One of the more common isallergies.

The release of histamine can also spur a reaction in the lungs, leading to anasthma attack.

What Are Allergies?

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An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance known as anallergen.

However, with allergies, the immune response is inappropriate.

At the same time, histamine overexcites nerves in the skin and mucus membranes, causingitchinessand sneezing.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is thought to be sparked by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens.

When an allergen triggers asthma symptoms, it is referred to as either allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma.

During an allergic reaction, the immune system will release proteins calledantibodiesthat set off a chain reaction of events.

The released histamines and other inflammatory chemicals then bind to receptors on cells.

The severity of an asthma attack generally corresponds to the concentration of eosinophils in the airways.

Leukotriene-modifying drugs like Singulair (montelukast) may also help control or prevent symptoms of asthma triggered by allergies.

Allergic asthma attacks are treated with rescue inhalers containing albuterol.

If you suspect you have allergic asthma,allergy testscan be performed by a specialist known as anallergist.

Histamine intoleranceis the buildup of histamine in the body that cannot be broken down in the intestines.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

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