Everyone has cells called Mast Cells. These cells are made from our bone marrow and only mature once they attach to our tissues. The connective tissues they connect to are all portals to the 'outside' of our bodies, such as our lungs, stomach, skin, nose, etc.. They are very active in controlling infections, and there is some information which states that in the 'days of yore' they were used to fight off parasites, such as tapeworms.
The 'downside' to mast cells is that they also have numerous receptors for a globulin produced by our bodies called IgE. Once IgE has attached itself to our Mast cells, they are released as a result of a perceived attack by an allergen in our body. No one knows why the body feels it is being attacked by harmless substances, but much research is currently underway to discover the reason.
When IgE is released, many other substances, primarly histamines are released into the body, which causes the allergic symptoms. If symptoms occur, and they do, when IgE is not released into the blood stream, then a true allergy has not occurred. Sometimes, the alleged allergic symptoms are due to protein complements released by the mast cells, or at times, our body has a intolerance due to a lack of a particular enzyme in our body.
It is important to differentiate whether an allergy exists, or a 'pseudo-allergy' exists prior to any treatment. A doctor should be a significant partner in this determination, as treatment is different depending upon the diagnosis.
For more information, please refer to the Online Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
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