Inflammation and allergy are 2 types of immunological responses caused by different triggers in the human body. Each allergic reaction causes inflammation.
However, not every inflammatory reaction is caused by an allergy. Furthermore, whereas inflammation does not need a genetic predisposition, allergy does.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to danger.
To activate additional inflammatory cells, the immune system sends out early responses called cytokines.
Inflammation is classified into two types: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a quick response to harm, such as a cut finger, but chronic inflammation occurs even when there is no external risk, like in rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical exams, X-rays, and blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can all be used to identify inflammation (ESR).
An allergy is a unique immunological response to a chemical invader, which is generally a protein or peptide.
This reaction needs a genetic predisposition; that is, only those who express certain proteins are allergic to certain types of chemical exposure.
Sneezing, itching of the nose, eyes, and roofs of the mouth, watery, red, and swollen eyes, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, hives, anaphylaxis, rashes, cough, chest pains, short breath, and wheezing are all indications of an allergic response.
Allergen avoidance, medicines (antihistamines), immunotherapy, and emergency epinephrine are also therapeutic options for allergies.
Although every allergy causes inflammation, not every inflammatory reaction is caused by an allergy.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Allergy | Inflammation |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic predisposition | Need genetic predisposition | Do not need a genetic predisposition |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, itching, swollen eyes, etc. | Flushed skin, pain, swelling |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, skin test, blood test | x-ray, blood test |
| treatment | Allergen avoidance, medications | Medicines, home remedies |
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What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to danger. It is the process through which the immune system mobilizes its resources—for example, cells, tiny peptides are known as cytokines, hormones, and so on—to combat an intruder such as bacteria, radiation, or a toxin.
To activate additional inflammatory cells, the immune system sends out early responses called cytokines. Later, the cells initiate an inflammatory response to capture invading substances or to begin repairing wounded tissue.
Inflammation is classified into two types: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is a quick response to harm, such as a cut finger, but chronic inflammation occurs even when there is no external risk, like in rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical exams, X-rays, and blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can all be used to identify inflammation (ESR).
What is Allergy?
An allergy is a unique immunological response to a chemical invader, which is generally a protein or peptide. This reaction needs a genetic predisposition; that is, only those who express certain proteins are allergic to certain types of chemical exposure.
Sneezing, itching of the nose, eyes, and roofs of the mouth, watery, red, and swollen eyes, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, hives, anaphylaxis, rashes, cough, chest pains, short breath, and wheezing are all indications of an allergic response.
Physical examination, skin test, and blood tests such as IgE testing, radioallergosorbent test (RAST), or immunoCAP test can be used to identify allergies. Allergen avoidance, medicines (antihistamines), immunotherapy, and emergency epinephrine are also therapeutic options for allergies.
Although every allergy causes inflammation, not every inflammatory reaction is caused by an allergy. Inflammation can also be caused by an irritant, which does not need a genetic predisposition and affects the whole population, or by hazardous bacteria; in this instance, the condition is known as an infection.
Main Differences Between Allergy and Inflammation
- There is a need for genetic predisposition for allergy however inflammation does not require one
- Symptoms of an allergy include sneezing, itching of body parts, and swollen eyes whereas inflammation causes flushed skin, pain, and swelling
- Allergy can be diagnosed through physical examination, skin test, and blood test. We can diagnose inflammation by x-ray and blood tests
- Treatment of allergies can be done through allergens avoidance and medication while inflammation should be treated through medicines and home remedies
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- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00534.x?casa_token=rNza803YYXsAAAAA:xzELc45T0ssYxcxZP3668x6tNs56UKLJsQJLcF_ifMokCvPfJBTH7mVM-y11fAd6mRrSzVEiTedgXLjD_Q
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
