ALLERGIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "allergic" refers to a physiological reaction of an individual's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances known as allergens. An allergy is a hypersensitive immune response characterized by symptoms such as itching, sneezing, rashes, or difficulty breathing upon contact with these allergens. Allergens can range from common substances like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, to more uncommon triggers such as medications or animal dander.
When an allergic individual encounters an allergen, their immune system perceives it as foreign and potentially harmful. In response, the immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to that allergen. These antibodies attach to specialized immune cells, such as mast cells or basophils, which contain histamine and other chemicals involved in the inflammatory response. Upon re-exposure to the same allergen, the IgE antibodies trigger the release of these substances, leading to the typical allergic symptoms.
The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to potentially life-threatening, as in the case of anaphylaxis. Some people may develop allergies later in life, while others may experience them since childhood, often outgrowing them as they reach adulthood. The exact cause of allergies is still not completely understood, but a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences is believed to play a role.
Managing allergies typically involves avoiding allergens when possible, using medication such as antihistamines or nasal sprays to alleviate symptoms, or in severe cases, undergoing immunotherapy to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.
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Etymology of ALLERGIC
The word "allergic" originated from the Greek word "allergia", which is a compound word consisting of "allos" meaning "other" or "foreign" and "ergon" meaning "work" or "reaction". Thus, the term "allergia" in Greek referred to an abnormal or exaggerated immune response to foreign substances. This term was then adopted into English in the early 20th century, and "allergic" came to be used to describe an individual's sensitivity or adverse reaction to certain substances.
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