Episode 1: Introduction to Allergology

Approximately 30-40% of the world’s population suffers from at least one or two allergies. But what exactly are allergies, and how do they affect us?

Chances are, you have heard someone say, “I caught a cold" or “They gave me the flu.” Although we do not literally catch or hand off sicknesses, there is a meaning behind these common phrases. Many illnesses are caused when a foreign substance, such as a bacterium or a virus, enters the body. In order to fend off diseases, the immune system, which is the body’s natural protective agent against disease, creates protective proteins called antibodies that attack harmful intruders, or pathogens. 

Following a similar process, an allergic reaction closely resembles a sickness. However, in the case of an allergy, the “harmful intruders” are not intrinsically harmful; the immune system simply mislabels them as such. These friendly foes are known as allergens. Allergens come in many different forms. Some are noticeable and can be avoided while others are more subtle, inescapable components of one’s environment. When an allergic person has the misfortune of ingesting an allergen, the immune system—overreacting—rushes to the offensive. Inflammation irritates the skin, causes havoc in sinuses, blocks airways, and plagues the digestive system. Although the immune system ultimately means well, it does make mistakes, which has all to do with the topic of this series. In the subsequent articles, we will cover the microscopic workings of the immune system, the different types of allergies, treatment pathways, and the lives of allergy specialists. Furthermore, I will be sharing some of my own personal struggles with my allergens as well as my thoughts on why the field of allergology is so important. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!