Do you also sneeze often? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Do you get a rash after eating certain foods? Or do you have difficulty breathing after touching dust? If these things happen to you often, the reason may not be a simple cold. This is an allergy, or as we say in English, an ' allergy '. So let's be aware of this today.
What exactly is an allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is when our body's immune system overreacts to something that is actually harmless. Think of our immune system as an army that defends a country. The job of this army is to fight off harmful germs (viruses, bacteria) that enter the body and protect us from disease.
But some people's army is a little too active. Their immune system recognizes even things that normally do not harm us (for example, pollen, dust, certain foods) as a big enemy. When it recognizes this, the system releases a lot of chemicals like histamine into the blood to fight against that "enemy". It is because of these chemicals that we get the symptoms mentioned earlier, such as itching, sneezing, redness of the skin, and difficulty breathing.
Common Allergens
We call things that trigger our immune system in this way " allergens ." There are many different types of these. You may be affected by one or more of these.
| Type of allergen | Examples |
|---|---|
| Things that come through the air | Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold |
| Some foods | Nuts like peanuts and cashews, seafood like shrimp and crab, eggs, milk and dairy products |
| Insect bites | Stinging insects such as bees and wasps |
| Some medications | Some antibiotics, such as penicillin, and painkillers |
| Other things | Latex (contained in some types of gloves) |
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Symptoms can vary depending on what you are allergic to and how it enters the body.
In case of a mild allergic reaction
Many people see minor symptoms like these.
- Itching and watering of the eyes
- Continuous sneezing
- Itchy and swollen nose (Allergic Rhinitis)
- Feeling tired and lifeless
- Skin rash, redness and itching (Hives/Rashes)
In case of food allergy
- A numb feeling inside the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Skin damage
- Stomach ache, vomiting, or diarrhea
Insect Sting Allergy
- Redness , swelling, and pain at the bite site
- Itching or rash all over the body
- Chest tightness or cough
- Difficulty breathing
Very important: Some allergies can be very severe. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Severe stomach ache
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Severe swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
Anaphylaxis - The most severe and life-threatening situation!
Anaphylaxis is the most severe and dangerous form of an allergy. It is a rapid, all-body reaction that can cause the body's systems to fail at once, so treatment within minutes is essential.
The main symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
- Bruises all over the body and severe itching
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Hoarseness or a feeling of tightness in the throat
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat
- Numbness in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, do not delay and take them to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Some people with severe allergies carry an auto-injector containing adrenaline (epinephrine) . If this is the case, the injection should be administered immediately.
How do I know for sure if I have an allergy?
If you suspect you have an allergy, the best way to be sure is to see your doctor. He or she will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, refer you for allergy tests.
| Name of the test | How to do |
|---|---|
| Skin-prick test | A drop of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin and lightly scratched with a small needle. If the area becomes red and swollen within 15 minutes, you are allergic to that substance. |
| Intradermal skin test | A very small amount of the allergen is injected into the outer layer of the skin. The reaction is observed. |
| Patch test | This is done to diagnose contact dermatitis. A patch containing the allergen is placed on the skin for about 2 days and then the reaction is checked. |
| Blood test | A blood sample is taken and the level of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is elevated in cases of allergies, is tested. |
Important: If you are going to have an allergy test, you should stop taking any allergy medication (e.g. Piriton) 3-7 days before. Otherwise, the test results may be incorrect. Your doctor will advise you on this.
How to control allergies?
There is no way to completely cure allergies yet. But we can control the symptoms and live a normal life. There are 3 main ways to do that.
1. Avoid allergens: This is the best thing you can do. If you are allergic to dust, keep your home dust-free. If you are allergic to a certain food, avoid it completely.
2. Taking medication: Symptoms can be controlled with antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, or eye drops prescribed by a doctor.
3. Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. This involves giving your body very small amounts of the substance you are allergic to, over time. This helps your immune system "get used to" it. Over time, your body will become less reactive to it. This should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
Take-Home Message
- An allergy is when our immune system overreacts to something that is harmless.
- It is very important to identify exactly what you are allergic to. For that, seek medical advice.
- Severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat are a medical emergency (Anaphylaxis) . In such cases, go to the ETU immediately.
- Do not use any medications you feel like without consulting a doctor.
- With proper management, you can live a healthy, comfortable life even with allergies.
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