Allergies: Causes and Symptoms
When it comes to feeling constantly unwell, allergies can be a major culprit. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless environmental triggers, resulting in a hypersensitive immune reaction. Examples of common allergies include pollen and food allergies. The symptoms of allergies vary depending on the type, but they often include congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and stomach pain or discomfort.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the body, leading to frequent and prolonged illnesses. The specific body parts affected by these diseases determine the symptoms experienced. Some autoimmune diseases, like type I diabetes, target specific organs, such as the pancreatic beta cells, which are incorrectly recognized as foreign by the body. On the other hand, there are systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus that can affect a wide range of healthy cells throughout the body.