General Information:

Difference Between Allergy Sensitivities and Chemical Sensitivities 

Here is one of the many areas where we must wait for further medical research. Initially, the researchers believed Chemical Sensitivity was an Allergic response to chemicals. For example, if you are exposed to pollen and your sinuses fill up and you begin to sneeze, you are probably allergic to pollen. If you are exposed to perfume, and you have difficulty breathing, you might assume you are allergic to perfume. Lately, the researchers have come to believe that Allergy Sensitivities and Chemical Sensitivities are not the same thing.  

In both Allergy Sensitivities and Chemical Sensitivities there is the similar experience of being exposed to something and having a reaction. The difference is the cause of the reaction. One is an allergic reaction; the other is a toxic chemical reaction.

Allergic reactions are the result of a chemical exposure stimulating the immune system to release natural chemicals. These natural chemicals are directly responsible for the effects experienced. However, a toxic chemical reaction is directly the result of the toxic chemical acting on the cells of the body.  

Consequently, we can summarize the difference between an allergic reaction and a toxic chemical reaction this way:

• In an allergy reaction, the chemical exposure just acts as a trigger. It is not the bullet.

•  In a toxic chemical reaction, the chemical exposure is the bullet.

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