Do you sometimes suddenly start to get a runny nose ? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Or do you experience rashes and itching shortly after eating something? If any of these have happened to you, you may have an allergy. While many people think this is normal, sometimes it can be a little serious. So, let's talk about this allergy in a simple and friendly way today.
What exactly is an allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is an unwanted reaction that occurs in our body's immune system.
Imagine that you have a defense army inside your body. That's your immune system . Normally, this army fights real enemies, that is, things like viruses and bacteria that cause disease that enter our bodies. But sometimes this army gets a little wrong. They think that even things that are actually harmless to us, like pollen, dust, animal dander, and some foods, are big enemies and start a big fight against them.
That's when chemicals like histamine are released in the body. These chemicals are what cause allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, hives, and red, itchy skin.
That means, an allergy is not a disease, but an overreaction of our own body's defense system to something harmless.
What are the main allergens that cause allergies?
We call things that cause an allergic reaction in our body allergens . There are different types of allergens. The most common types of allergens are:
- Airborne allergens: Things like pollen, dust, dust mites , mold, and pet dander.
- Certain foods: Nuts like peanuts and cashews, seafood like shrimp and crab, eggs, and dairy products.
- Insect stings: Insect stings such as bees and wasps.
- Certain medications : Some medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics.
- Latex: Some people can be allergic to things made from rubber, such as gloves.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
The symptoms you experience when you have an allergy vary depending on what you are allergic to and how it enters your body. Let's take a look at what these are.
| Type of allergy | Symptoms to expect |
|---|---|
| A common/mild allergic reaction (such as dust, pollen) | |
| Symptoms of a Food Allergy | |
| An allergy to an insect bite |
Is this anaphylaxis? Let's identify the most dangerous case!
This is the most severe and dangerous stage of an allergy. It can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical treatment. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis:
- An unbearable itch that spreads all over the body
- Difficulty breathing, a "wheezing" sound coming from the chest
- Hoarseness of voice, feeling of tightness in the throat
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tingling sensation in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe anxiety or dizziness
Very important: If you or someone else experiences any of these severe symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay . Time is of the essence here.
If you have a severe allergy, your doctor may tell you to always carry a shot of epinephrine . If you have one, use it in an emergency and then go to the hospital.
How to know for sure if you have allergies? (Allergy Tests)
If you suspect you have an allergy, your doctor can run several tests to confirm it.
1. Skin-prick test: This involves placing a small drop of a liquid containing a suspected allergen on the skin of your hand or back, and pricking it with a small needle. If you are allergic to that substance, the area will become slightly red, swollen, and have a raised bump after about 15 minutes.
2. Intradermal test: If the above test does not give a clear result, this is done. In this, a very small amount of the allergen is injected into the outer layer of the skin.
3. Patch test: This is done to detect contact dermatitis. In this, a patch containing the allergen is applied to the skin for about two days, then removed to see if there is a skin reaction.
4. Blood test: In this test, a sample of your blood is taken and sent to a lab. There, the level of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood is tested. This IgE level is elevated in an allergy.
Before doing these tests, if you are taking allergy medication, your doctor will tell you to stop taking it for a few days, as it can affect the test results.
How to manage allergies?
Although allergies cannot be completely cured, they can be controlled very well and you can live a normal life. These things can help.
- Stay away from allergens: The best and most important thing you can do is stay away from the things you are allergic to as much as possible. If you are allergic to dust, keep your home clean. If you are allergic to a food, avoid eating that food.
- Take medication as directed by your doctor: Use antihistamines, nasal sprays, and other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Allergy shots / Immunotherapy: This is a long-term treatment. This involves injecting very small amounts of the allergen you are allergic to into your body over time. It's like 'picking a thorn with a needle.' Over time, your body becomes accustomed to the allergen and becomes less reactive. This may take 3-5 years.
Take-Home Message
- An allergy is an overreaction of our body's immune system to something that is not harmful.
- Identify what allergens you are allergic to and stay away from them as much as possible.
- If you experience severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and throat tightness, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Don't take medication on your own. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you have and get the right advice and treatment.
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