Some people have constant itching, others have rashes all over their bodies. Their eyes water. Whatever it is, there is one reason for all of this. That is the allergy we all know. If you have allergies, you are not alone. A large number of people in the world suffer from this condition. Although it may seem like this problem starts with the nose and eyes, it is actually caused by a small malfunction in our immune system. So, if we know exactly why these things happen, it will be easier for us to control this condition and stay healthy.
Why do we get allergies?
Simply put, our immune system is like an army defending a country. Its main job is to protect us by fighting off harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses that enter our bodies.
However, sometimes this immune system goes awry. It mistakes even harmless, ordinary things for a dangerous enemy and starts attacking them. That's what an allergy is.
For example, things like cashews, eggs, shrimp, or pollen are not actually harmful to us. But some people's immune systems mistake these for enemies. We call these things allergens .
When an allergen enters the body, special soldiers in our immune system, called antibodies, send a message to other cells saying, "Stop that!" Upon receiving this message, the cells release a lot of chemicals like histamine . This histamine is what causes our blood vessels to dilate, causing allergic symptoms like itching, hives, runny nose, and red eyes.
Think of it this way: our body's defense system is like a well-trained guard. But sometimes, when we see the postman, we think he's a thief and scream. The same thing happens with an allergic person.
These antibodies are very specific. A single antibody can only attack one type of allergen. That's why some people are allergic to cashews but not to eggs.
What are the most common allergens?
Why do some people develop severe allergies while others don't? Although experts don't yet have a complete answer to this, they say that family history , that is, genetic influences passed down through generations, is very important.
The table below lists some of the most common allergens in our environment.
| Allergen Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal dander | Fine pieces of skin and fur that fall off the bodies of pets such as dogs and cats. |
| Insect Stings/Bites | When bitten by wasps, bees, and some insects such as mosquitoes and ants. |
| Medications | Some antibiotics and painkillers, such as penicillin. |
| Dust mites | Small insects, invisible to the eye, that live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, curtains, and dust. |
| Foods | Cashews, peanuts, fish, shrimp, squid, crab, eggs, cow's milk, soy, and wheat flour are the most common causes. |
| Contact Allergens | Latex, some metals (such as nickel), and cosmetics. |
| Mold | Types of fungi that grow in damp places (bathrooms, walls). |
| Pollen | The delicate stamens that float in the wind from some trees, flowers, and grasses. |
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Depending on the nature of your allergy, symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to a severe, life-threatening condition. It all depends on how your body reacts to the allergen and how much of it you've been exposed to.
If your allergy is severe, you may develop a very dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis , which is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
Let's take a look at the most common types of allergies and their symptoms.
Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis
This is very common among us. The nose and eyes are most affected.
- Frequent urination.
- Runny nose or stuffy nose.
- Itching of the eyes, nose, or roof of the mouth.
- Redness, swelling, and tearing of the eyes. This is also called Allergic Conjunctivitis .
Food Allergies
- Numbness or itching sensation inside the mouth.
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, or face.
- Hives (itchy rash) all over the body.
- Vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
- In the most severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur.
Eczema (Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis)
This is a skin condition. Not all eczema is caused by allergies. However, exposure to allergens can make eczema worse.
- Excessive itching of the skin.
- Skin redness and swelling.
- Dry, peeling skin.
Insect Stings
Some people can have severe reactions when stung by an animal such as a wasp or a bee.
- The bite site swells over a large area. This is called edema .
- Itching or rash all over the body.
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, or cough.
- Like food and drug allergies, anaphylaxis can be a severe reaction to an insect sting.
Let's learn about the most dangerous allergy - Anaphylaxis
Although most people experience mild symptoms from allergies, some cases can be severe enough to cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
This is a very serious condition. The whole body can go into shock. The main causes of this are food, drugs, insect bites, and latex.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can come on suddenly, sometimes starting with a minor rash or runny nose, and progressing to more severe symptoms within minutes, including difficulty breathing, throat tightness, vomiting, and fainting.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Taking action as soon as symptoms appear can be life-saving.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction in the past, your doctor may advise you to always carry an auto-injector containing a medicine called epinephrine . These come under different names, such as EpiPen and Adrenaclick.
If you or someone close to you shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, you should immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). This should be done without delay in the following cases:
- If the reaction is very severe (difficulty breathing, throat tightness, fainting).
- If you use the EpiPen you have, but your symptoms do not go away quickly or completely.
- If symptoms subside, recur, or get worse.
How do you get relief from an allergy?
There are several treatments for mild to moderate allergic reactions.
- Antihistamines: These can be taken as pills and syrups. They help control symptoms such as itching, hives, and hives.
- Decongestants: Provide relief from nasal congestion.
- Nasal Sprays: These can reduce swelling and congestion in the nose.
- Inhaler: If you have allergic asthma, your doctor will prescribe an inhaler to help control your symptoms.
If these don't help, or if your allergies are persistent, your doctor may recommend allergy shots . This is called immunotherapy . This involves injecting very small amounts of the allergen into your body over time, allowing your immune system to adapt to it. It also comes in the form of tablets that dissolve under your tongue.
The most important thing is that if you suspect you have an allergy, you should definitely see a doctor and seek advice before taking any medication you feel like taking.
Take-Home Message
- An allergy is a misunderstanding of our immune system, an overreaction to harmless things.
- Identify your triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible.
- Minor symptoms can usually be managed, but talk to your doctor before starting any treatment.
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It is important to recognize its symptoms (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, fainting).
- If you have severe allergies, always carry a prescription medication, such as an EpiPen, with you.
- If you have frequent or severe allergies, avoid self-diagnosis or self-medication. Always see a doctor for proper advice and treatment.
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