An allergy or Type I hypersensitivity is an immune malfunction whereby a person's body is hypersensitised to react immunologically to typically nonimmunogenic substances. When a person is hypersensitised, these substances are known as allergens. The word allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "reaction" or "reactivity". Type I hypersensitivity is characterised by excessive activation of mast cells by immunoglobulin E resulting in a systemic inflammatory response that can resul ...

Including:

• Allergy - History
• Allergy - Signs and symptoms
• Allergy - Diagnosis
• Allergy - Skin test
• Allergy - Problems with skin test
• Allergy - Total IgE count
• Allergy - Treatment
• Allergy - Immunotherapy
• Allergy - Chemotherapy
• Allergy - Alternative therapies
• Allergy - Pathophysiology
• Allergy - Acute response
• Allergy - Late-phase response
• Allergy - Basis of the allergic response
• Allergy - Genetic Basis
• Allergy - Relationship with parasites
• Allergy - Basis of increasing prevalence
• Allergy - The hygiene hypothesis
• Allergy - Increasing use of chemicals
• Allergy - Common allergens

Read more here: » Allergy: Encyclopedia - Allergy

See also:

Allergy, Allergy - History, Allergy - Signs and symptoms, Allergy - Diagnosis, Allergy - Skin test, Allergy - Problems with skin test, Allergy - Total IgE count, Allergy - Treatment, Allergy - Immunotherapy, Allergy - Chemotherapy, Allergy - Alternative therapies, Allergy - Pathophysiology, Allergy - Acute response, Allergy - Late-phase response, Allergy - Basis of the allergic response, Allergy - Genetic Basis, Allergy - Relationship with parasites, Allergy - Basis of increasing prevalence, Allergy - The hygiene hypothesis, Allergy - Increasing use of chemicals, Allergy - Common allergens

Read more here: » Allergy: Encyclopedia II - Allergy - Pathophysiology

See also allergy for a general discussion of the background of allergy Generally, introduction of allergens through the digestive tract is thought to induce immune tolerance. In individuals who are predisposed to developing allergies (atopic syndrome), the immune system produces IgE antibodies against protein epitopes on non-pathogenic substances, including dietary components. The IgE molecules are coated onto mast cells, which in ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Pathophysiology

Angioedema (BE: angiooedema), also known by its eponym Quincke's edema and the older term angioneurotic edema, is the rapid swelling (edema) of the skin, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Apart from the common form, mediated by allergy, it has been reported as a side effect of some medications, specifically ACE inhibitors. Additionally, there is an inherited form, due to deficiency of the blood protein C1-inhibitor. This form is called hereditary angioedema (HAE) or hereditary angio-neurotic edema (HANE), ...

Including:

• Angioedema - Signs and symptoms
• Angioedema - Diagnosis
• Angioedema - Pathophysiology
• Angioedema - Therapy
• Angioedema - History

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Bronchoconstriction is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tighting of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Bronchoconstriction - Causes. The condition has a number of causes, the most common being asthma and exercise, and allergies. Bronchoconstriction - Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. More generally termed exercise-induced asthma, the preferred and more accurate term exercise-induced ...

Including:

• Bronchoconstriction - Causes
• Bronchoconstriction - Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
• Bronchoconstriction - Allergen-induced bronchoconstriction

Read more here: » Bronchoconstriction: Encyclopedia - Bronchoconstriction

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system in which the airways narrow, often in response to a “trigger” such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which are the hallmarks of asthma. Between episodes, most patients feel fine. The disorder is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the airways develop increased responsiveness to various stimuli, characterized by bronchial hyper-respon ...

Including:

• Asthma - History
• Asthma - Signs and symptoms
• Asthma - Diagnosis
• Asthma - Differential diagnosis
• Asthma - Pathophysiology
• Asthma - Bronchoconstriction
• Asthma - Bronchial inflammation
• Asthma - The immune response
• Asthma - Pathogenesis
• Asthma - Treatment
• Asthma - Relief medication
• Asthma - Prevention medication
• Asthma - Long-acting β2-agonists
• Asthma - Emergency treatment
• Asthma - Alternative medicine
• Asthma - Prognosis
• Asthma - Epidemiology
• Asthma - US Socioeconomic Factors
• Asthma - Asthma and athletics

Read more here: » Asthma: Encyclopedia - Asthma

Coeliac disease (also called celiac disease, non-tropical sprue, c(o)eliac sprue and gluten intolerance) is a digestive disorder. It is characterised by damage or flattening to all or part of the villi lining the small intestine, causing scar tissue that cannot absorb nutrients. This damage is caused by exposure to gluten and related proteins found in wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats. Coeliac disease - Signs and symptoms. Damage to the villi reduces the ability of the intestines ...

Including:

• Coeliac disease - Signs and symptoms
• Coeliac disease - Diagnosis
• Coeliac disease - Tests
• Coeliac disease - Biopsy appearance
• Coeliac disease - Causes
• Coeliac disease - Pathophysiology
• Coeliac disease - Treatment
• Coeliac disease - Epidemiology
• Coeliac disease - Social impact
• Coeliac disease - Lifelong diet
• Coeliac disease - Coeliacs and the Eucharist
• Coeliac disease - Coeliacs and Passover
• Coeliac disease - Footnotes

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, and difficulties with coordination and speech. Although many patients lead full and rewarding lives, MS can cause impaired mobility and disability in the more severe cases. Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception and allow the brain to co ...

Including:

• Multiple sclerosis - Signs and symptoms
• Multiple sclerosis - Diagnosis
• Multiple sclerosis - Disease course and clinical subtypes
• Multiple sclerosis - Factors triggering a relapse
• Multiple sclerosis - Pathophysiology
• Multiple sclerosis - How multiple sclerosis causes damage
• Multiple sclerosis - Why multiple sclerosis occurs
• Multiple sclerosis - Treatment
• Multiple sclerosis - Management of acute attacks
• Multiple sclerosis - Management of relapsing-remitting MS
• Multiple sclerosis - Management of progressive MS
• Multiple sclerosis - Management of demyelination without a diagnosis of MS
• Multiple sclerosis - Management of the effects of MS
• Multiple sclerosis - Therapies under investigation
• Multiple sclerosis - Side effects of medications for relapsing-remitting MS
• Multiple sclerosis - Prognosis
• Multiple sclerosis - Epidemiology
• Multiple sclerosis - History
• Multiple sclerosis - Multiple sclerosis in film and television

Read more here: » Multiple sclerosis: Encyclopedia - Multiple sclerosis

Most patients present with diarrhea after ingesting certain foodstuffs, skin symptoms (rashes), bloating, vomiting and regurgitation. The digestive complaints usually develop within half an hour of ingesting the allergen. Rarely, food allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock: hypotension (low blood pressure) and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency. Allergens commonly associated with this type of reaction are peanut and shellfish, although latex products can induce similar reactions. Initial treatment is with epinephrine (adrenalin), often c ...

See also:

Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Signs and symptoms

Treatment options include an exclusion diet and hyposensibilisation. Exclusion diets prevent attacks by limiting exposure to the allergen. Some common allergens require a major overhaul of someone's choice of foods, and multiple allergies can make this approach a veritable nightmare. While young children generally comply due to their parents' involvement, teenagers often rebel or become impatient, requiring a dedicated approach by a nutritio ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Treatment

As meals tend to consist of different ingredients, it is not always easy to identify the allergen. Moreover, laboratory diagnosis is imprecise and expensive without a clinical indication which foods may cause the symptoms. Excluding very common allergens is therefore often attempted; in young children, this can be cow's milk, eggs, or tree nuts and peanuts. If an allergen cannot be identified, blood tests may help identify a cause. A full blood count is usually normal, but severe causes may reveal eosinophilia. Routine organ markers a ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Diagnosis

Patients present with skin symptoms, throat tightness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and/or stomach symptoms. The symptoms usually develop within half an hour of ingesting the allergen. Rarely, food allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock: hypotension (low blood pressure) and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency. Allergens commonly associated with this type of reaction are peanuts, nuts, milk, egg and sea ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Signs and symptoms

The mainstay of treatment for food allergy is avoidance of the foods that have been identified as allergens. If the food is accidentally ingested and a systemic reaction occurs, then epinephrine (best delivered in an Epipen) should be used. It is possible that a second Epipen dose may be required for severe reactions. The patient should seek medical care. At this time, there is no desensitization or a ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Treatment

Various medical specialties have a differing view on food allergies. What is called irritable bowel syndrome by many doctors (a stress-related functional disorder) is often interpreted by allergologists to be food allergy. In addition, many practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine ascribe symptoms to food allergy where most classically trained doctors would not find a causal relationship. Examples are headaches, tiredness and hyperactivity. Nevertheless, hypoallergenic diets can be of benefit in these conditions, indicating that the current m ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Differing views

The best method for diagnosing food allergy is to be assessed by an allergist. The allergist will discuss the symptoms that occured after the food ingestion. If the allergist feels the reaction is in keeping with a real food allergy, he/she will perform allergy skin tests. These skin tests are performed by a method called skin prick testing. It is generally very safe and tolerated even by young children. The results are available within 15 minutes. Another option is to perform blood testing, called RAST testing, for ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Diagnosis

For reasons that are not entirely understood, the diagnosis of food allergies has become more common in Western nations in recent times. (This trend seems to apply to asthma as well.) In the United States, it is believed that about 4% of the population suffers from food allergies. In children, this number is believed to be significantly higher. The most common food allergens include peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat - these foods accou ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - Statistics

Milk and soy allergies in children can often go undiagnosed for many months, causing much worry for parents and health risks for infants and children. Many infants with milk and soy allergies can show signs of colic, blood in the stool, reflux, rashes and other harmful medical conditions. These conditions are often misdiagnosed as viruses or colic. Many children who are allergic to cow's milk protein also show a cross sensitivity to soy-based products. There are infant formulas in which the milk and soy proteins are degraded so when taken by an infant, their immune system does not recognize the aller ...

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Food allergy, Food allergy - Signs and symptoms, Food allergy - Diagnosis, Food allergy - Pathophysiology, Food allergy - Treatment, Food allergy - Statistics, Food allergy - Differing views, Food allergy - In children

Read more here: » Food allergy: Encyclopedia II - Food allergy - In children

The cause of RA is still unknown to this day, but has long been suspected to be infectious. It could be due to food allergies or external organisms. Mycoplasma, Erysipelothrix, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus and rubella have been suspected but never supported in epidemiological studies. As in other autoimmune diseases, the "mistaken identity" theory suggests that an offending organism causes an immune response that leaves behind antibodies that are specific to that organism. The antibodies are not specific enough, though. They ...

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Rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis - Features, Rheumatoid arthritis - Epidemiology, Rheumatoid arthritis - Diagnosis, Rheumatoid arthritis - Diagnostic criteria, Rheumatoid arthritis - Blood tests, Rheumatoid arthritis - Pathophysiology, Rheumatoid arthritis - Treatment, Rheumatoid arthritis - DMARDs, Rheumatoid arthritis - Anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics, Rheumatoid arthritis - Other therapies, Rheumatoid arthritis - Eastern philosophies, Rheumatoid arthritis - Epidemiology, Rheumatoid arthritis - Prognosis, Rheumatoid arthritis - Disability, Rheumatoid arthritis - Prognostic factors, Rheumatoid arthritis - Mortality, Rheumatoid arthritis - Prevention, Rheumatoid arthritis - History

Read more here: » Rheumatoid arthritis: Encyclopedia II - Rheumatoid arthritis - Pathophysiology

Chemicals released by mast cells cause changes in the immune system leading to typical allergy symptoms such as: itching abdominal cramping and even anaphylaxis (shock from allergic or immune causes) When too many mast cells exist in a person's body, the additional chemicals can cause: Skin lesions Abdominal discomfort Diarrhea Stomach ulcers Episodes of very low blood pressure (including shock) and faintness bone or muscle ...

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Mastocytosis, Mastocytosis - Pathophysiology, Mastocytosis - History, Mastocytosis - Symptoms, Mastocytosis - Diagnosis, Mastocytosis - Classification, Mastocytosis - Epidemiology, Mastocytosis - Treatment, Mastocytosis - Research, Mastocytosis - Sources

Read more here: » Mastocytosis: Encyclopedia II - Mastocytosis - Symptoms

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) scientists have been studying and treating patients with mastocytosis for several years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center. Some of the most important research advances for this rare disorder include improved diagnosis of mast cell disease and identification of growth factors and genetic mechanisms responsible for increased mast cell production. Researchers are currently evaluating approach ...

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Mastocytosis, Mastocytosis - Pathophysiology, Mastocytosis - History, Mastocytosis - Symptoms, Mastocytosis - Diagnosis, Mastocytosis - Classification, Mastocytosis - Epidemiology, Mastocytosis - Treatment, Mastocytosis - Research, Mastocytosis - Sources

Read more here: » Mastocytosis: Encyclopedia II - Mastocytosis - Research