Do you have allergies too? Let's learn about these allergy triggers!

Do you sometimes sneeze for no reason at all? Or do you suddenly start scratching your body? Perhaps these things increase when you dust your house or go out into the garden. These are what we simply call 'allergies'. Although many people suffer from this condition, they don't really know what they are allergic to. So today, let's talk about how to find the cause of your allergies and how to avoid them and stay healthy.

What exactly is this 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 protects our country. The job of this army is to identify and destroy enemies like viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

But sometimes this army makes a small mistake. Even things that are actually harmless to us, like dust, pollen, and some foods, start a big fight against them, thinking that they are a dangerous enemy. As a result of that fight, we experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy skin, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. The things that cause this incorrect response of the immune system are what we call allergy triggers .

Who are the main allergic "enemies" around us?

There are many things in our environment that can cause allergies . Let's take a look at the main and most common causes.

1. Pollen - the pollen from flowers

When trees, grass, and flowers are in bloom, the environment is full of pollen, or flower stamens. When these combine with the wind and enter our noses and eyes, allergic symptoms can occur.

• Symptoms: Itching of the eyes, nose, and throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, constant sneezing, red, watery eyes, etc. You may also feel tired at night due to difficulty breathing.
• Things you can do: Keep your windows and doors closed during high pollen times. Wear a hat when you go outside. Wash your hands and face thoroughly when you get home. If these aren't enough, you can consult your doctor and use medications like antihistamines .

2. Dust Mites - Invisible Enemies

These creatures are very small, invisible to our eyes except through a microscope. They live in the dust in our homes, especially in places like mattresses, pillows, bedspreads, sofas, and curtains. They multiply quickly in humid climates like Sri Lanka.

• Symptoms: The symptoms are similar to those of pollen allergy, but it can be present year-round.
• Things you can do: Put dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows. Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week. It's a good idea to remove dust-collecting items like toys and rugs from the bedroom.

3. Mold - a problem that comes with moisture

Mold is a type of small fungus. Its spores, like pollen, float in the wind. They thrive in damp places like bathrooms, basements, and in damp piles of leaves.

• Symptoms: sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and cough.
• Things you can do: Repair damp areas and water leaks in your home as soon as possible. If you have plants inside your home, avoid them, as they can cause mold to grow in the soil. You can also reduce the humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier .

4. Animal dander and cockroaches

Some people can be allergic to tiny particles of skin shed by animals like dogs, cats, and birds. They can also be allergic to proteins in their saliva. Sometimes you can be allergic to cockroaches in your home.

• Symptoms: sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy and red eyes.
• Things you can do: Stay away from animals that cause allergies as much as possible. If you are allergic to your own pet, avoid letting them sleep on your bed or sofa. Bathe them at least once a week. (If possible, have someone who is not allergic do it). Keep trash cans tightly closed, and take out the trash daily.

To make it easier to remember, let's take a look at a summary of these main reasons .

5. Insect Stings

It's normal for the area to become red, swollen, and painful when stung by an animal like a wasp or hornet. However, some people can experience a severe allergic reaction.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing, whistling sound when breathing
• Hoarseness of voice
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, and limbs
• Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

If a symptom like this occurs:

This is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For those with severe allergies, doctors advise carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen).

6. Food & Drug Allergy

Some people can be allergic to foods such as shrimp, squid, peanuts, some types of eggs, and some medications such as penicillin.

• Symptoms: Skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling around the mouth, and difficulty breathing may occur.
• What you can do: Identify the exact food or medication you think you're allergic to and avoid it. Be sure to see a doctor and discuss this. Even people with severe food allergies are at risk for anaphylaxis.

Hidden reasons that secretly make you allergic

Sometimes we know what causes allergies, but we don't know how those things enter our bodies. Let's look at some of those hidden causes.

• Guests at home: Imagine that a friend of yours comes to your house and has a cat. There may be small particles of the cat's fur (dander) on his clothes and in his bag. If you are allergic to cats, you may still have the allergy after your friend leaves.
• Vacuum Cleaners: When a regular vacuum cleaner sucks up dust, tiny allergens (dust mites, pollen) can slip through the filter and be re-released into the air. Therefore, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter .
• Furniture and Paint: New furniture, carpets, and paint on walls can contain chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) . These are volatile and can irritate our respiratory tract and cause allergy-like symptoms.

How do you find the cause of your allergy?

If you think you have an allergy, you and your doctor should do a little detective work together.

1. Keep a symptom diary: Write down what symptoms you have (sneezing, itching, runny nose), what time of day they occur, and whether they occur after eating, going somewhere, or doing something. This will help your doctor find the cause.

2. See a doctor: Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. He or she will examine you, review your diary, and if necessary, refer you for tests such as allergy tests . These can be skin tests or blood tests. This will help you find out exactly what you are allergic to.

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