Allergy is a condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to foreign substances that are usually harmless to most people, such as pollen and specific foods. The symptoms of allergy vary from mild to severe.
Classification of Allergic Reactions
Type 1 Hypersensitivity:
This type of reaction is known as an immediate or anaphylactic reaction. Food particles, pollen, and insect bites may cause this.
Type 2 Hypersensitivity:
This condition is associated with IgE antibodies, which lead to cell destruction within the body.
Type 3 Hypersensitivity:
It is also known as immune complex reactions, which involve antibodies of the IgG, IgM, and IgA classes. It causes severe tissue damage.
Type 4 Hypersensitivity:
Also known as the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, it involves T-cells within the body. And further causes tissue damage.
Causes and Risk Factors of Allergies
- Family History of Allergy and Genetic predisposition can cause allergy
- Air pollution and water pollution can cause allergies.
- Infections: Chronic infections
- Immune overreaction
- Allergens like dust, mites, and pollen
Common Allergens
- House Dust Mites
- Mold
- Pollen is a fine powder released by flowers.
- Foods
- Medications
- Contact allergens: Metal particles, Cosmetics
- The venom, insect bites
- Pets and animals
Symptoms of Allergies
- Symptoms of allergy vary according to the type of hypersensitivity reaction. Common symptoms of allergy include
- Runny nose, Sneezing, Coughing
- Difficult breathing
- Itching
- Skin rash and eruptions
- Swelling
- Swollen mucosal membranes
- Systemic symptoms involving the respiratory system, Gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.
Always consult your nearest healthcare professional in the event of an emergency or a severe reaction. Which includes severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, etc
Complications of Allergies
Anaphylaxis:
Anaphylaxis is a severe complication, it is known as a severe whole-body allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Other complications:
Include allergic asthma, Skin conditions, Chronic Symptoms, sinusitis, and ear infections. etc
Diagnosis of Allergies
Diagnosis of allergy made based on:
Detailed medical history:
A doctor takes detailed notes of symptoms, including daily life circumstances, to evaluate the possible cause of the allergy
Skin prick test:
This Diagnostic allergy test involves pricking the skin and administering small drops of various allergens to detect the allergy. If a person develops inflammation, redness, and itching at the site of a prick, then the allergy is diagnosed.
Patch test:
In this test, a body is exposed to specific allergens to diagnose an allergy to certain allergens.
Provocation test:
In a provocation test, the body is exposed to various allergens to observe whether it causes a reaction. The provocation test is performed only when the other tests have not yielded any results.
Allergy tests are conducted by doctors who have specialised in allergies, including general physicians, dermatologists, ENT specialists, pulmonologists, and paediatricians.
Treatment of Allergies
- Avoid contact with the allergens, foods, and medications
- Oral or Intravenous Medication for allergies, like Antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories.
- Immunotherapy involves introducing common allergens into the person’s body to develop immunity against them, a process known as allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Allergies
- If you are at a higher risk of allergies, it is advisable to avoid pets.
- Avoid contact with the allergens as much as possible
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep regularly.
- Healthy routine
- Do regular exercise.
- Allergy can develop mental health conditions like anxiety and fear. In such situations, always consider professional help.
A proper diagnosis and medical consultation can help manage allergies effectively. Get diagnosed on time to avoid further complications of allergies.