Why do allergies occur in some people and not in others?
January 30, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Heike Strauss and I am reaching out to you because I have been struggling with allergies for some time now and I simply do not understand why they occur in some people and not in others. My allergy manifests mainly through constant sneezing, red and itchy eyes, as well as skin rashes, especially during pollen season. I have tried various medications, but they have not been able to help me effectively so far.
I wonder why I am the one suffering from these symptoms, while other people in my environment go through the pollen season completely carefree. Is it due to my genetic predisposition, my lifestyle, or are there other factors that could play a role? I am worried that my allergies could worsen further and that I will have more and more limitations in my daily life.
Can you please explain to me why allergies occur in some people and not in others? Are there ways to alleviate or even eliminate my allergy symptoms in the long term? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and recommendations to finally find a solution for my complaints.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Heike Strauss
Dear Heike Strauss,
Thank you for your message and your trust in our online consultation. I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering from allergies for some time and have not yet found the desired relief. You are right, allergies can be very burdensome and greatly affect daily life. I would be happy to answer your questions in detail.
Why some people suffer from allergies while others are spared is a complex question that has not been fully answered to this day. There are various factors that may play a role. On the one hand, genetic predisposition may play a role. If there are already allergy sufferers in your family, there is a higher likelihood that you may also suffer from allergies. Environmental factors such as air pollution, dietary habits, and lifestyle can also influence the development of allergies.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts overly sensitive to normally harmless substances such as pollen, animal dander, or dust mites. This leads to a misguided immune system reaction, where antibodies are formed, which then trigger an allergic reaction upon re-exposure to the allergen. In your case, this reaction manifests through typical symptoms such as sneezing, red and itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
To alleviate or eliminate your allergy symptoms in the long term, it is important to identify the causes of your allergy. This can be done through various diagnostic procedures such as allergy tests, blood tests, or keeping a diary in which you record your symptoms and possible triggers. Once the triggers of your allergy are known, a targeted therapy can be implemented. This may consist of a combination of medications, allergen avoidance, and possibly immunotherapy.
It is important that you regularly consult with an allergist to find an individualized therapy for your allergies. A good collaboration between you and your doctor is crucial for the success of the treatment. Therefore, do not hesitate to see a specialist to investigate the cause of your symptoms and find a suitable therapy.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and bring you closer to your goal of alleviating your allergy symptoms in the long term. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Petra Netz
