines and may result in abdominal pain, cramps or diarrhoea. However, an airborne allergen most likely attaches to the mucous layer of the airways, and to skin or eyes and causes reactions there. The allergen may also enter your body by injection, drug injection or insect sting; or by absorption when the skin gets in contact with chemicals, such as the poison of certain plants or the ingredients of chemical household products.
Runny or stuffy nose, watery or red eyes, symptoms that don't go away? Perhaps it is just another cold, but these are also some of the typical symptoms of an allergy. Allergies, of course, have been around since the dawn of mankind. The sheer number of cases today, however, makes it a modern ailment. Every year, medical practitioners of many countries report an increase in consultation numbers. A better awareness amongst the population and/or an increased willingness to consult a professional may explain some cases, but not all.