Allergic reactions are very common through out the entire world. Most of these allergic reactions will take place almost immediately after the contact with the allergen. For the most part, allergic reactions are mild and pose no significant health risk. These allergies are more common to people that have allergic reactions in their family history. People are usually more prone to have allergic reactions when there is a past history in the family. While most allergic reactions are not life threatening, there are some people that have a stronger reaction to things like bee stings, pollens, foods and some medications. Most of the time the first exposure to an allergen will cause a mild reaction, but over time, and after repeated exposures; the allergic reactions can become worse and can even become life threatening. Some common allergic reactions are; eczema, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, hives and as mentioned before, the venom from stinging insects like bees, wasps and hornets.

Allergies are a disorder of the immune system and are also referred to ‘atopy’. Allergic reactions are a form of hypersensitivity and can be classed as type1 or immediate hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are characterized by excessive activatation of specific white blood cells that are called ‘mast cells’ and ‘basophils’ by a type of antibody known as IgE. This reaction results in an inflammatory response. A mast cell is a resident cell that has several types of tissues and also contains a lot of granules that are rich in histamine and heparin. Mast cells serve an important function in a protective role, as well as play a role in allergy and anaphylaxis. These cells are vital in the healing of wounds and also defending the body against pathogens.

Asthma is a very common type of allergic reaction that involves the chronic inflammation of the lungs. It is known that about seven percent of the worlds population suffers from asthma. When an asthma attack occurs, the smooth cells in the bronchi constrict and the airways become swollen. This can even lead to death as more then four thousand a year in the United States die. These attacks can be somewhat prevented as well as treated by certain types of pharmaceuticals. The drugs that treat the allergic reactions that cause asthma are most often inhaled beta-2 agonists. As opposed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, the inflammation that causes asthma is reversible because asthma affects the bronchi, not the alveoi.

Some milder allergic reactions such as, hay fever, is very common through out the entire human population. This can cause the swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye, a runny nose and itchiness. Some people can develop sever allergies caused by dietary or environmental circumstances as well as medications. These can easily lead to life threatening anaphylactic reactions.

There are several varieties of tests that can alert people to the potential allergic reactions and conditions. These tests are carried out on the skin, and will show when an allergic reaction takes place with a certain allergen such as dust, pet dander, certain chemicals and pollens just to name a few.