Don't you "touch" some things too? Let's talk about allergies!

We all have times when we feel something strange in our bodies. Our stomachs feel like it's turning over after eating a certain food, or we start sneezing and rubbing our eyes just by sitting still. Have you ever had these things happen to you? If so, you may have an allergy, or an ``allergy''. Let's talk about this in detail and simply today.

What is an allergy? It's very simple!

Simply put, an allergy is when our body's defense system, the immune system , thinks something that is actually harmless to us is "dangerous" and overreacts to it. Think of it this way: our immune system is like a small army in our body. Their main job is to protect us from germs and viruses that cause disease . However, if you have an allergy, this "defense army" gets a little nervous and starts to "fight" even normal things like grass, animal fur, or certain foods. That's when we start to experience those annoying symptoms like sneezing, itching, and skin rashes . Got it?

So, what causes these allergies? (Let's learn about `Allergens`)

These things that cause allergies are called allergens . If your immune system reacts to an allergen and you develop symptoms, you can say that you are allergic to that thing.

Here are some common allergens that cause allergies in many people:

• Dust mites: These are tiny insects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They live in the dust around us, especially in places like mattresses, pillows, and carpets.
• Animal dander: The fur and small particles shed from the skin of pets like dogs and cats are also a major allergen.
• Pollen from grass, flowers, and trees: These are fine dust-like particles spread by plants. These can cause allergies to increase during the spring, when flowers are in bloom.
• Mold and mildew: These are small organisms that grow in damp places, such as bathrooms and walls.
• Some types of food:Some people can be allergic to things like cow's milk, eggs, wheat flour, soy, peanuts, tree nuts like cashews, seafood like fish and shellfish, and sesame seeds.
• Latex: This is a type of rubber. It is used to make gloves and some balloons. Some people are allergic to it.

Think about it, sometimes we start sneezing while cleaning the house, right? It could be because of dust mites. Or if your eyes get red and your nose runs when you go outside in the spring, it could be because of pollen.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy you have. However, in general, most allergies have symptoms like these:

• Sneezing or runny nose
• Throat swelling or a feeling of a sore throat
• Difficulty breathing (like shortness of breath)
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Skin rash, itchy rashes (we also call these `(Hives)`)

In addition, the following symptoms may occur in food allergies:

If you have a food allergy, in addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you may also experience the following:

• Stomach ache (feels like something is stuck in the stomach)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (stomach bloating)

Important: Some allergies are seasonal. This means that symptoms only occur during certain times of the year. For example, pollen allergies are most common in the spring, summer, and early fall. With other allergies, symptoms can occur any time you are exposed to the allergen.

Can some allergies be dangerous? Yes, let's be aware of `(Anaphylaxis)`!

Most allergies are not serious and only cause minor discomfort. However, some allergies can be very serious . This type of reaction is called `(Anaphylaxis)` (pronounced: ana-fa-lax-sis). This is a medical emergency . A person with `(Anaphylaxis)` may suddenly have difficulty breathing, feel like their throat is constricted, feel a tightness in their throat, or feel like they are vomiting. If someone is showing any of these `(Anaphylaxis)` symptoms, they should be taken to the hospital immediately. This can be life-threatening, so be very careful.

Why do only some people develop these allergies?

Doctors can't really say for sure why some people develop allergies, or why some things are more likely to cause allergies than others. However, some allergies may be hereditary . This means that if either parent had allergies, a child is more likely to develop them.

Allergies are usually more common in young children. However, most children outgrow these allergies as they grow older, that is, as adults. However, adults can also have allergies, and sometimes some people develop allergies later in life. So, don't think, "I didn't have them when I was a child, how can I develop them now?"

How do I know exactly if I have an allergy?

To find out if you have allergies, your doctor will ask you about your health, the animals you have at home, the plants you have in your garden, the foods you eat, etc. From this information, the doctor can get an idea of ​​whether you are allergic to any of these things.

In addition, your doctor may refer you to an allergist (pronounced: a-ler-gist). This allergist may also do a scratch test, which is a skin test. This involves putting a very small amount of the allergen on your skin and making a small prick. It will feel like a small ant has bitten you. If you are allergic to it, the area will swell, become red, and start to itch. Some doctors will also do a blood test to check for signs of an allergic reaction.

How are allergies treated?

If you are diagnosed with an allergy, your doctor will likely suggest ways to stay away from the allergen as much as possible, or prescribe medication . Allergy medications can come in the form of pills, liquids, or nasal sprays. If your allergies are not severe, or if you can avoid the allergen completely, you may not need any medication at all.

If your symptoms don't improve despite avoiding allergens and using medications, your allergist may suggest you get allergy shots . These shots work by reducing your immune system's sensitivity to the allergens. This is done gradually.

However, these vaccines and many medications do not help with food allergies . Therefore, people with food allergies usually have to learn to identify exactly what foods they are allergic to and avoid them. One way to do this is to get used to reading food labels . Almost every food package you buy in the store has the ingredients listed on it. If you need help learning how to do this, ask your parents or doctor. It is very important.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, allergies are a bit of a nuisance. However, with the right understanding and taking the necessary steps, we can live with them successfully.

• If you suspect you have an allergy, see a doctor. Don't just guess and go get medicine.
• Knowing exactly what you're allergic to is the first step.
• Try to stay away from allergens whenever possible. This can include keeping your home clean and avoiding certain foods.
• If prescribed by the doctor, take the medication as prescribed.
• People with food allergies should definitely practice reading food labels. Even a small mistake can sometimes have dire consequences.
• If you have a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis), your doctor may advise you to carry something like an epinephrine auto-injector with you in case of an emergency . Make sure you know how to use it.
• Let others know. If your family, friends, and teachers know about your allergy, it can be helpful in an emergency.

Allergies are not the end of the world. With a little care and awareness, you too can live a happy and healthy life like everyone else!

` Allergy, allergens, immune system, anaphylaxis, skin tests, food allergies, respiratory allergies