The 13 Types Of Allergies, Their Characteristics And Symptoms
Our immune system is one of the most important when it comes to allowing us to survive, since thanks to it we are able to fight infections and problems derived from the invasion of microorganisms and substances with harmful potential coming from the environment.
However, this system sometimes reacts disproportionately and wrongly to stimulations that are in principle non-dangerous, to which we become allergic. And what causes them or the type of reaction they generate can vary greatly.
It is because of that we can talk about a wide variety of types of allergies , which can be classified based on various criteria. Throughout this article we are going to show some of the main typologies, in addition to indicating some of the most frequent ones.
We call allergy a process of biological origin through which contact or consumption with a specific substance or element triggers a massive reaction of our immune system, which identifies said element as a toxic or harmful substance to try to expel
It is a response generated by a hypersensitization of our body towards the stimulus in question, which is called an allergen, and which causes our white blood cells synthesize antibodies to fight against this element It must be taken into account, however, that to speak of an allergy properly it is necessary that we are dealing with a reaction generated by immediate contact with some type of exogenous substance, otherwise we are dealing with other types of hypersensitivity or disorder (although very similar).
Exposure to this allergen generates a reaction by our immune system disproportionate and excessive in relation to the real danger that the stimulus in question may pose, either because the stimulus to which we react or allergen is actually harmless to us or because the bodily reaction is disproportionate to the real danger that it represents (such as bee venom).
Reactions to said exposure can generate a wide variety of effects on the body that can range from mild (these being the most common) to fatal (in cases of anaphylaxis not treated in time). being a major health problem Although it is usually undervalued, it can have severe consequences or generate difficulties in the daily lives of those who suffer from it.
At the same time, allergies are one of the most common problems, being the usual cause of some very common conditions in the majority of the population and it is estimated that up to 40% of the population could suffer from some type of allergy. As for what can cause it, we can find a great variability of substances and stimuli (some more frequent than others) that our immune systems can identify as dangerous, as well as the type of reaction or the route by which it can occur. us. This is why we can talk about various types of allergies.
1. Types of allergies according to the route of contact
A possible way to classify allergies can be found in the medium through which the allergen comes into contact with the body. In this sense we find three main groups of allergies
1.1. Inhalation allergies
This is understood as that type of allergy in which the allergenic substance is introduced into our body. through air inhalation, respiratory or nasal route These are usually small particles of substances such as pollen, dust or mites.
1.2. Contact allergies
This type of allergy is what occurs when it is direct physical contact with a substance that generates an allergic reaction. It is common for it to generate symptoms at a dermatological level and it is common, for example, in animal allergies.
1.3. Ingestion allergies
Ingestion allergies are all those in which the immune system reacts virulently by identifying a substance that we have consumed as a pathogen. This is one of the types of allergies that usually has greater potential to cause serious harm and anaphylaxis We usually talk about allergies to foods or drugs.
1.4. Inoculation allergies
Similar to the previous one, in this case we are talking about substances that are introduced into us through routes such as intravenously. These are usually allergies to medications (including anesthetics) or drugs that are not consumed orally. It is probably the most dangerous of all, given that the allergen is introduced directly into the circulatory system and The reaction can occur generally throughout the body or in parts relevant to survival.
2. According to your symptoms
We can find another way to classify allergies if we use the type of symptoms generated by exposure to the allergen as a differentiating criterion. In this sense, we can mainly find the following types of allergies.
Respiratory allergies are one of the most common types of allergies that exist, understood as those that generate an impairment at the level of the breathing process Generally the problems are found at the lung level or in the respiratory tract, making it difficult for the subject to breathe normally and causing problems such as coughing, bronchial problems, asthma or wheezing when breathing. It is usually caused by inhalation allergies, although it is not essential.
2.2. Cutaneous/dermatological
Along with respiratory allergies, they are the most common type of allergic reaction. It is common in contact allergies, but it also often occurs in allergies due to ingestion or inoculation. In this case, the most common type of symptoms is the appearance of some type of skin rash, ulcer, sore, hives, eczema, or itching This is the case of many dermatitis.
23. Nasal
One of the most visible is the type of allergic reaction that causes sneezing, runny nose or itchy nose. Often confused with colds or flu, it usually proceeds like the respiratory symptoms of inhalation of the allergen.
2.4. Eyepieces
Conjunctivitis, tearing and ocular itching are allergic reactions at the ocular level that usually appear to allergens that come into contact with our eyes
2.5. Digestive
Another type of allergic reaction is digestive, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, inflammation or other gastrointestinal problems. It is common in food allergies, although it also appears in other types of allergies.
3. Three common varieties depending on the time or place of exposure
In addition to the previous types of allergies, we can also find three very common varieties depending on the type of situation, time or specific place in which contact with the allergen usually occurs.
3.1. seasonal allergy
Seasonal allergies are a highly known and very common type of allergy, in which The stimulus to which you are allergic has a tendency to appear at a specific time or period of the year One of the most obvious examples is pollen allergies, which tend to cause more difficulties during spring.
3.2. Food
Food allergies are a group of allergies that have the particularity of the fact that the allergen in question is a product or substance that can generally be consumed by humans and that may be nutritionally beneficial but which in the person in question triggers a dangerous reaction with fatal potential.
It is possible that there was a period of time when the subject could eat the product in question normally, before becoming allergic. Among them we find allergies such as those caused by nuts or shellfish.
This type of allergy refers to the presence of an extreme and adverse reaction by the immune system to substances a priori designed to cure us or help us overcome some type of ailment or disease. This is one of the most dangerous types and requires extreme care when choosing and administering drugs since it can aggravate the patient’s situation or even cause death.
3.4. Occupational
We call occupational allergy the type of allergic disorder or alteration generated by some type of stimulus from our occupation or work environment. This type of allergy can appear through any means of contact or manifest itself in different ways, although the most common is its appearance through the respiratory or skin route, and what is defining is that it is generated by some substance typical of the workplace
An example could be the appearance of an allergy in workers who handle chemicals or food in factories or during research, being in continuous contact with allergens.
Some of the most frequent
As we have said, there is a wide variety of stimuli that can trigger an allergy, given that the allergy It depends on what and how our own immune system becomes hypersensitized : They range from as common as allergies to grasses to others as unusual as allergies to semen or even water. To conclude this article, we will look at four of the most common allergies.
to the pollen
One of the most common allergies and generally seasonal in nature is the one that has as an allergen pollen from certain plants It usually causes nasal problems, headaches and problems breathing normally.
To the mites
Small creatures that are highly frequent in places like our beds and sheets, usually cause respiratory and nasal problems. It is also usually associated with dust
Food
Although in this case we are including a fairly broad category, we have considered it necessary to include it given the high prevalence of food allergies in general. They highlight the allergy to nuts, shellfish allergy, dairy allergy (important not to be confused with intolerance, which is not the same) or allergy to exotic fruits.
To animal dander
Cause of respiratory problems and also with the possibility of generating dermatological problems, allergy to the dander of animals with hair is one of the most common. Fortunately for those who, despite being allergic, want to take care of a pet, there are animals whose fur or lack thereof makes it difficult for dandruff or other allergenic substances to exist.
