Different Types of Allergies

Different Types of Allergies =


    When do allergies occur?

    Allergies usually do not occur at the first exposure. When a person is exposed to an allergen for the first time, the body develops molecules called antibodies against the invading proteins. This is called an immune response.
    When exposed to the allergen again the immune system produces large amounts of antibodies that lead to break down of mast cells that contain chemicals like histamine. This leads to the features of allergies.
    This process is known as sensitisation. Sensitization may take days to years. Sometimes sensitization develops as the person affected shows symptoms but never fully develops the allergy to the allergen.

    Symptoms of allergy

    Symptoms of allergy include:
    • sneezing
    • shortness of breath
    • wheezing
    • runny nose and eyes
    • pain over the sinuses (at the bridge of the nose, near the eyes, over cheeks and at the forehead)
    • coughing
    • skin rashes (nettle rashes or hives)
    • swelling of the lips or face
    • itching eyes, ears, lips, throat and roof of the mouth
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • abdominal cramps and diarrhoea

  • Classification of allergies

    Types of allergy are classified to denote cause, severity and possible management and prevention. These include –
    • Type I hypersensitivity
    This is also known as immediate or anaphylactic-type reactions. This may be caused due to pollen, foods and drugs and insect stings.
    • Type II hypersensitivity
    This involves specific antibodies called the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM. There is binding to and destroying the cell the antibody is bound on.
    This type of reaction is seen after an organ transplant when the body refuses to see the transplanted organ as its own.
    • Type III hypersensitivity
    This is an Immune complex-mediated reaction. The immune complex is the bound form of an antibody and an antigen.
    This leads to a cascade of reactions in the body which goes on to destroy local tissues. Examples of this condition include glomerulonephritis and systemic lupus erythematous (lupus, SLE).
    • Type IV hypersensitivity
    Delayed or cell-mediated reactions are mediated by special immune cells called the T-cell lymphocytes.

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