Question 1

what are allergies?

Accepted Answer

See detail: Allergies are caused when a person makes an allergic antibody known as immunoglobulin e against a protein.  This protein can be a food, pollen, mold, or medication.  Allergic reactions can cause itching, swelling, redness in eyes, nasal passages, skin, GI tract, and in the lungs.

Question 2

what causes allergy?

Accepted Answer

Immune reaction: Your immune system normally makes igg antibodies that recognize foreign proteins.  In patients with allergy, the immune system switches to making a ige antibodies for certain proteins.  The ige antibodies act as a detector of the specific protein that they are made to react with and trigger the allergic response when they come in contact with that protein.

Question 3

are allergies inherited?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Yes, we do see allergies in families. Your risk of allergies increases if one parent has allergies, and is even higher if both parents suffer from allergies. Interestingly, we are seeing that exposure to allergens may also play a part in the development of allergies in children. Rural areas, with high levels of plant and animal allergens, actually have lower levels of allergic disease in kids.

Question 4

could i inherit an allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The tendency to develop allergies does run in families although each family member can be affected differently.

Question 5

what are the ingredients used in an allergy shot?

Accepted Answer

Allergen Extracts: Allergy shots contain extracts of common inhalant substances (dust mite, cat, dog, mold, pollen, etc) that are called allergens. The extract should be prepared under the direct supervision of a board-ceritifed allergist who has specialized training in allergy & immunology. Allergy shots do not contain serum.

Question 6

are artichokes good for you if you have haemochromotosis?

Accepted Answer

Your choice: If you have common hemochromatosis, and are getting phlebotomy treatment, go ahead and eat what you want. Life's hard enough without making a big deal of avoiding iron intake. Hemochromatosis is the easiest of all the common, grave diseases to manage effectively. Best wishes.

Question 7

what is a nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Allergy to nuts :  A nut allergy is an allergic, meaning IgE-based immunological response to foods commonly called nuts, which include peanuts (really legumes), tree nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, as well as sometimes seeds like sunflower "nuts". Symptoms include itching, hives, swelling, throat closing, flushing, asthma, shock and rarely, death.

Question 8

do allergy shots hurt?

Accepted Answer

Not bad: My daughter got them when she was 2 years old - at first she cried but then we played a "who can be the most brave game" and all the tears were gone.

Question 9

do allergy tests hurt?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: There are very small pricks and possibly small injections. If you hold still , it is ifairly painless. The tough part is itching with a positive test.

Question 10

are allergies heredity?

Accepted Answer

Is a strict sense no: Allergies do travel in families but the genetics and heritability of allergies is very complex. With two allergic parents, it is a 50/50 chance that a child would be allergic. What is passed on is the ability to be allergic not a specific allergy or a specific manifestation of allergy.

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Allergies and artichokes

A member asked:

What are allergies?

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What causes allergy?

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Are allergies inherited?

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Could i inherit an allergy?

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What are the ingredients used in an allergy shot?

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Are artichokes good for you if you have haemochromotosis?

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What is a nut allergy?

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Do allergy shots hurt?

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Do allergy tests hurt?

A member asked:

Are allergies heredity?

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