How Are Allergies Linked to Your Immune System
Immune system is a complex network of cells, proteins and organs that work together to protect you against infection by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and other harmful micro-organisms (pathogens). Normally it’s a highly efficient system – immune cells recognize a pathogen, and that triggers a response from the rest of the immune system to hunt and destroy the pathogen. If you have an allergy, however, your immune system mistakenly recognizes something non-infectious as a pathogen – pollen, in the case of hay fever for instance. It overreacts, believing you’re under threat, and the result is an immune system attack that was never necessary in the first place.
Besides pollen, some of the common substances that confuse your immune system in this way include dust mites, some medicines, molds, pet dander (tiny particles of skin shed by animals that have fur or feathers), insect venom and certain foods, all of which are classed as allergens. For example, inflammation is a side effect of your own immune system sending teams of special cells to a site of distress. When doctors prescribe things like anti-inflammatories, they’re really trying to dampen your body’s immunological response.
Currently, there are different studies about allergic reactions. Some indicate that allergies are more robust defenses against certain cancers.
- A 2012 study by Ohio State University revealed that people without allergies were at a higher risk of developing glioma than people with allergies. The risk difference between the two groups was 50 percent.
- Another study by the American Association for Cancer Research concluded that people with hay fever and asthma are 17 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer than other groups.
- One study revealed that children who are exposed to allergens in their first year are less likely to develop allergies later on.
Managing your stress levels can help with allergies, since experts believe stress could make your symptoms worse as well as increase the frequency of allergy flare-ups. Try practicing deep breathing or meditation, taking part in relaxing activities you enjoy – or just make time on a regular basis to take things easy.
