Allergies

Content of This Page

1- Introduction

2- Causes

3- Symptoms

4- Types of Allergies

5- Treatment

6- What Should You Avoid

Introduction

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a substance, known as an allergen, which is usually harmless to most people. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, and pet dander. When someone with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their body releases chemicals like histamines, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, or more severe reactions like difficulty breathing. 

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Causes

  1. Genetics: If allergies run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them yourself.

  2. Environmental Exposure: Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or certain foods can trigger allergic reactions.

  3. Immune System Response: In individuals with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats and produces an exaggerated response.

  4. Hygiene Hypothesis: Some research suggests that less exposure to infections in early childhood may increase the likelihood of developing allergies. This theory proposes that a lack of exposure to certain germs and microbes can lead to an overactive immune system.

  5. Environmental Changes: Increased pollution and changes in climate can also contribute to the rise in allergies.

Symptoms

  • Sneezing: Often triggered by airborne allergens like pollen or dust.
  • Runny or Stuffy Nose: Allergic rhinitis causes nasal congestion and a runny nose.
  • Itchy or Watery Eyes: Known as allergic conjunctivitis, this affects the eyes and can cause redness and irritation.
  • Hives: Raised, itchy welts on the skin that can vary in size.
  • Itchy Skin: General itchiness or eczema flare-ups.
  • Coughing: Often due to mucus dripping down the throat or irritation in the airways.
  • Wheezing or Shortness of Breath: Can occur with respiratory allergies or asthma.
  • Swelling: In more severe cases, allergies can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, which can be dangerous.
© image from www.researchgate.net

Types of Allergies

  1. Respiratory Allergies:

    • Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Triggered by pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
    • Allergic Asthma: Involves symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing triggered by allergens.

  2. Skin Allergies:

    • Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often triggered by allergens like certain foods or irritants.
    • Contact Dermatitis: Caused by direct contact with allergens or irritants, such as certain metals, plants, or chemicals.

  3. Food Allergies:

    • Common Allergens: Includes peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
    • Symptoms: Can range from mild (itching or hives) to severe (anaphylaxis).

  4. Drug Allergies:

    • Medications: Reactions to antibiotics, pain relievers, or other drugs. Symptoms can include rashes, itching, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

  5. Insect Allergies:

    • Bee Stings or Other Insects: Reactions to venom from insect stings or bites. Can cause localized swelling or severe systemic reactions.

  6. Latex Allergies:

    • Latex Products: Reactions to latex found in gloves, balloons, or other products, ranging from skin irritation to more severe reactions.

Treatment

  1. Avoidance:

    • Allergen Avoidance: The most effective way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid contact with known allergens. For instance, if you’re allergic to pollen, try to stay indoors on high pollen days.

  2. Medications:

    • Antihistamines: Help relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
    • Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion.
    • Corticosteroids: Used in nasal sprays or creams to reduce inflammation and control severe symptoms.
    • Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Help manage symptoms of allergic asthma and rhinitis.

  3. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy):

    • Allergy Shots: Involve regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build tolerance over time. Effective for long-term relief of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and stinging insect allergies.

  4. Emergency Treatment:

    • Epinephrine: For severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), an injection of epinephrine can quickly counteract symptoms. People with severe allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen).

  5. Lifestyle and Home Remedies:

    • Allergy-Proofing: Use air purifiers, keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, wash bedding in hot water, and use hypoallergenic pillows and mattress covers.
    • Saline Nasal Rinses: Help clear allergens from nasal passages.

  6. Dietary Management:

    • Food Allergies: Avoiding allergenic foods and reading labels carefully. In some cases, an allergist may recommend an oral immunotherapy regimen to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.
 

What Should You Avoid

  • Pollen
  • Dust Mites
  • Mold
  • Pet Dander
  • Fragrances
  • Harsh Chemicals
  • Certain Fabrics
  • Specific Foods
  • Allergenic Medications
  • Insect Stings/Bites
  • Latex Products
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