Allergy attacks when you least expect it. Imagine having a very important interview and you cant answer properly because of the sneezing and wheezing. Isn’t it too uncomfortable? If you have already been subjected to allergy testing and know your particular allergies, you should be extra careful because allergy can attack in the most mysterious ways.

There are various allergens all around us. It pays off to be careful and prepared. Other than carefulness and preparation, knowledge is essential. Here are some facts about allergy that will help you prepare for the unexpected allergy attack:

Stuffed toys are usually not the culprit for allergy. A lot of people throw their stuffed toys thinking that the only allergen is the kapok used to stuff the toys. Unsuspectingly, the allergen can just be the dust mites. So washing can save the stuffed toys from being put into trash.

Some people are surprised to have allergic reactions even if their allergen is nowhere to be seen. For instance, some people are allergic to pet dander so they don’t have any pet at home but still they get the allergic reaction. Pet dander can be left on clothes and other things. For instance, a person with pet can have dander on his clothes and he can transfer it wherever he sits or lie down. So don’t be surprised if you get sudden allergic reaction even if you don’t have a pet or you have visited a place with no pet at all.

Always be ready with anti-allergy remedies. You never know when allergy will hit you. Even in your least expected moment, you may encounter an invisible allergen that will trigger allergic reaction on your part.

Be tested for allergies. Have yourself subjected to allergy testing. Through allergy testing, you will be able to particularly identify which type of allergens affect you. As much as possible, do everything you can to avoid these allergens. Know what you have to do to relieve the allergic reactions because as mentioned above, allergies attack when you least expect it. Know first aid treatment for your allergy. This way, you will not panic if ever that sudden allergy attacks.

Allergens are basically everywhere. Sometimes even if you avoid it, they find you instead. It is best to be ready at all times. Knowledge and readiness are the keys to successfully deal with sudden allergy attacks.

Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals. Many people think that pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals’ skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself. Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Cats may be more likely than dogs to cause allergic reactions because they lick themselves more and may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans.

Some rodents, such as guinea pigs and gerbils, have become increasingly popular as household pets. They, too, can cause allergic reactions in some people, as can mice and rats. Urine is the major source of allergens from these animals.

Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore, it is wise for people with an animal allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets had lived previously on the premises

White blood cell: One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections. There are several types of white blood cells (leukocytes). The two most common types are the lymphocytes and neutrophils (also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs, or “polys”).

Lymphocytes are made in lymphoid tissue in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus gland. There are different kinds of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes identify foreign substances from germs (bacteria or viruses) in the body and produce antibodies and cells that specifically target them. It takes from several days to weeks for lymphocytes to recognize and attack a new foreign substance.

Neutrophils are also major players in the body’s defense against bacterial infections. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. Neutrophils move out of the blood vessels into the infected tissue to attack the bacteria. The pus in a boil (an abscess) is made up largely of neutrophils. Normally a serious bacterial infection causes the body to produce an increased number of neutrophils, resulting in a higher than normal white blood cell count (WBC). When the WBC is low, there may not be enough neutrophils to defend against bacterial infections.

The white blood cell count is done by counting the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. A normal WBC is in the range of 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter. A low WBC is called leukopenia. A high WBC is termed leukocytosis.

A normal absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is in the range of 1,500 to 8,000 cells per microliter. If the ANC is below 500 for an extended period of time, the risk of serious bacterial infection may increase significantly. A low neutrophil count is called neutropenia.

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness, and runny nose. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.

A variety of tests now exist to diagnose allergic conditions; these include testing the skin for responses to known allergens or analyzing the blood for the presence and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Treatments for allergies include allergen avoidance, use of anti-histamines, steroids or other oral medications, immunotherapy to desensitize the response to allergen, and targeted therapy.

An allergic reaction may occur in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs - places where immune system cells are located to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin. Reactions may result in the following:

* rhinitis - nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, nasal discharge, itching in ears or roof of mouth.
* allergic conjunctivitis - red, itchy, watery eyes.
* atopic dermatitis - red, itchy, dry skin.
* urticaria - hives or itchy welts.
* contact dermatitis - itchy rash.
* asthma - airway problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing.

The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from person to person.

Who is affected by allergies?

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. Generally, allergies are more common in children, however, a first-time occurrence can happen at any age, or recur after many years of remission.

There is a tendency for allergies to occur in families, although the exact genetic factors that cause it are not yet understood. Often, the symptoms of allergies develop gradually over a period of time.

Allergy sufferers may become so accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or wheezing, that they do not consider their symptoms to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist, these symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled and quality of life greatly improved.