Do you have questions about allergies? Let's talk about this simply (Allergies)

Do you also sneeze often? Do you get a runny nose when you wake up in the morning? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Or do you get a rash and itchy rash after eating certain foods? If any of these are common experiences for you, then you may have an allergy. This is actually a very common condition. So today, let's talk about allergies, that is, everything about allergies in a simple way.

What exactly is this allergy?

Simply put, an allergy is when our body's defense system, the immune system , overreacts to something that is actually harmless to us, mistaking it for an enemy. Think of it this way: our body is like a country. The immune system is the army in that country. Normally, this army attacks real enemies like viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

But the body's army, the immune system, of someone with allergies is a little overly sensitive. So when things that are actually harmless, like pollen, dust, and certain foods, enter the body, it thinks that this is also a big enemy and starts a big fight against it. As a result of that fight, we develop allergy symptoms.

How does an allergy develop? What are the most common allergens?

We call something that we are allergic to an allergen . When this allergen enters the body, the cells of our immune system release a lot of chemicals like histamines into the blood. It is because of this histamine that our symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes appear.

There are several types of algae that are very common in our environment.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Symptoms can vary depending on what you are allergic to and how it enters the body.

Symptoms of a normal/mild allergic reaction

These are the symptoms we see often, which interfere with daily life, but are not that severe.

• Rubbing the eyes , tears coming from the eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• A watery liquid flowing from the nose, an itchy nose
• Feeling tired and lifeless
• Hives , redness, and itching

Symptoms of a food allergy

• A tingling sensation in the mouth, lips, and tongue
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Skin rashes (Hives)
• Stomach ache, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that affects the whole body.

Symptoms of an allergy to an insect bite

• The bite site becomes red, swollen, and painful.
• Scratching or rubbing the whole body
• Chest tightness, discomfort
• Cough
• Anaphylaxis

Let's be aware of the dangerous condition called Anaphylaxis.

While some allergic reactions are mild, others can progress to a severe, life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . This is a medical emergency. This requires a shot of epinephrine , or adrenaline, within minutes.

For some people with severe allergies, doctors advise them to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

The main symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Scratching and scratching all over the body
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or a feeling of tightness in the throat
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat
• Feeling of numbness in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp

How do I know for sure if I have an allergy?

If you suspect you have an allergy, you can see a doctor to confirm it. There are several tests for this. These tests measure whether your body is responding to a particular allergen, that is, whether it is producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) .

Skin Tests

• Skin-prick test: This involves placing a drop of a liquid containing an allergen on the skin of your hand and pricking it with a small needle. If you are allergic to that substance, the area will turn red and swell slightly within about 15 minutes. This test can be done for many allergens at once.
• Patch test: This is done to detect allergic reactions (contact dermatitis). In this, a patch containing the allergen is placed on the skin and left for about two days. The results are then read.

Blood Test

In this, a blood sample is taken from you and sent to a lab. In the lab, they test your blood for IgE antibodies to various allergens.

Challenge Test

This is usually done in a hospital by a specialist (allergist). Here, you are given a very small amount of the food or medicine you suspect you are allergic to, under medical supervision.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before having any of these tests and follow his or her instructions exactly. You may be asked to stop taking allergy medications a few days before the test.

How to control allergies?

Although there is no way to completely cure allergies, there are several ways to control their symptoms and live a normal life.

• Avoiding allergens: This is the best and most important thing. Once you know exactly what you are allergic to, stay away from those things as much as possible. For example, if you are allergic to dust, clean the house thoroughly, or if you are allergic to peanuts, avoid eating foods that contain them.
• Medication: Your doctor will prescribe medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. It is important to use these medications in the correct dosage and for the correct duration.
• Immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots): This is a longer-term treatment. This involves giving your body very small amounts of the allergen you are allergic to, gradually, through injections, and over time, your immune system becomes accustomed to the allergen. This can take 3-5 years and is a more expensive treatment. But for some people, it provides long-term relief.

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