Amyloidosis is a rare disorder that happens when proteins in your body change or mutate, becoming twisted clumps of misshapen proteins that gather on your organs and tissues. Amyloidosis can be widespread (systemic) or localized to one area. Systemic is the most common form of amyloidosis, affecting organs and multiple tissues. In some instances, systemic amyloidosis may cause life-threatening organ …

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a disorder marked by blood vessel inflammation. This inflammation can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues, sometimes permanently damaging them. This condition is also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Adult-onset asthma is the most common sign of Churg-Strauss syndrome. The disorder can also cause other problems, such as nasal allergies, sinus problems, rash, gastrointestinal …

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious and unusual food allergy to red (mammalian) meat. It occurs in people who have been bitten by certain types of ticks, usually if they’ve been bitten more than once. Ticks are mite-like parasites that feed on blood. The saliva of some ticks contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (α-Gal). When alpha-gal enters the bloodstream, it can …

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Despite being called hay fever, hay doesn’t cause hay fever and most people don’t get a fever. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, nasal congestion and irritation …

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the nerve cells (neurons) in your brain and spinal cord. It targets your motor neurons. These regulate voluntary muscle movements (like the ones you use to talk, chew and move your arms and legs) and breathing. Your neurons communicate with your muscles to tell them to move. ALS disrupts the communication, like bad phone reception. The …

Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign protein. Usually, these proteins (allergens) are harmless. However, if you have an allergy to a particular protein, your body’s defense system (immune system) overreacts to its presence in your body. What is an allergic reaction? An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen. If you have allergies, the …

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after tooth extraction. When your dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket (a hole in the bone where your tooth was). Dry socket happens when that blood clot dislodges (moves) or doesn’t form at all. Without the clot, your bone and nerves become exposed, leading to pain and slower healing. How common is dry …

A dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged relatives of spiders. They’re too small to see with your eyes. An allergic reaction is your body’s response to an allergen. Dust mites live on bedding, mattresses, carpets, curtains and upholstered (fabric). They feed on the dead skin cells that you and your pets …

An egg allergy is a common type of food allergy. Your immune system overreacts to proteins in eggs. Hen (chicken) eggs are the most common cause of an egg allergy. However, other animal eggs, including duck, turkey or quail, may cause your immune system to overreact. An egg allergy can be fatal. If you have severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling in your …