The Current Allergy Epidemic

According to the CDC, referencing a study published in 2013, 31.8% of adults in the United States were diagnosed with an allergy.  Allergies occur when the immune system launches an exaggerated response to a foreign substance, such as pollen, mold, pet dander, or certain foods. Most people recognize symptoms like breathing problems, swollen lymph nodes, red and swollen eyes, hives, itchy sensations, and sneezing. Mental fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, abdominal bloating, skin rashes, coughing, loose bowels, asthma, and intestinal cramping are other symptoms people may not consider. 

There are four types of reactions. Type 1 is an IgE  antibody response. This is the most well known type with watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, skin reactions, shortness of breath and potentially anaphylaxis. Type 2 is an IgN and IgM antibody response. This leads to cell damage which could appear as headaches, mood swings, fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, asthma, skin problems, earaches, brain fog, and sinus issues. Type 3 is a complex reaction involving IgM, IgG, and sometimes IgA. Reactions can overlap with Type 2 sensitivities and food allergies can result in a Type 3 reaction. The last reaction type is the Type 4. This is a delayed hypersensitivity that involves a T-cell reaction and inflammatory cytokine release. This can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms can be skin rashes, poor lung function, and digestive disturbances.