Allergy Q & A

written by Mark Sneller, PhD |

Q. What is an allergen ?

A. An allergen is a substance that causes the production of a certain class of antibodies that can lead to an allergic reaction . There are a lot of things we know today about what it takes to make an allergen that we didn’t know a few years ago. For example, every single protein has the ability to become an allergen .

Q. What is an antigen ?

A. Antigens are chemical structures that can change a chemical substance such as a protein into an allergen . Thanks to the antigen , this allergen can elicit an allergic reaction. One way to remember it is that an allergen generates allergies and antigens generate antibodies. Occasionally, the terms will be used interchangeably, e.g., the chapter on Cats.

Q. What does sensitization to allergens mean?

A. To become sensitized means that the immune response becomes primed to an allergen (s); that is, it becomes exposed for the first time. It is the first step in an allergic attack and often occurs during infancy, when the immune system is not fully developed. One can still become sensitized at any time in life. Also, some chemicals such as formaldehyde may not be harmful other than being irritants. However, they can act as a priming agent and sensitize the body to react to allergens.

Q. Suppose we are exposed to several allergens such as pollen, mold,cat allergen and latex. Are we more sensitive to allergens in general now that we have been exposed to more than one?

A. Yes. The more negative factors that are involved, then the more sensitive we become. Negative factors include: more frequent and longer exposure to antigens, fatigue, heredity, and weakened immune response.

The immune response can be weakened by a number of factors such as illness, depression, stress, poor nutrition and exposure to pesticides, steroids, and chemotherapy.

The type of allergen is important. For example, many powerful allergens from certain pollen grains are released very quickly in the body; other weaker allergens are released more slowly. Those that are released more quickly can cause a rapid response by the immune system.

Q. What is a cross-reaction?

A. A cross-reaction occurs when antigens from different substances have a chemical structure that is similar. They share common antigens. For example, if you are allergic to birch pollen you can also react to latex^1,2, banana andavocado. If you are sensitized to proteins found in certain pollen types, this could be a major reason for development of food allergies associated with vegetables.

Q. How does air pollution affect the allergic response?

A. Ozone and sulfur dioxide are two pollutants associated with automobile exhaust. Latex is a pollutant associated with rubber tires (and thousands of household products , as well). The first two enhance your sensitivity to allergens in general. Antigens found in latex are found in many foods and pollen types.

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