Do you have allergies too? Let's talk about this simply (Allergies)

Do you sometimes just itch your eyes? Do you get itchy bumps on your face? Do you get rashes and itchy skin after eating certain foods? These are not just random things, you may also have an allergy. Don't worry. There are many people with allergies like this all over the world, including in our country. So let's talk about what allergies are, their symptoms , and what can be done about them.

What exactly is this allergy?

Simply put, an allergy is a malfunction of our body's defense system, the immune system. When something that is normally harmless to our body, such as dust, pollen, certain foods, or dog or cat dander, enters our body, our immune system thinks, "Here comes a dangerous enemy."

Then, to fight this "enemy," our bodies produce antibodies and suddenly release chemicals. It's like bringing an entire army to catch a small thief. This unwanted reaction is what causes us to experience the symptoms of an allergy, such as itchy eyes, hives, and skin rashes.

What are the common things that cause allergies?

We call things that cause allergies allergens. There are many of these around us. Let's look at the most common things that cause allergies.

If you have an allergy, what symptoms might you experience?

The symptoms of an allergy vary depending on what you are allergic to and how it enters your body. Sometimes the symptoms are very mild, but sometimes they can be severe.

Common features that come up a little

• Red, itchy eyes , watery eyes.
• Keep on crouching.
• Itchy and runny nose.
• Feeling tired and lifeless.
• Skin rashes or hives.

Food allergy symptoms

• A tingling sensation inside the mouth and on the lips.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat.
• Stomach ache , vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Sometimes a severe condition called anaphylaxis can occur.

Symptoms of an insect bite

• The area where the animal bit you is red, swollen, and painful.
• Itching or rash all over the body.
• Chest tightness and coughing.
• Here too, the most severe case , anaphylaxis, can occur.

Important: If you have difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, swelling of the face or throat, or feel dizzy, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Anaphylaxis: The most severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening

This is the most severe and dangerous stage of an allergy. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that affects the whole body and requires immediate treatment. It can become severe within minutes.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Rash and itching all over the body.
• Wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Hoarseness of voice, feeling of being choked in the throat.
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling of numbness in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp.

If you or someone you know experiences one or more of these symptoms, consider it an emergency. Some people with severe allergies carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector . If you have one, use it. Then go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately . Don't waste time.

What tests are done to determine if you have allergies?

If you suspect you have an allergy, it's best to see a doctor to confirm. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, recommend some tests like these.

• Skin-prick test: In this test, drops of the substance you think you may be allergic to are placed on the skin of your arm or back and then the skin is very gently pricked with a small prick. If you are allergic to that substance, the area will turn red and swell slightly within about 15 minutes.
• Intradermal skin test: This is done if the above test does not give a clear result. Here, a small amount of the allergen is injected into the outer layer of the skin.
• Patch test: This is done to detect contact dermatitis. A small patch containing the allergen is placed on your skin and left for two days. Then, the patch is removed and the skin is checked for a reaction.
• Blood test: This involves taking a sample of your blood and sending it to a lab. This tests your blood for levels of an antibody called IgE . This level can be elevated in someone with an allergy.
• Challenge test: This is done under the supervision of a specialist, only in a hospital. Here, you are given a very small amount of the food or medicine you suspect you are allergic to, starting with a very small amount. This is done in a place where there are facilities for immediate treatment in case of a severe reaction.

How to live with an allergy? (Allergy Management)

Although allergies cannot be completely cured, they can be well controlled and you can live a normal life. These things can help.

1. Avoiding allergens: The best thing you can do is to avoid the things you are allergic to as much as possible. For example, if you are allergic to dust, keep your house clean. If you are allergic to pollen, keep the windows closed during those times. If you are allergic to a food, avoid eating that type of food.

2. Taking medication: Your doctor will prescribe medications (such as antihistamines and nasal sprays) to help control your allergy symptoms. Never take any medication without first consulting a doctor.

3. Immunotherapy or allergy shots: This is a long-term solution. What you do here is start with very small amounts of the thing you are allergic to and gradually inject it into your body over time. This helps your immune system get used to it. Over time, your body will become less sensitive to it. This may take 3-5 years.

Allergy, allergy, symptoms, anaphylaxis, skin rash, itching, treatment, hives