What is an allergy?

Here is a brief explanation of what happens to your body when you're affected by an allergen.

At US Air Purifiers Direct 2U, we have a lot of conversations about the negative ways allergies affect peoples lives and what can be done to lessen symptoms . Often, our talks surround allergies that are exacerbated by airborne irritants and how we can provide the best air purifier for allergies according to a client’s specific needs. A lot of these discussions rest on the foundation of what an allergy actually is which isn’t common knowledge.

Simply stated, an allergy is just an unusual response by the human immune system to a typically harmless substance. With airborne allergies, these substances are most commonly animal dander, pollen and mold, which are known as allergens.

Once a person has been exposed to an allergen, either by inhaling it, swallowing it or making physical contact through their skin, the human body begins producing an antibody called IgE which binds with the allergen. The antibodies then latch on to a blood cell called a mast cell which can be found in the intestines and airways. It is the presence of the mast cells, which release histamines during inflammations and allergic reactions, in the airways and gastrointestinal tract which makes people more susceptible to allergen exposure.

Once the allergens bind to the IgE which subsequently connects to the mast cell, histamines along with other chemicals are released into the blood stream and results in an allergic reaction like a runny nose or sneeze. The most common method used to learn if you have an allergy is through a skin test conducted by a doctor.

If you have concerns about allergies affecting your life at home or the office, US Air Purifiers Direct 2U definitely can help you find the best product at the best price. Contact us today!Â