Allergy - the Term Explained in a Scientific Way

Introduction:

Allergic disorders are very common and are increasing worldwide. The term allergy is also very commonly used by doctors, patients, and the general population. However, the liberal use of the word allergy has created many misconceptions and confusion about allergies.

If one experiences exacerbation of asthma after exposure to cigarette smoke, one is not allergic to cigarette smoke and the immune system does not play an active role against smoke. Because cigarette smoke is not a harmless substance it rsens the allergy rather than causing it. Smoke, strong smells, air pollution, etc., can worsen asthma or respiratory allergies by causing irritation rather than causing the allergy itself.

If one develops itching and rash after consuming artificially flavored milk but has no problem drinking unflavored natural milk, then the reaction to the flavored milk is most likely due to the chemical properties of the added flavor or essence. Such a reaction is not a true allergy, and one's immune system is usually normal.

What Is the Definition of Allergy?

Allergy is an immunological disorder characterized by an abnormally exaggerated response by the immune system towards harmless substances, which usually contain proteins. Two things that have to be cleared up are:

1. An allergy is towards harmless substances, say milk, wheat, peanuts, house dust mites, molds, pollens, etc.

2. It is an immune reaction, and it has nothing to do with external things and conditions, but it is the immune system that is working abnormally.

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

Allergic reaction is the way our body reacts to the allergen. There is a chain of events that occurs during the allergic reaction. The first thing that happens after being exposed to a specific allergen is the production of IgE antibodies by our body. These antibodies detect the allergen and release the chemical histamine, and this chemical acts on the skin, eyes, nose, and different parts of the body to cause symptoms of allergies.

What Is Atopy?

The term "atopy" describes the inherited propensity to develop allergy conditions such as eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Increased immunological reactions to common allergens, particularly food and inhalation allergens, are often linked to atopy.

What Occurs in the Event of an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction happens when an individual who is allergic to a certain allergen comes into touch with it:

• An immune reaction is triggered by allergens, such as pollen when they come into contact with the body.

• The antibodies cling to the mast cells.

• The mast cells react by producing histamine when the pollen and antibodies come into contact.

• The inflammation that results (redness and swelling) when an allergen triggers the release of histamine is upsetting and uncomfortable.

What Are the Substances That Commonly Cause Allergies?

A substance that is responsible for the allergic reaction is called the allergen. Usually, many allergens are harmless to most people. The most common food allergens seen in susceptible people are the following:

• Fish.

• Soy.

• Milk and milk products.

• Peanuts.

• Wheat.

• Eggs, especially the whites.

• Crustacean shellfish.

Some of the other common allergens are:

• Latex.

• Plant pollen.

• Metals like cobalt, zinc, nickel.

• Pet furs.

• Cockroaches.

• Certain medications like Penicillin.Related Topics.

• Other household chemicals.

What Do Allergies Feel Like?

Inflammation and irritation are the first signs of an allergic reaction. However, the symptoms depend on the types of allergens causing it. Here are some of the symptoms of allergy.

Allergy to Food Substances:

• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and face.
• Rashes.
• Stomach cramps.
• Itchiness in the mouth.
• Shortness of breath.
• Tingling sensation in the mouth.
• Itchiness in the mouth.
• Shortness of breath.

Allergy to Dust and Pollen:

• Runny nose.
• Itchy nose.
• Blocked or congested nose.
• Swelling of the eyes.
• Watery eyes.

Allergic Reaction After Insect Stings:

• Swelling at the site of the sting.
• Itchy skin.
• Hives.
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness.
• Drop in the blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Cough.
• Wheezing.
• Restlessness.

Allergy to Medications:

• Wheezing.
• Rashes.
• Itchiness.
• Swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.

One of the severe forms of symptoms is anaphylaxis symptoms. Anaphylaxis is an emergency and a life-threatening condition. Some of the symptoms include:

• Wheezing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden fall in blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Changes in heart rate.
• Hives and flushing.

Can Children Have Allergies?

Allergic disorders in children include

• Allergic rhinitis.
• Allergic asthma.
• Allergic conjunctivitis.
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Food allergies.
• Allergic urticaria or angioedema.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Drug allergies.
• Latex allergy.
• Miscellaneous reasons.

How To Diagnose Allergy?

The different types of allergy tests are:

• Skin test.
• Blood tests.

1. Skin Test:

A skin test is performed by applying a small amount of suspected allergen to the skin and observing the reaction. There are several skin tests:

• Patch test.
• Skin prick test.
• Intradermal test.

A skin test is effective for diagnosing allergies caused due to food substances, mold, pollen, and Penicillin allergies.

1. Blood Test:

A blood test is done to check for antibodies against a possible allergen. This blood test is done if the skin test is not possible or not effective.

What Is the Treatment for Allergies?

The treatment for allergies includes:

• Medications.
• Immunotherapy.
• Emergency Epinephrine.

The first and foremost thing is to identify and avoid allergens. This is one way to prevent an allergy to a known allergen.

1. Medications:

Medications that are used to treat allergies are:

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines block the chemical that is causing the symptoms during an allergic reaction. Some of the antihistamines include:

• Cetirizine.
• Loratadine.
• Desloratadine.
• Fexofenadine.
• Levocetirizine.

• Decongestants: Decongestants are recommended for temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion. Some of the decongestants are:

• Pseudoephedrine.
• Oxymetazoline.
• Tetrahydrozoline.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids relieve the symptoms of allergy. Some of the corticosteroids are:

• Budesonide.
• Fluticasone furoate.
• Fluticasone propionate.
• Mometasone.

1. Immunotherapy:

In this treatment method, the body’s immune system is trained not to react to these allergens. It is done when other treatment options are not effective. It is given as shots or Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

1. Emergency Epinephrine:

If the patients have severe allergic reactions, then emergency Epinephrine shots should be given to reduce the symptoms until the emergency treatment is done. People should carry two epinephrine auto-injectors along with them at all times. By using an auto-injector, a measured dose of Epinephrine can be administered within a few minutes of any severe symptoms.

How To Prevent Allergies?

There is no way to cure an allergy, but there are ways it can be prevented. They include:

• Get allergy testing done to determine which substance is responsible for the allergic attacks.
• Follow some measures to avoid exposure to the known allergens.
• Inform friends and family about the allergy.
• Always carry two auto-injectors and have detailed knowledge of how to use them correctly.

Conclusion: Allergies arise from a person's reaction to environmental chemicals that are safe for most people. Dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, molds, foods, and certain drugs all contain these compounds, which are referred to as allergens. Atopy is the inherited propensity to experience allergic attacks. People with atopic reactions may experience an immunological reaction that results in allergic inflammation when they are exposed to allergens.