Allergy Immunoassay Brief

Allergies are a number of conditions that are caused by hypersensitivity to a substance in the environment. Allergies can run the gamut of seasonal nuisances to life-threatening ordeals. Allergy statistics show that these conditions are constantly present in lives and are not going away.

Factors contributing to allergies worldwide include:

• Environmental pollution
• Changing lifestyles and dietary patterns
• Indoor pollution

An individual who is overly reactive to an antigen that is tolerated by most others is said to be hypersensitive (allergic).  Whenever and allergic reaction occurs, there is tissue injury.  The antigens that induce an allergic reaction are called allergens. Common allergens include certain foods (milk, peanuts, shellfish, eggs, etc.), antibiotics (penicillin, tetracycline), vitamins (thiamine, folic acid), drugs (insulin, ACTH, estradiol), vaccines (pertussis, typhoid), venoms (honeybee, wasp, snake), cosmetics, chemicals in plants (poison ivy, pollens, dust molds), iodine-containing dyes used in certain x-ray procedures, and even microbes.

In recent years there has been an increase in demand for technologically advanced products and rapid detection of allergens. Food allergies can trigger swelling, hives, nausea, fatigue, and more. It may take a while for a person to realize that they have a food allergy. Seasonal allergies (typically referred to as hay fever) can mimic those of a cold including congestion, runny nose and swollen eyes. Severe allergies can cause anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to breathing difficulties, lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.