Allergies : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What are allergies?
An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or food that is not normally harmful.
Your immune system produces substances called antibodies when you have allergies. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system's reaction can cause your skin to become inflamed. The sinuses or the airways in the digestive system can be affected.
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Different people have different allergies and those allergies can range from mild irritation to anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies cannot be cured, treatments can help relieve allergy symptoms.
Medical terms
Allergies are a type of immune reaction in which the body's system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, food, or drugs. Allergies can be seasonal, such as hay fever, or can last all year long. Symptoms of allergies vary from person to person, but they typically include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, itching, and nasal congestion. Allergies can also cause serious reactions such as asthma, hives, and anaphylaxis.
Allergies are an overreaction of the body's immune system to foreign substances that are typically harmless to most people. Common causes of allergies include pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain foods. The body's immune system identifies these substances as a threat, and will produce antibodies to help fight them off. These antibodies will then trigger the release of histamines, which cause the associated symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Allergies are your body’s reaction to a usually harmless substance like spore, molds, animal dander, latex, sure foods and bug stings. allergic reaction symptoms vary from delicate – rash or hives, itchiness, runny nose, watery/red eyes – to severe. Treatments embody antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, respiratory disorder medicines and therapy.
Allergies ar your body’s reaction to a substance it views as a harmful “invader.'' As an example, coming back into contact with what's usually a harmless substance, like spores, would possibly cause your system (your body’s defense system) to react. Substances that cause these reactions are referred to as allergens.
An “allergic reaction” is the method your body responds to the substance. a sequence of events occurs that end in AN sensitivity.
If you're at risk of allergies, the primary time you’re exposed to a selected substance (such as pollen), your body responds by manufacturing allergic (IgE) antibodies. The duty of those antibodies is to search out the allergens and facilitate taking them away from your system. As a result, a chemical referred to as aminoalkane is discharged and causes symptoms of allergies.
Allergies can be managed or eliminated with treatment from a doctor but identifying the cause of the allergy is important Some allergies can be cured while others will always require ongoing treatment To help you manage your symptoms follow the tips below: Step 1: Identify what's causing your allergic reaction Step 2: Take any prescribed medications and follow your doctor's recommendations for relief of symptoms Ask questions if something seems like it isn't working as well as before Nearly 70 percent of all people who have allergies also have asthma so remember that controlling both conditions at once may improve chronic problems associated with each condition individually.
Symptoms Allergies
Allergic symptoms can depend on the substance involved. Symptoms may vary depending on what the allergy is. Some severe cases of allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Hay fever,Allergic rhinitis can cause: A person with allergic rhinitis may experience various symptoms, including a stuffy nose, wheezing, and coughing.
Sneezing
If you are experiencing an itch in your nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth, it might be a sign that you have a cold or the flu.
Runny, stuffy nose
If your child has watery red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis), it means they have an infection in their eyes. You can treat the condition with antibiotics.
A food allergy can cause:
Tingling in the mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
Hives
Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy can cause:
There is a large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site.
Itching or hives all over the body
If you have a cough and it feels tight, produces wheezing or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor.
Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy can cause:
Hives
Itchy skin
Rash
Facial swelling
Wheezing
Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis,A skin condition called "eczema" can cause skin to:
Itch
Redden
Flake or peel
Anaphylaxis
An allergy can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. This medical emergency can cause you to go into shock, and may include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and a skin rash.
Loss of consciousness
A drop in blood pressure
Severe shortness of breath
Skin rash
Lightheadedness
A rapid, weak pulse
Nausea and vomiting
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, or if the symptoms don't improve with over-the-counter allergy medications, you should see a doctor. If you have recently begun taking an allergy medication and you experience more serious symptoms, please call the doctor who prescribed it right away.
If you have a severe allergy, you would use anaphylaxis as a way to treat it. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.If you are in danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an Auvi-Q EpiPen, give yourself a shot right away.
Even if your symptoms improve after receiving an epinephrine injection, you should still go to the emergency department in case your symptoms return.
If you've had a severe allergy attack in the past, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will need to do a lot of evaluation work in order to diagnose and manage your allergy properly.
Causes Allergies
An allergy begins when your immune system mistakenly believes a harmless substance is a harmful invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain in place for that particular allergen. When you are exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune responses. histamine is a system chemical that causes allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers include:
Airborne allergens,Some things that could be on the list include pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
Some food items that are good to eat include peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, fish eggs, and milk.
Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp
Medications,Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics are particularly effective against infections such as pneumonia.
Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions
Risk factors Allergies
If you are more likely to develop an allergy, it may be because:
If you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you are at an increased risk for developing them. such as hay fever, hives or eczema
Are a child
Have asthma or another allergic condition
Complications Allergies
Having an allergy increases your risk of other medical problems, including:
Anaphylaxis.If you have severe allergies, you are at a greater risk of experiencing this allergic reaction. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include foods, medications, and insect stings.
Asthma.People with allergies are more likely to have asthma, which is an immune system reaction that affects the airways. In some cases asthma is caused by exposure to an allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).
Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs can occur.If you have hay fever or asthma, your risk of getting these conditions is higher.
Prevention Allergies
Preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy you have. Some general tips to avoid allergic reactions include:
Avoid known triggers.If you're having allergy symptoms, try to avoid any possible triggers. For example, if you're allergic to pollen stay inside when pollen levels are high. If you're allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash bedding often.
Keep a diary.When you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, track what you are doing and what you are eating. This may help you and your doctor identify what is causing your symptoms or making them worse.
Wear a medical alert bracelet.If you have a severe allergy, you can wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to let others know. This way, they'll know if you have a reaction and are unable to communicate.
How can I get rid of allergies fast without medicine?
To treat allergies without medication you can try applying a compress of hot water over the area that is affected Inhaling steam from eucalyptus or menthol vapors also works to relieve nasal congestion Also keep your bedroom free of dust and other allergens by replacing carpeting with hardwood floors and changing any fabric drapes for those made of cotton or polyester when temperatures dip below 55 degrees F Finally add fresh flowers or herbs to help purify the air in your room.
How do you get rid of allergies permanently?
Allergies to pollens molds dust and other airborne irritants can cause discomfort to those who suffer from them Although allergies cannot be cured permanently there are ways to manage the symptoms so that your life isn’t completely consumed by allergy attacks In addition to medications like antihistamines over-the-counter remedies such as nasal sprays can provide relief for nasal allergies and other forms of watery eyes.
Does vitamin C help with allergies?
Vitamin C is widely available in safe effective and affordable doses of 500 to 1,000 mg Many researchers classify it as an antioxidant that also supports bone health reduces the risk of cancer prevents cataracts and even helps manage stress More than 100 studies have suggested that vitamin C may help the body reduce its allergic reaction to pollen or other allergens by supporting the production of specific antibodies The lemon-rind scent increases these antibodies' effectiveness twofold One study published in "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" found that taking 200 mg a day relieved symptoms in more than 80 percent of study. participants for.
Does honey help with allergies?
It may seem counterintuitive but the sticky stuff which is actually the excretions from the bees' nectar-gathering activities has been used for centuries to help relieve allergies The theory behind this natural remedy is that honey acts as a decongestant and antihistamine by coating the throat and reducing swelling of mucous membranes People who use it report mixed results.
Diagnosis Allergies
Your doctor will check for an allergy by performing a test.
When you are diagnosing a medical condition, be sure to ask lots of questions about the signs and symptoms.
Perform a physical exam
Make a list of symptoms and any possible triggers. Record your symptoms and what might have caused them.
If you have a food allergy, your doctor will likely:
Please keep a diary of the foods you eat.
Please stop eating the food that you think might be causing your allergy symptoms during the allergy evaluation.
Your doctor may recommend one or both of the following tests in order to determine your allergies. However, it is important to remember that these allergy tests can be inaccurate sometimes.
Skin test.A doctor or nurse will prick your skin and inject small amounts of the proteins found in potential allergens. If you're allergic, you'll likely develop a red bump (hive) at the test site on your skin.
Blood test. IgE blood testing detects the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of an allergy. Some people are more sensitive to allergens than others.
If your doctor thinks your problems are caused by something other than allergies, other tests might be done to identify or rule out other medical problems.
Treatment Allergies
Allergy treatments include:
Allergen avoidance.Your doctor can help you identify and avoid the things that trigger your allergies. This is the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.
Medications.If you have an allergy, various medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication in the form of pills or liquid nasal sprays or drops.
- Immunotherapy.If your doctor thinks that you might have a severe allergy or allergies that haven't been relieved by other treatments, they may recommend allergen immunotherapy. This involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts.Immunotherapy treatments can take a number of different forms, including tablets that are put under the tongue (sublingually) until they dissolve. Sublingual drugs are used to treat some food allergies.
Emergency epinephrine.If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. This injection can reduce symptoms until you receive emergency treatment.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Some allergy symptoms can be improved with at home treatment.
Sinus congestion and hay fever symptoms. Nasal irrigation can often improve these symptoms. You can use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle to flush out thick mucus and irritants from your nose. However, improper use of either device can lead to complications. A cold is an infection.
Household airborne allergy symptoms.To reduce your exposure to dust mites or pet dander, wash bedding and stuffed toys often in hot water and maintain low humidity, and replace carpeting with hard flooring.
Mold allergy symptoms.Make sure the moisture levels in your home are lowered by using ventilation fans and dehumidifiers. Fix any leaks that may be happening inside and outside of your home.
Alternative medicine
Some people with allergic rhinitis may find that acupuncture is helpful. Clinical practice guidelines suggest this.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have symptoms that might be caused by an allergy, see your family doctor or general practitioner first. If the problem is not addressed by your regular doctor, you may be referred to an allergist who is specially trained to treat allergies.
What you can do
Before your appointment, ask if you should stop taking allergy medications before the test and for how long. For example, antihistamines can affect the results of an allergy skin test.
Make a list of:
Your symptoms,When investigating allergies, it is important to include any symptoms that seem unrelated and when they began.
Your family's historyThis passage tells you about allergies and asthma, and includes information about specific allergies. If you know which allergies your child has, you can read more about them in this passage.
All medications,Supplemental vitamins and other ingredients you take in doses.
Questions to ask your doctor
Some basics you should ask your doctor include:
What could be causing my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
Will I need allergy tests?
Should I see an allergy specialist?
What treatment do you recommend?
What other health conditions do I have? How can I best manage them together?
What are the warning signs that I should be aware of if my friends or family are having an emergency?
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you questions, such as:
Are you feeling sick, like you had a cold or another respiratory infection?
Do your symptoms worsen at certain times of the day?
What are some things that might make your symptoms worse or better?
Do you have more of your symptoms in certain areas of your house or at work?
Can pets go into bedrooms?
Is there water damage in your home or workplace?
Do you smoke or are you exposed to secondhand smoke or other pollutants?
What have you done so far to try to fix the problem? Has anything worked so far?
General summary
Allergy relief is at your fingertips without the use of drugs According to Dr Richard Lipton of the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City you can control allergies naturally by eliminating a few simple things from your diet: dairy products and wheat are often culprits
Histamine is the chemical produced by the body in response to allergens that causes itching and swelling Histamines are produced by white blood cells called mast cells which ordinarily help fight off invading organisms Antihistamines block histamine receptors on cells and interfere with its ability to bind thus reducing allergic reactions Some antihistamines are available to buy over-the-counter (OTC) while others require a prescription from your doctor Another allergy treatment is immunotherapy or allergy shots which involves a series of injections given under strict medical supervision for the purpose of desensitizing the immune system's reaction to an all.
Peppermint oil is an effective way to get relief from allergy symptoms Researchers are even finding that it can improve sinus conditions and prevent respiratory infections You just need a few drops of peppermint essential oil added to your vaporizer or diffuser or you could use a menthol chest rub on the skin If you want to avoid potentially harmful chemicals try buying pure peppermint essential oil It will give you temporary relief from congestion sneezing and coughing meaning this season's colds won't last nearly as long for you!.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless. These substances, called allergens, can range from pet dander and dust to certain foods and medications. Triggered by an allergen, the body’s immune system creates antibodies that travel to cells that release chemicals, such as histamine. These chemicals create allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itching and watery eyes.
