How Do Allergies Effect The Lymph System?

In some cases, the body’s immune system, which comprises the lymphatic system, can overact to certain allergens such as pollen, certain medicines/chemicals, and even certain foods. When the body notices an allergen for the first time, it normally produces the necessary antibodies including IgE antibodies and B memory cells to fight it.

However, when the same allergen appears again, the body is likely to respond by releasing excess antibodies to fight it, especially the IgE antibodies that attach themselves to mast cells and trigger the production and release of histamine, which eventually causes inflammation in certain parts of the body.

It is probably important to note that for some people, the release of histamine and its subsequent inflammatory action can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.

Allergies compromise the lymph system in the following ways:

1. Limit the ability of the lymph system to collect and transport tissue fluids from various body tissues to the blood stream.
2. Affect the supply of plasma proteins to the bloodstream.
3. Interfere with the manufacture of vital antibodies in the lymph system, and consequently affects the effectiveness of the entire immune system.
4. Affect the transportation of digested fats to the blood stream.
5. Compromises the ability of the lymphatic system to put up an effective defense against infections and harmful micro-organisms in the body.

It is important to establish which foods and substances you are allergic to and avoid them in order to avoid compromising your immune system. Some of the common symptoms of allergic reactions that you should look out for include wheezing, running nose and itchiness in the eyes. However, symptoms of allergic reactions may vary depending on various factors including the particular allergen, the quantity of the allergen ingested or inhaled and how the immune system reacts to the allergen.

Although allergies are more common in children, adults too are susceptible to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to be aware of allergies that run in your family and take precautionary measures to avoid compromising the ability of your immune system to function effectively development of allergies.

• What Is Lymph Drainage Therapy?
• Why Would A Lymph Node Be Painful?

• Allergies and the Immune System – Wexner Medical Center
• LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND IMMUNITY – maricopa.edu
• Allergies and Immune System – Discovery Health

Once you establish that you are allergic to certain substances, you should avoid such substances in order to protect your overall health. In case you have a history of life threatening reactions to allergens such as anaphylactic shock, ensure you see a doctor immediately if you ingest or inhale an allergen.