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

Do you also sneeze often? Or do you suddenly get a rash on your body? Do you feel like your mouth and lips swell up when you eat certain foods? These may be more common than you think. We call this condition an ' allergy ', or an allergy. Since many people do not know exactly about this, today we will talk about this allergy in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is this allergy?

Simply put, an allergy is when our body's defense system, the immune system , mistakes something that is actually harmless to us as an 'enemy' and overreacts against it.

Think of it this way. We have a few 'soldiers' in our bodies. That's our immune system. Their job is to protect us from enemies like viruses and bacteria that cause diseases. But sometimes these soldiers, like dust, pollen , and some foods, mistake even harmless 'strangers' for dangerous enemies and start a big fight. That's when we experience the symptoms of an allergy.

How does an allergy occur? What are the most common causes?

When our body starts fighting against what it perceives as an 'enemy' (we call these allergens ), it releases chemicals like 'histamine' into our blood. These chemicals are what cause the itchy skin, red eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.

There are many things that can cause allergies. Let's look at the main ones.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

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

• Through the nose to the lungs: sneezing , nasal congestion , coughing.
• Through the mouth: Symptoms caused by food.
• Through the skin: Contact irritation , itching .
• From an insect bite: swelling, pain at the site of the bite.

Here are the commonly seen symptoms.

Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition

While some allergic reactions are minor, others can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention. It can occur within minutes.

If your doctor has already told you about this type of severe allergic reaction and you have been given an epinephrine injection, use it and go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Never delay.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Itching all over the body
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or a feeling of tightness in the throat
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat
• Numbness of the hands, feet, lips, or scalp

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

If you suspect you have an allergy, the best way to confirm it is to see a doctor and get the necessary tests. The doctor will choose the most appropriate test based on your symptoms.

• Skin-prick test: This involves placing a few drops of a liquid containing the substance you think you may be allergic to on the skin of your hand or back and then pricking the skin with a small prick. If you are allergic to the substance, the area will turn red and swell slightly within about 15 minutes.
• Patch test: This tests for allergies that occur when something touches your skin. Here, you are asked to put a patch, such as a patch, containing the allergen on your skin and leave it on for a couple of days. Then, they remove it and check to see if there is a skin reaction.
• Blood test: In this test, a blood sample is taken from you and sent to a lab. There, the level of an antibody called 'Immunoglobulin E' (IgE) in your blood is tested. This antibody level may be elevated in someone with an allergy.

Can allergies be controlled by what you eat and drink?

In fact, it has not yet been proven that food can completely cure allergies. However, research has found that certain dietary patterns can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

For example, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are believed to reduce the risk of asthma and allergies by reducing inflammation in the body. Some studies have also shown that people who follow a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, have a lower risk of allergies. However, these are still in the research stage.

How to live with an allergy?

Having an allergy doesn't mean your life is over. With proper management, you can live a normal life.

• Avoid allergens: Stay away from things that you are allergic to as much as possible. You can do things like thoroughly cleaning your house, not letting pets in the bedroom, and avoiding unhealthy foods.
• Take medications as directed by your doctor: Use antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays as prescribed by your doctor.
• Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. Some people also call it 'allergy shots'. This involves injecting very small amounts of the allergen into your body over time. It's like 'peeling a thorn out of a nail.' Over time, your body gets used to it and responds less. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.