Welcome to AllergyPedia™ -- The Allergy Encyclopedia

Our Mission:
To create the most complete and definitive source of information about the past and present of Allergies.

Our Goal:
To be your source for Allergy related information. We will supply our visitors with up to date news, stories, and latest Allergy News section below.

Allergy News:
Home Swap Web Sites
17 May 2008 at 4:41am
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Music News
17 May 2008 at 2:02am
Country Music Artists Flocking to Vegas for ACM Awards LAS VEGAS -- Country music artists, their man...
Trace Adkins Honored by San Diego Families With Food Allergies
16 May 2008 at 9:57pm
Trace Adkins accepted an award from the San Diego Food Allergy Support Group on Wednesday prior to a...

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Allergy:
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system that is often called atopy. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody, known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Mild allergies like hay fever, are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and runny nose. Similarly, conditions such as asthma are common, in which allergy plays a major role. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens, or to medication, occur that may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.

A variety of tests now exist to diagnose allergic conditions; these include testing the skin for responses to known allergens or analyzing the blood for the presence and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Treatments for allergies include allergen avoidance, use of antihistamines, steroids or other oral medications, immunotherapy to desensitize the response to allergen, and targeted therapy.

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