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| + | An '''allergy''' is a [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivity disorder]] of the [[immune system]].<ref>{{DorlandsDict|one/000002984|allergy}}</ref> Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the [[Natural environment|environment]]. A substance that causes a reaction is called an [[allergen]]. These reactions are [[Acquired disorder|acquired]], predictable, and rapid. Allergy is one of four forms of [[hypersensitivity]] and is formally called ''[[Type I hypersensitivity|type I]]'' (or ''immediate'') hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain [[white blood cell]]s called [[mast cell]]s and [[basophil granulocyte|basophils]] by a type of [[antibody]] called [[Immunoglobulin E]] (IgE). This reaction results in an [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous. |
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| + | Mild allergies like [[hay fever]] are very common in the human [[population]] and cause [[symptom]]s such as [[allergic conjunctivitis|red eyes]], itchiness, and [[rhinorrhea|runny nose]], [[eczema]], [[urticaria|hives]], or an [[asthma]] attack. 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 reactions called [[anaphylaxis]]. [[food allergy|Food allergies]], and reactions to the [[venom]] of stinging [[insect]]s such as [[wasp]]s and [[bee]]s are often associated with these severe reactions.<ref name="Overview of 'allergy and allergic diseases: with a view to the future'"/> |
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| + | Psychologists are interested in the degree to which these disorders are caused, or made worse by [[factors]] of psychological interest and also the psychological effects of having the disorders. |
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| + | ==List of allergies of interest== |
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| + | **[[Dermatitis]] |
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| + | **[[Eczema]] |
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| + | **[[Neurodermatitis]] |
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*[[Hay Fever]] |
*[[Hay Fever]] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Drug allergies]] |
*[[Drug allergies]] |
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*[[Immunological disorders]] |
*[[Immunological disorders]] |
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*[[Food allergies]] |
*[[Food allergies]] |
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==References & Bibliography== |
==References & Bibliography== |
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[[Category:Psychosomatic disorders]] |
[[Category:Psychosomatic disorders]] |
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[[Category:Immunological disorders]] |
[[Category:Immunological disorders]] |
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An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.[1] Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is formally called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This reaction results in an inflammatory response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.
Mild allergies like hay fever are very common in the human population and cause symptoms such as red eyes, itchiness, and runny nose, eczema, hives, or an asthma attack. 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 reactions called anaphylaxis. Food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are often associated with these severe reactions.[2]
Psychologists are interested in the degree to which these disorders are caused, or made worse by factors of psychological interest and also the psychological effects of having the disorders.
List of allergies of interest
See also