What happens when you are<unk> c? - analytical chemist Georgina Ross (Wageningen University & Research)<unk> es, also known as<unk> c diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food<unk> es, atopic dermatitis,<unk> c asthma, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, or swelling. Food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions. Common<unk> ns include pollen and certain foods. Metals and other substances may also cause such problems. Food, insect stings, and medications are common causes of severe reactions. Their development is due to both genetic and environmental factors. The underlying mechanism involves immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE), part of the body's immune system, binding to an<unk> n and then to a receptor on mast cells or basophils where it triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine. Diagnosis is typically based on a person's medical history. Further testing of the skin or blood may be useful in certain cases. Positive tests, however, may not mean there is a significant<unk>  to the substance in question. Early exposure to potential<unk> ns may be protective. Treatments for<unk> es include avoidance of known<unk> ns and the use of medications such as steroids and antihistamines. In severe reactions, injectable adrenaline (epinephrine) is recommended.<unk> n immunotherapy, which gradually exposes people to larger and larger amounts of<unk> n, is useful for some types of<unk> es such as hay fever and reactions to insect bites. Its use in food<unk> es is unclear.<unk> es are common. In the developed world, about 20% of people are affected by<unk> c rhinitis, about 6% of people have at least one food<unk> , and about 20% have atopic dermatitis at some point in time. Depending on the country about 1–18% of people have asthma. Anaphylaxis occurs in between 0.05–2% of people. Rates of many<unk> c diseases appear to be increasing. The word<unk> " was first used by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906.
Allergy
Foodborne illness
Hypersensitivity
Food intolerance
Alloimmunity
Bronchiolitis
Pseudoallergy
Scombroid food poisoning