Things you need to know about allergies

Do you sometimes suddenly get a runny nose, itchy eyes, or red, itchy skin? Or have you ever had a rash or swollen lips after eating a particular food? Many of us have had experiences like this. This can often be an 'allergy', or an allergic reaction. So today, let's talk about this allergy simply and precisely.

What exactly is an allergy?

Okay, to put it simply, we all have something called the Immune System in our bodies. It's like an army inside us. The main job of this army is to recognize and attack harmful germs , bacteria, and viruses that enter our bodies, and protect us from disease. But sometimes, our immune system makes a small mistake. Then it mistakes things that are actually harmless to our bodies and are normally found in the environment (for example, pollen , dust, some foods, and animal dander) for a big enemy. When this fight begins, our bodies release chemicals like histamine. These chemicals are what cause the symptoms of an allergy, such as hives, itching, and redness.

What are the common allergens?

We call these things that cause allergies 'allergens'. These can vary from person to person. One person may be allergic to something while another may not be allergic to it at all. Let's look at the most common types of allergens.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

The symptoms of an allergy depend on what you are allergic to and how it entered your body.

Common, not so severe symptoms

These are the minor allergy symptoms we often see:

• Red, itchy eyes, watery eyes
• Keep on crouching .
• Runny nose, stuffy nose
• Hives , rashes
• Feeling tired and lifeless

Symptoms of a food allergy

• A tingling sensation inside the mouth, lips, and tongue
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Stomach ache , vomiting , or diarrhea
• Skin damage

Symptoms that may occur if you are bitten by an insect

• The bite site becomes red, swollen, and painful.
• Itching or rash all over the body
• Chest tightness, cough

Extremely dangerous condition: Anaphylaxis

This is the most dangerous and life-threatening condition we need to be aware of when it comes to allergies. Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body. It can occur within minutes. Dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing (a whistling sound coming from the chest)
• Feeling of tightness in the throat, hoarseness of voice
• Severe swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, or tongue
• Itching all over the body
• Dizziness, feeling like you're losing consciousness
• Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp

For some people with severe allergies, doctors advise them to always carry an injection called epinephrine. If such a person experiences such severe symptoms, they should be given the injection immediately and taken to the ETU .

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

If you suspect you have an allergy, the best thing to do is see a doctor. He or she will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, order some allergy tests.

• Skin Tests: This involves placing a few drops of a liquid made from the substance you think you may be allergic to on the skin of your hand or back and lightly pricking it with a small needle. If you are allergic to that substance, the area will turn red and swell like a small blister within about 15 minutes.
• Patch Test: This is like a plaster that is applied to the skin. A patch containing the allergen is applied to the skin for about two days, then removed and the skin is checked for any changes.
• Blood Tests: Here, a sample of your blood is taken and the level of `Immunoglobulin E (IgE),` a type of antibody, is tested.

Before doing these tests, your doctor may advise you to stop taking your allergy medication for a few days.

How to manage allergies?

Although allergies cannot be completely cured, we can control their symptoms and live a normal life. There are three main ways to do this. 1. Avoidance of allergens: This is the simplest and best thing to do. If you know exactly what you are allergic to, stay away from those things as much as possible. For example, if you have a dust allergy, keep your house clean, or if you have a shrimp allergy, avoid eating shrimp. 2. Medication: Allergy symptoms can be controlled to a large extent with medications prescribed by your doctor, such as antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays. Never take medication on your own. Always follow your doctor's instructions. 3. Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. This is also called "allergy shots." What you do here is start with a very small dose of what you are allergic to, and gradually increase the dose, and give it as an injection over a period of time. This means that over time, your immune system becomes accustomed to the allergen and stops responding to it unnecessarily. This may take about 3-5 years. But the results of this are long-lasting. You can ask your doctor for more information about this. Allergy, allergy, symptoms, anaphylaxis, treatment