Allergic and Hypersensitivity Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and What Helps

Allergic reactions present in various forms depending on the organs involved and associated symptoms. They share a common cause: a dysfunctional immune system, which should be the main focus of treatment.

ALLERGY

Sheryl Aguelo

9/14/20261 min read

Allergy is a type 1, or immediate, hypersensitivity reaction. Hypersensitivity describes harmful or undesirable responses from a normal immune system. These reactions require prior sensitization and often result from factors such as bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis. There are five types of hypersensitivity:

Type 1 includes allergies such as atopy and asthma. Type 2 involves cytotoxic reactions, for example, erythroblastosis fetalis. Type 3 covers immune complex diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Type 4 is delayed-type hypersensitivity, as seen in contact dermatitis. Type 5, distinct from type 2, is exemplified by Graves' disease. Allergies involve activation of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Common symptoms include nasal mucosal swelling, allergic sinusitis, eye redness, bronchoconstriction, impaired hearing, rashes, and abdominal disturbances.

Allergy skin testing identifies allergens by assessing allergen-specific IgE antibodies. This method is preferred over blood tests because it offers greater sensitivity, specificity, ease of use, and lower cost. Clinicians apply small amounts of suspected allergens to marked skin sites; if the patient is allergic, a visible inflammatory reaction usually appears within 30 minutes. Blood tests can also detect allergies by measuring total IgE levels in the patient's serum.

From a holistic functional medicine perspective, certain herbs and nutrients support immune function and help prevent allergic reactions, though evidence for preventing anaphylaxis is lacking. These include quercetin, vitamin C, and zinc. Beneficial herbs include Alpinia galanga, ashwagandha, Chinese skullcap, licorice, and stinging nettle.

Although hypersensitivities vary, effective treatment requires addressing the underlying dysfunctional immune system. A healthy immune system removes foreign substances without symptoms, while dysfunction can cause exaggerated reactions to both harmful and harmless substances. Dr. Alex Vasquez discusses this in his functional medicine books, emphasizing the role of nutrients such as NAC (N-acetylcysteine), lipoic acid, and Coenzyme Q10 in modulating the immune system. Immune dysfunction often results from factors like dysbiosis, bacterial overgrowth, toxin accumulation, and nutritional deficiencies over time.

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