Do you have questions about allergies? (Allergy) Let's talk about all this!

Do you sneeze often? Do you wake up in the morning with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes? You might think it's just a common cold. But if these symptoms persist, you may have an allergy. Many people in our society suffer from this allergy. So, this article is to give you some simple, accurate answers to the questions you have about allergies.

Can allergies be completely cured?

This is a question that many people ask. The short answer is that allergies cannot be completely cured. But don't worry. Although allergies cannot be cured, we can manage their symptoms well and live a normal life.

We need to make a little effort for that. The most important thing is to identify what allergens you are allergic to and stay away from them as much as possible . For example, if you are allergic to dust, you need to keep your home clean.

Symptoms can be greatly reduced by using medications (such as antihistamines) prescribed by your doctor , but symptoms may return if you are exposed to something you are allergic to.

However, some allergies in young children, especially food allergies, may disappear as they grow older.

Another treatment is called immunotherapy . This involves giving your body very small doses of the allergen you are allergic to, over a long period of time. This can be done as an injection, oral tablets, or drops. This will not completely cure your allergy. However, over time, this treatment can greatly reduce your body's response to the allergen. Ask your doctor for more information about this.

Is this an allergy? Or a cold? How do you know for sure?

This is something that really confuses a lot of people because the symptoms of both are very similar. Sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, watery eyes, and fatigue are common in both.

But there are some clear differences that can be identified between the two. Let's see what they are.

What does the label 'Hypoallergenic' mean?

You may have seen this word when you buy things like soap, cream, and makeup. 'Hypo' means 'less'. That means ' hypoallergenic ', which means a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction .

Not only the soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and makeup we use, but even mouthwashes can contain substances that can cause skin allergies. Especially fragrances and preservatives, which can cause some people to develop a condition called contact dermatitis . This means the skin becomes red, itchy, swollen, and sometimes blisters.

A product labeled 'hypoallergenic' means that it does not contain these types of allergens.

But the most important thing here and what we all need to know is that this 'Hypo ALL ergenic' label has no legal framework or accepted standard in many countries around the world. That means a company does not have to prove that its product is 'Hypoallergenic'.

So it's best to do a small patch test before applying a new product to your face or body. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. Only use if there is no redness or itching.

Is there a connection between stress and allergies?

Yes, there is a clear connection. But this needs to be understood properly.

Stress does not cause new allergies. However, if you already have an allergy, it can get worse when you are under a lot of stress.

There is a scientific reason for this. When we are stressed, our bodies produce more of a chemical called histamine . This histamine is the main chemical that causes allergy symptoms (itching, sneezing, and runny nose). So when histamine increases due to stress, your allergy symptoms also get worse. Therefore, if you want to control allergies, it is very important to take care of your mental health.

Allergy, allergy, common cold, symptoms, itching, Hypoallergenic, stress, treatment