Introduction
Allergy is an exaggerated reaction toward exposure to foreign substances by the immune system. The substances that produce allergies are called allergens. Examples are pollen, dust mites, molds, animal proteins, foods, and medications. People who are prone to allergies are called atopic or allergic. Symptoms of allergy depend upon the type of allergens that comes in contact. Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, nose, throat, and tearing eyes are a few symptoms of allergies.
What Are Allergies?
Allergy is the body's reaction to foreign substances such as pet dander, pollen, and bee venom. The immune system produces substances called antibodies in response to these allergens. In the case of allergies, the immune system produces antibodies against the allergens.
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?
The symptoms of allergies depend on the severity of reactions in the immune system. The various symptoms of allergy are as follows:
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Sneezing.
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Itching of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the eyes.
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Runny and stuffy nose.
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Watery swollen, red eyes.
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Tingling in the mouth.
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Hives (refers to an itchy rash on the body).
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Anaphylaxis (refers to severe life-threatening allergic reactions).
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Swelling of tongue, lips, and face.
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Wheezing (refers to high-pitched whistling sounds made while breathing).
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Chest tightness.
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Skin rash.
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Lightheadedness.
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Rapid, weak pulse.
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Loss of consciousness.
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Drop in blood pressure.
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Vomiting.
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Diarrhea (refers to a watery loose stool that occurs more than two times).
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Stomach cramp.
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Restlessness.
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Malaise or feeling unwell.
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Eczema (refers to dry, itchy skin and rashes).
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Running nose.
What Are Some Common Allergens?
Some of the common allergens are as follows:
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Fish.
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Milk.
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Peanut.
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Animal dander.
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Wheat.
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Soy.
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Shellfish.
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Pet fur, skin flakes, and animal saliva.
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Mold and mildew.
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Insects bite and sting.
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Cockroaches, caddisflies, moths, and midges.
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Plant pollen.
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Household chemicals.
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Metals such as cobalt, nickel, chromium, and zinc.
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Latex.
What Are the Causes of Allergies?
Harmful substances trigger an allergy through the immune system. The immune system produces antibodies against toxic substances. The common allergy triggers are as follows:
- Airborne Allergens: Such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores.
- Certain Foods: Include peanuts, shellfish, tea nuts, fish, wheat, eggs, and milk.
- Insect Stings: Such as wasps or bees.
- Medications: Such as penicillin-based medications.
- Latex: Can cause skin allergic reactions.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
Allergic reaction is the way the body responds to allergens. Whenever the person comes in contact with the allergens, the body responds by producing allergic (IgE) antibodies. As a result, a chemical is released known as histamine that causes symptoms of allergy.
Which of the Areas of the Body May Get Affected?
People experience symptoms depending on the contact with allergens that involve different body parts.
- Eyes, Nose, Throat, and Sinuses: When allergens are breathed, the release of histamine occurs, which causes the linings of the nose to form more mucous and become inflamed and swallowed. It causes the nose to itch and sneeze. The throat may become sore, and the eyes start to water.
- Lungs and Chest: Allergic reactions can trigger asthma. When the allergen comes in contact with the lining of the passage, the lung swells, and it becomes difficult to breathe.
- Stomach and Bowel: Food that usually causes allergies are seafood, dairy food, peanuts, and eggs. Cow milk allergy is common in infants and can cause eczema (refers to dry, itchy skin and rashes), stomach upset, and asthma.
- Skin: Problems are usually triggered by allergies such as eczema (dry, itchy skin and rashes).
What Is the Prevalence of Allergy?
Approximately 10 to 30 percent of an individual in the world are affected by allergies. The prevalence of allergy has drastically increased over the period of two years.
Who Is at Risk of Allergies?
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Allergies can develop at any age and time of life. Food allergies are the most common allergies in infants.
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Sensitization, or the initial exposure period of allergy, can begin even before birth.
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Allergies can outgrow an individual over a period of time.
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Genetics or family history plays a major role as there is a high risk of developing allergies from parent to child.
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A child born through cesarean section is more prone to develop allergies.
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Exposure to air pollution and smoking increases the risk of allergy.
How to Diagnose Allergy?
The allergy can be diagnosed by the symptoms and family history. The allergy tests which can be done are as follows:
- Blood Test: Measures the levels of IgE antibodies which are specific to certain allergens in the immune system.
- Skin Prick Test: A prick is made on the skin surface that contains allergens. If the skin reacts and becomes red, itchy, or swollen indicates the presence of allergens.
- Patch Test: It is done to check for the presence of eczema (refers to dry, itchy skin and rashes) using the metal disc with a small amount of allergen. Skin reaction is checked after 48 hours of the patch test.
What Are the Preventive Measures for Allergies?
Effective preventive measures for allergy include the medications such as:
- Antihistamines: Tends to block the chemical called histamine that is released from mast cells.
- Intranasal Corticosteroid Nasal Spray (INCS): It is effective for the treatment of moderate to severe allergies.
- Combination Therapies (INCS and Antihistamine): These are used for the treatment of severe allergies.
- Decongestants: Are used to relieve blocked noses.
- Immunotherapy: It helps the person develop long-term tolerance either as an injection or in tablet form.
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist: This may help in treating moderate to severe allergies by blocking chemicals that cause allergies.
- Medicated Eye Drops: These are helpful in cases with eye tears due to allergens.
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine): It is used in emergency treatment for life-threatening severe allergic reactions. Adrenaline is usually administered using injections.
- Non-Medicated Treatment: This includes a saline spray for treating sinusitis (refers to inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinus).
What Are Complications of Allergy?
The complications of allergy are asthma, eczema (refers to a skin condition characterized by rashes and inflammation), ear or lung infection, sinus infection, nasal polyp (refers to non-cancerous growth on the lining of the sinus or nose), and migraine (refers to the headache that causes severe pain).
Conclusion
The prognosis of allergy is often excellent as it does not affect the life expectancy of an individual. The precautions taken to prevent the risk of allergy are exposure to allergens should be avoided, and autoinjectors should be accommodated by the person who has an allergy to certain things.