The bodies defence mechanism works over time to react against foreign particles which may pose danger to normal functioning of the human system. These foreign particles are known as Allergens.
People who are known to be allergic, respond to harmless allergens in an exaggerated manner thus resulting in irritations and discomfort to the body.
There are several types of allergies like: Hay Fever, Asthma, Eczema, Hives, Contact Dermatitis (Skin Reactions), Conjunctivitis (Red eye), Sinusitis, Anaphylaxis (Life-Threatening Reaction).
For this general concept of the changed capacity for reaction, I propose the term ‘allergy’. ‘Allo’ denotes the deviation from the original state, from the behavior of the normal, as in ‘allorhythmia’, ‘allotropy’.
What are the causes of Allergy?
Anything can act as an allergen if your system is sensitive to it, but the most common allergens are pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, mildew, cat and dog dander, foods (such as peanuts, milk and shellfish), drugs (such as penicillin and anesthetics) and certain chemicals.
What are the symptoms of Allergy?
A cold that never seems to go away. A running nose, congestion, or coughing that occurs pretty much constantly and lasts for more than 10 days can point to allergies.
Symptoms have a pattern. Pollen allergies appear at the same time every year. Pet allergies happen when you are around a certain animal, or, in many cases, just enter a building where the animal lives. Dust allergies crop up when you clean house, shake out rugs or enter a very dusty building.
Wheezing or frequent coughing could indicate a serious allergy or asthma.
Coughing up mucus that is grey, yellow, green, brown, or bloody, or that is shaped like small strings or plugs.
If eyes are persistently red and itchy. How can we diagnose Allergy?
Skin tests : The allergist injects extracts from allergens (such as dust mites, molds, or pollens commonly found in your area) into your skin to see whether your body has chemical substances to counteract the allergens from previous exposure. If you are sensitive to an allergen, a swollen rash will develop within 20 minutes after the test.
Blood tests to determine how many white and red blood cells are there. Too many white cells might mean you have an infection in your system.
How can Allergy be treated?
In general, it’s best to start with small steps first—avoiding allergens by getting rid of old rugs, for instance, and bathing the dog more often—and then working your way up to the stronger antidotes like Antihistamines or Decongestants, that stop the allergic reaction. Desensitization to the allergens that bother you by taking a series of injections over a number of years. However, they are often reserved for people who have severe allergic symptoms (such as life-threatening allergies to stinging insects) that cannot be relieved by taking oral medications or avoiding allergens.
More valuable information about Allergy
People who get severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis generally get them from insect stings, some medication, and food. More rarely, this severe reaction follows an allergy injection, after vigorous exercise or during anesthesia.
Whatever the cause, the body launches an emergency state of allergic reaction, flooding all systems with histamine and other chemicals. Capillaries and blood vessels expand (which explains the sensation of flushing and the dangerous drops in blood pressure, often described as feeling faint or going into shock), the bronchial tubes constrict (causing wheezing or difficulty in swallowing) and sometimes the throat and mouth swell, a dangerous symptom that can cause suffocation, coma and even death.
The early symptoms are usually quite noticeable, including a feeling of warmth or tingling in the skin and lips and an itchy rash, often between 10 seconds and 15 minutes after contact with the allergen. More extreme symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, dizzy, nauseated, having stomach cramps, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, breathing and a sense of panic follow rapidly. Lack of oxygen often turns the skin blue, too (a condition called cyanosis).
On Asthma : Not all people with asthma have allergies. A generally accepted definition of asthma is that, it is a disease that is characterized by increased responsiveness of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (main airway) to some type of trigger that causes widespread narrowing of the airways that changes in severity either as a result of treatment, or spontaneously.
Frequently asked questions about Allergy:
Which specialist should I consult if I have an allergic reaction?
You can see a General Physician or a Dermatologist.
Are allergies curable?
The body’s reaction to allergens can be modified but cannot be completely removed.
Is it a serious problem?
Allergy can at times complicate into serious reactions (like Anaphylaxis), so one must take allergies seriously.
Glossary
Allergen : A substance that induces allergy.
Decongestants : An agent that relieves congestion (as of mucous membranes) in Ear, Nose, Throat.
