Do you also have these annoying allergies? Let's talk about this simply!

Do you sometimes itch for no reason? Or do you sneeze constantly? Do you have difficulty breathing when you eat certain foods? The reason for these things may be an `Allergy` . Today, let's talk about what this `Allergy` is, why it occurs, how to recognize it, and what can be done about it. Don't worry, once you are aware of this, you can control many things yourself.

What exactly are `Allergies`?

Simply put, `Allergies` are our body's defense system, the ` immune system` , that reacts excessively to things that normally do not harm us, as if they were a big enemy. Imagine, the main job of our `immune system` is to protect us by fighting germs that cause diseases. But in someone with an `allergy`, this system mistakenly thinks that some things are "dangerous".

When you think like that, a lot of chemicals like `histamine` are released inside the body. These `allergies` are actually harmless things that we call `allergens` . For example, some foods (like peanuts, milk), dust in the house, pollen from flowers, or even some medicines can be `allergens`.

What happens inside the body when an allergy develops?

Okay, now let's look at what actually happens inside the body when an `allergy` occurs. When our `immune system` encounters the `allergen` mentioned earlier, it creates a special type of protein called ` IgE antibodies` against it. These `antibodies` go and give a signal to certain cells in the body (specifically `mast cells` ), saying, "An enemy has arrived, act now!"

Then, those cells release a lot of other chemicals, such as `histamine`, into the blood. These chemicals affect our eyes, nose, throat , lungs, skin, or intestines (the `gastrointestinal tract`) and cause `allergy` symptoms. Imagine, suddenly your eyes become red and itchy, or you sneeze repeatedly – ​​things like that.

The important thing is that if the allergen is reintroduced, this antibody response will start again. This means that every time you come into contact with something you are allergic to, you are more likely to experience some form of allergy.

How do the symptoms of an allergy manifest?

The symptoms of an allergy can be very varied. Sometimes they vary from person to person, and even the same person can have different symptoms at different times.

• Mild reactions: Sometimes there are very simple, minor symptoms. For example:
• Small blisters appear on the skin (we call these `hives` or hives)
• Nasal discharge, stuffy nose
• Eyes itch, turn red, and tear up.
• Clears throat
• More severe reactions: Sometimes this can be a bit more severe and affect more than one area of ​​the body.

Some allergies can cause a very serious, even life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . This is an emergency!

Anaphylaxis may start with the mild symptoms mentioned above, but can quickly become severe within minutes.

• It's hard to breathe, my chest feels tight.
• The throat is swollen.
• It's hard to talk.
• Dizziness occurs, and you may even lose consciousness.
• Red spots and eczema may appear on the skin.
• Stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

This condition, called `anaphylaxis,' can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. So if you experience these symptoms, don't delay.

Why do these allergies only occur in some people?

Often, the tendency to develop allergies is genetic . This means that if your mother, father, or sibling has an allergy, you have a small chance of developing one too. But that doesn't mean you will definitely develop an allergy. A person doesn't inherit a specific allergy (for example, an allergy to peanuts), only the general tendency to develop an allergy to any type of food. Also, you can develop an allergy even if no one in your family has an allergy.

What are the most common things that people are allergic to?

Let's look at the things that most commonly cause allergies, that is, what are allergens.

1. Airborne Allergens

These are the things that enter our bodies when we breathe and cause allergies.

• Dust mites: These are tiny creatures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They live in dust in homes, mattresses, pillows, and carpets.
• Pollen: Pollen from trees, flowers, and grasses. There is a lot of it in the air, especially at certain times of the year. This is also called hay fever.
• Types of molds: Molds that grow in places with high humidity, for example, in bathrooms, kitchens, and on walls.
• Pets: Fur, saliva, and dead skin cells (`pet dander`) from animals like dogs and cats.
• Cockroaches: Cockroach droppings and body parts.

2. Food Allergies

Some foods can also cause allergies. These are especially common in young people and young children.

• Cow's milk (or proteins found in cow's milk)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Seafood (`shellfish` - e.g. shrimp, crab, squid, mussels)
• Peanuts
• Other nuts (`tree nuts` - e.g. cashews, almonds, walnuts)
• Soy
• Wheat
• Sesame

3. Other common types of allergies

• Insect sting allergy: Insect stings, such as bees, wasps, and hornets, can cause an allergic reaction due to their venom. These can be very severe in some people, and can even lead to the aforementioned anaphylactic reaction.
• Medicines: Antibiotics (medicines used to treat infections, such as penicillin) are the most common type of medicine that causes allergies. However, many other medicines, such as painkillers, anticonvulsants, and even over-the-counter medicines, can also cause allergies.
• Chemicals: Some people can get hives when using certain cosmetics, laundry detergents, and soaps. This is often a reaction to the chemicals in those products. Some people can also be allergic to hair dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides. Some people are also allergic to latex (a material made from rubber, such as gloves).

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

If you have frequent allergy symptoms, the best thing to do is see a doctor. If your doctor hears about your symptoms and suspects you have an allergy, he or she will refer you to an allergist or immunologist .

The specialist will ask you about your symptoms (e.g. when they occur, how often they occur, how long they have been present, etc.) and whether anyone in your family has allergies. Then, they will do several tests to confirm whether you have an allergy.

• Skin prick test: In this, a small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to your skin and a very small needle is used to prick the skin. If the area turns red and swells slightly within 15-20 minutes, it means you may be allergic to that allergen.
• Blood test: This involves taking a sample of your blood and checking it for the presence of the aforementioned IgE antibodies against specific allergens.

The doctor decides what tests to perform based on what kind of allergy is suspected.

How to treat allergies?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for allergies. But don't worry, there are many ways to manage symptoms and live a normal life.

There are three main treatment methods:

1. Allergen Avoidance: This is the most important and first thing. Once you know exactly what is causing your allergy, avoid it as much as possible.

2. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe various medications to control your symptoms.

3. Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): This treatment is used for some types of allergies.

1. A few tips to stay safe from allergens

Sometimes, especially for someone with a food allergy, avoiding the allergen can be a lifesaver .

• For food allergies:
• Completely avoid foods you are allergic to.
• Read the food labels carefully . Sometimes they say things like "may contain traces of nuts." Be careful about those things too.
• When eating out, tell the person preparing the food about your allergy.
• Avoid airborne allergens:
• Get rid of dust mites:
• Remove carpets and heavy curtains from the bedroom.
• Put special allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week.
• It is best to use an air cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in the bedroom.
• Avoid pollen:
• Keep windows closed as much as possible during peak pollen times (often early in the morning).
• After going out, change your clothes and wash your body.
• Stay away from chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds.
• Get rid of mold:
• Keep areas of your home with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen, basement) well ventilated and dry.
• Clean moldy areas with something like bleach.
• Avoid allergens from pets:
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Bathe the animal at least once a week (if possible, get someone who doesn't have allergies).

2. Medications for allergies

Medications such as pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops are often used for allergies.

• Antihistamines: These reduce the action of histamine and control symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
• `Decongestants`: Medicines given for nasal congestion.
• Corticosteroids: These come in the form of sprays, creams, or pills. They reduce inflammation caused by allergies.

Although these medications can help control allergy symptoms, they are not a cure . They also cannot eliminate the tendency to develop allergies. Your doctor will help you find the right medication for you.

Epinephrine for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Some people, especially those with food allergies or insect sting allergies, can develop a severe condition called anaphylaxis. For such people, your doctor may recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen). This is an easy-to-use, life-saving medication. It can be injected into your thigh in an emergency. Your doctor will show you how to use it. It is a good idea to carry two auto-injectors at all times.

3. Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Pills)

Allergy shots involve giving your body a very small amount of the allergen you are allergic to, gradually increasing it over time, as an injection. This gradually desensitizes your body's immune system to that allergen. It's like a vaccine.

This treatment is most often used for airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, and for insect sting allergies. Allergy shots are not currently commonly used for food allergies.

In addition to allergy shots, immunotherapy can also be given to certain allergens (e.g., grass pollen, dust mites) in the form of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This treatment may take several years. However, it can greatly reduce allergy symptoms and reduce the need for medication.

What will help me live with allergies? (Finally)

Okay, now you know you have an allergy. So how do you deal with it? The first and most important thing is to stay away from the things that cause you an allergy!

"Avoiding allergies is the best defense and the first treatment!"

• If you have a food allergy , avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Read food labels carefully to make sure they don't contain any of the ingredients you're allergic to. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors, especially if you're at risk for anaphylaxis.
• If you have an environmental allergy , keep your home free of dust and pet dander. Check the weather forecast for days when pollen is high. Using perfume-free and dye-free laundry detergents, cosmetics and beauty products can also help (sometimes the labels say "hypoallergenic," meaning they are less likely to cause allergies).
• If you are taking medication , follow the directions on the label exactly as your doctor tells you to. Tell your regular doctor about anything your allergy specialist gives you (whether it's shots or prescriptions).
• If you have a severe allergy , consider wearing a medical emergency ID (e.g., a MedicAlert bracelet or card) that describes your allergy and who to call in case of an emergency.

If you've been diagnosed with allergies, remember that you're not alone. There are many others like you. The good news is that doctors and scientists are continuing to research to better understand allergies, develop treatments, and perhaps one day prevent allergies. So, stay strong, follow your doctor's advice, and you can manage your allergies and be happy!

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