All about allergies: causes, symptoms and treatments (Allergies)

Do you also have frequent sneezing ? A runny nose? Or are your eyes red and itchy? Sometimes these are not symptoms of a cold. They can also be symptoms of an allergy. Many people in our country suffer from these allergic conditions. So today, let's talk about what these allergies are, why they occur, and what can be done about them.

Simply put, what is this allergy?

Think of your body as a well-protected country. The immune system of that country is the army. The main duty of this army is to fight dangerous enemies, such as viruses and bacteria, that enter the body and protect us from diseases.

However, some people's immune systems are a little too sensitive. Their "army" mistakenly identifies even harmless, ordinary things as a big enemy. For example, things like pollen from flowers, dust, cat hair, and certain foods. This unwanted reaction of the body to such harmless things is what we call an allergy . We call the substance that causes this reaction in the body an allergen .

When the body thinks this allergen is an enemy, it makes a type of protein called an antibody to fight it. Then, when you are exposed to that allergen again, the body releases chemicals like histamine . Those chemicals are what cause symptoms like hives, itchy eyes and nose, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing .

What are the most common types of allergens?

There are countless things that can cause allergies, but here are some of the most common types of allergens.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

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

Symptoms related to the nose and eyes (like seasonal allergies)

These are the most common symptoms.

• Frequent urination.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose .
• Itchy eyes, nose, throat.
• Redness and tearing of the eyes.

Skin Allergies

• Skin rash (Hives or Rash).
• Skin redness and itching.
• Swelling of the skin.
• The skin becomes dry and scaly.

Food Allergies

When you are allergic to a food, symptoms can come in a variety of forms.

• Vomiting and stomach cramps.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin damage.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness or fainting.

The most serious case: Anaphylaxis

This is a medical emergency. More than one of the above symptoms may occur at the same time.

• Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing due to swelling of the throat and tongue.
• Heart palpitations.
• Blue skin.
• Severe dizziness and loss of consciousness.

If you or someone else shows signs of anaphylaxis, take them to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately without delay.

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

If you suspect you have an allergy, the best thing to do is see your doctor . He or she will ask you about your symptoms and whether anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. Then, if necessary, you may be referred to an allergist.

There are two main types of tests to diagnose allergies:

1. Skin Prick Test: This is the most common test. Here, a very small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin of your hand and a small prick is made with a needle. Within 15-20 minutes, if you are sensitive to an allergen, the area will become slightly red and swollen, as if you were bitten by a mosquito. This test gives you quick results.

2. Blood Test: For some people who cannot have a skin test (e.g., if they have a skin condition or are taking certain medications), your doctor may recommend a blood test. This involves taking a sample of your blood and measuring the amount of antibodies in it.

For food allergies, you may be advised to follow an elimination diet . This means cutting out the suspect foods for a period of time and seeing if your symptoms improve. However, all of this should only be done under medical advice .

What are the treatments for allergies?

There are three main goals when treating allergies: avoiding the allergen, controlling symptoms, and reducing the body's reaction.

1. Avoiding allergens

This is the most important and first step.

• If you have a dust allergy: Keep your home clean. Wash your bed sheets and pillowcases regularly in hot water.
• If you have a pollen allergy: Reduce your exposure to pollen during peak hours (early mornings). Wash your body after coming back from outside.
• If you have a food allergy: Know exactly what foods you are allergic to and avoid them completely. Read the label carefully when buying food at the store.

2. Medication to control symptoms

The doctor will prescribe medications that are appropriate for your symptoms.

• Antihistamines: These are the most commonly used. They control symptoms such as itching, hives, and sneezing. They are available as tablets, syrups, and nasal sprays.
• Corticosteroids: These come in the form of nasal sprays and are very helpful in reducing nasal congestion and swelling.
• Decongestants: These are used as a temporary solution to nasal congestion.
• Epinephrine Auto-Injector: This is prescribed for people with severe allergies (anaphylaxis). This is a life-saving medication to use in an emergency. If you have been prescribed one, it is essential to keep it with you at all times .

3. Immunotherapy

For some severe allergies, your doctor may recommend this treatment. This involves giving your body very small doses of the allergen you are allergic to over a period of time. This can be done as an injection (Allergy Shots) or as a pill placed under the tongue (Sublingual Immunotherapy - SLIT). Over time, your body's reaction to the allergen decreases.

Allergies, allergic reactions, itching, nasal congestion, skin rashes, food allergies, anaphylaxis