Imagine it’s a lovely spring morning. You step outside, take a deep breath, and suddenly you start sneezing, your nose runs, and your throat feels itchy. If this has happened to you, you might wonder: why do we get allergies? Let’s dive into the world of allergies and find out why these reactions happen.
Allergies happen when our immune system reacts to things that are usually harmless, like pollen, pet hair, milk, or peanuts. These things are called allergens. Our immune system is supposed to protect us from harmful things like germs, but sometimes it gets confused and thinks these harmless things are dangerous, causing an allergic reaction.
When an allergen enters your body, either by eating or breathing it in, your immune system thinks it’s a bad germ. It sends out special cells called white blood cells to fight it. These cells release antibodies, which then cause chemicals like histamine to be released into your blood. This is what makes you sneeze, feel stuffy, or have itchy skin.
Not everyone gets allergies, and here are some reasons why:
Sometimes, allergies can be really serious. They can cause a reaction called anaphylaxis, which can make you swell up, have low blood pressure, trouble breathing, and feel very itchy. If this happens, it’s important to get medical help right away.
Most people know about common allergies, but some are quite rare and surprising. For example, some people have a water allergy called aquagenic urticaria, which causes itchy rashes when they touch water. Others might be allergic to handling money or even exercising!
Allergies can make life tricky, but knowing why they happen and what symptoms to look out for can help you manage them. If you think you have allergies, talk to a doctor for advice and support.
What is another name for aquagenic urticaria? Share your answer in the comments below!
Stay informed and take care of your health. Until next time!
Allergy Detective: Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or garden to find things that might cause allergies, like dust, pollen, or pet hair. Make a list of these items and discuss with a family member or friend why they might cause allergies. Try to think of ways to reduce exposure to these allergens in your daily life.
Immune System Role Play: Gather some friends or family members and act out how the immune system responds to allergens. One person can be the allergen, another the immune system, and others can be white blood cells and antibodies. Use props like scarves or hats to represent different roles. Discuss how the immune system sometimes gets confused and reacts to harmless things.
Allergy Experiment: With the help of an adult, conduct a simple experiment to see how your body reacts to different substances. Use a small piece of tape to stick a bit of pollen, dust, or pet hair on your arm. Observe if there is any reaction like redness or itching. Remember to wash the area afterward and discuss why some people might react differently to these substances.
