Do you have any strange allergies that come up frequently? Let's talk about Atopy!

Do you also sometimes get a rash on your skin? Or do you always have a stuffy nose and sneeze? Maybe you don't touch anything even if you eat it? You may also be familiar with this type of allergy coming one after the other. The reason for this may be a special condition in your body. We are going to talk about something like that today.

What exactly is Atopy?

Simply put, atopy is a tendency for your body's immune system to overreact to things that aren't actually harmful. The word "atopy" literally means "in the wrong place." So, atopic conditions are when your body overreacts to something it shouldn't. Think of it like our body's defenses going into overdrive when they see a tiny speck of dust, saying, "Hey, there's a big enemy!" and starting a fight. This is why we experience asthma, rashes, or other allergies in response to things in the environment, such as pollen and dust mites.

Often, a person with atopy may have more than one of these allergic conditions. Just as we may wear a hat on a cold day, but also a coat and a scarf at the same time. Just as we may wear more than one warm garment for the same reason (cold), atopy can cause multiple allergies to appear at once.

What are these atopic diseases?

There are several medical conditions that can be caused by atopy. Let's take a look at what they are:

• There are several types of asthma , especially allergic asthma . This is when the airways become swollen and it becomes difficult to breathe.
• Allergic Rhinitis . This is what many people call "allergic." Symptoms include frequent nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Food Allergies : An intolerance to certain foods, such as peanuts, cashews, and eggs.
• Eczema , or atopic dermatitis , is a condition in which the skin becomes dry, itchy, red, and sometimes flaky.
• Some types of hives (Urticaria) like herpes . We also call these heat blisters. Suddenly, red, swollen, itchy welts appear in places on the body.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis : Red, itchy eyes with a watery discharge.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis . This is a condition where there is inflammation of the food pipe (esophagitis). This is a bit of a complicated condition.

What is the difference between Atopy and Allergies?

Atopy is a collection of allergic reactions that affect different parts of your body. For example, allergic rhinitis - the condition we commonly call "allergic" - is just one atopic reaction. There are many more.

The same things that cause allergies - your body's overreaction to things in the environment - can also cause other atopic conditions. However, sometimes these conditions can be exacerbated by non-allergic factors, such as cold air or stress.

What are the symptoms of Atopy?

The symptoms of atopic conditions can vary, but there are some common features:

• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• Itchy eyes or watery discharge from the eyes.
• Skin rashes or itching.
• Itchy skin.
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) .
• Persistent cough.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, or face.

Imagine, we have a friend named Nilanthi. Since she was a child, she would sneeze about fifty times even if she touched a little dust, and her nose would also get blocked. Then, when she got a little older, she suddenly started getting eczema, especially on her hands and feet. When she showed it to a doctor, she was told that she had atopic dermatitis, which is why she was getting all these different types of allergies.

What are the causes of atopy?

The main cause of allergic conditions related to atopy is a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E. This is called (IgE) for short. (IgE) is actually a type of antibody that helps protect our body from harmful germs. It's like the body's own body's own guards.

But sometimes these (IgE) antibodies get a little wrong. They think that harmless allergens or other substances in the environment are actually causing serious harm. That's when they get unnecessarily agitated and cause symptoms like swollen airways, skin rashes, and runny noses.

What are the risk factors for atopy?

The biggest risk factor for developing atopy is if your close family members - such as parents and siblings - have atopic conditions. Experts believe that the tendency to develop these allergic conditions is passed down from generation to generation through genes . This means that if your mother or father has asthma or eczema, you have a small chance of developing the same conditions.

How is Atopy diagnosed?

Your doctor may not directly say, "You have atopy." However, they may be able to identify related conditions (e.g., asthma, eczema). Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order or perform tests such as:

• Pulmonary function tests : These check how well your lungs are working, especially to see if you have conditions like asthma.
• Allergy skin tests : This involves putting small amounts of various allergens on your skin and seeing if your body reacts to them.
• Allergy blood tests : This checks how much of those antibodies (IgE) we talked about earlier) are in your blood.

Can atopy be completely cured?

To be honest, the root cause of atopy cannot be completely cured . However, there are many effective treatments for related conditions like allergies, asthma, and eczema. These treatments can help you live a normal life. Here are some examples:

• Allergy shots .
• Antihistamines (e.g., piritan).
• Biological drugs (Biologics) .
• Inhalers .
• Leukotriene modifiers .
• Oral immunotherapy for food allergies.
• Corticosteroids are medications that are taken by mouth, inhaled, or applied to the skin.
• Sublingual immunotherapy .

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about these treatments and choose what suits you best.

Can atopy be prevented?

Atopy cannot be prevented, as it is often genetic. However, you can try to avoid triggers that can aggravate atopic conditions. For example, if you know a friend has a cat at home and you are allergic to cats, you can take an antihistamine before going there. Or you can be a little more careful during pollen season.

What are the triggers for atopy?

There are several triggers that can cause atopic reactions. These can vary from person to person.

• Pollen : Pollen from certain trees, especially during the flowering season. In our area, it can be very difficult for some people when mango and kohomba flowers are in bloom.
• Cold, dry wind .
• Dust mites : These are found indoors, in places like bedding, pillowcases, and sofas.
• Specific foods : For example, peanuts, cashews, eggs, milk, fish, shrimp, etc.
• Pet dander : From animals like cats and dogs.
• Molds : Molds that grow in damp places, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cockroaches .
• Fragrances : Artificial scents found in things like soaps, laundry detergents, and perfumes.
• Stress : Surprisingly, these conditions can be exacerbated by increased stress.

How do I take care of myself?

Most people with atopy can manage their condition well. The key things to do are to stay away from triggers, take preventative measures, and treat a reaction as soon as it occurs. Here are some things you can do:

• Take a short shower or bath every night . Use unscented bar soap. After bathing, apply a moisturizer or cream that is suitable for sensitive skin.
• Take allergy medication daily during peak pollen times of the year (usually spring, summer, and fall).
• Use any maintenance medication prescribed for you - for example, inhalers - exactly as directed . If you are unsure how to use medical equipment properly, ask your doctor.
• If you have a severe food allergy or other severe allergy (which can lead to anaphylaxis), always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen®, Auvi-Q®) .

Remember, all of this may feel a little difficult at first. It's like getting used to a new habit. But after a while, these things will become part of your daily routine.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of an atopic condition, such as allergies, asthma, or frequent skin rashes, it's important to see a doctor . Your doctor can then determine the cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment. They may also refer you to an allergist.

When should I go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction , go to an emergency room immediately or call 911. Symptoms include:

• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat.
• Severe vomiting.
• Weakness, dizziness, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness (these may be signs of low blood pressure).

It is very important to act quickly at a time like this.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

If you or your child has atopic dermatitis, you may feel like you're always suffering from some kind of illness. Inhalers, allergy medications, special soaps, unscented laundry detergents, and creams... Living with all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if you're taking care of a young child who has a lot of allergies, it can be even harder.

But remember, you're not alone . There are many people who live successfully with these conditions. After a while, managing all of this becomes as normal as brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about this regularly. Share your concerns and thoughts with him. He or she will help you find the best way to avoid reactions and use the medication properly.

So don't worry. If you are aware and manage it properly, you can live happily even with atopy.

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