Allergies are complex conditions influenced by a network of genetic, environmental, immune, lifestyle and psychological factors.
Allergies affect millions of people around the world , and come in many forms, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, and allergic reactions to medications or environmental substances. It is important to seek allergy relief to manage these symptoms.
While the specific triggers can vary widely, the underlying factors that influence them are interconnected through genetics, environmental exposures, immune system function, lifestyle, and psychological factors.
Genetics
Genetics play a crucial role in determining who develops allergies. Research shows that if one parent has allergies, their child is significantly more likely to have allergies, and this likelihood increases further if both parents have allergies. There is a complex association between specific genes and the likelihood of developing conditions such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever. While genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of allergies, it does set the stage for possible allergic responses and the search for allergy relief.
Environmental exposure
The environment is full of allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites.
Global warming, combined with local phenomena such as urban development that causes buildings and infrastructure to retain and release solar heat, has a direct impact on the timing of flowering, thus altering the usual rhythm of the seasons. This can cause pollen, traditionally present in spring, to begin to spread in the air already at the end of winter. As a result, the seasons dedicated to pollination can extend or reduce, causing allergic reactions even in atypical periods.
Climate change also affects the amount of vegetation and pollen production, as well as the length of pollen seasons, intensifying exposure to pollen and, therefore, increasing the risk of developing allergies.
Immune system dysregulation
The main role of the immune system is to defend the body from pathogens. However, in people with allergies, this system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats, triggering an overreaction. This dysregulation may be due to genetic factors, early exposure to allergens, or even a lack of exposure to microbial environments (the “hygiene hypothesis”), which suggests that excessively sterile environments can suppress the normal development of the immune system.
Regarding this last theory, it should be noted that although early exposure to microorganisms may have an impact on the formation of the immune system, there is still no concrete evidence to suggest that exposing children to germs is an effective method of preventing allergies or autoimmune diseases.
It is crucial to find a balance between maintaining a sufficient level of hygiene to avoid infections and allowing some contact with microorganisms that could positively impact the development of the immune system.
Lifestyle
Diet, smoking, exercise, and exposure to irritants significantly affect the functioning of the immune system and its ability to handle allergens. For example, a diet low in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can exacerbate inflammatory responses. Similarly, smoking impairs respiratory function and can aggravate allergic conditions. Both active and passive smoking increase the risk and severity of asthma, which often coexists with other allergies. It is therefore important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to seek relief from allergies.
Psychological and emotional factors
Stress and emotional well-being are key to managing allergies . Stress can cause hormonal changes, triggering inflammatory processes and compromising the immune response. Its chronic effect can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to allergic reactions and worsening symptoms. This creates a cycle in which stress and allergies reinforce each other.
Taking a holistic approach to managing these factors can help reduce the impact of allergies and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from them, making it easier to find relief from allergies.
