An allergy is an acute reaction of the body’s immune system to normally harmless substances.Allergy symptoms can occur in different parts of the body, last from a few minutes to several days, and vary greatly in severity.
General information
Allergies can occur to the fur of certain animals, various foods, dust, medications, chemicals, insect bites, and pollen. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens. In some cases, allergic reactions are so mild that you may not even know that you suffer from an allergy.
But allergies can be, on the contrary, extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. People suffering from allergies may experience anaphylactic shock, a severe pathological condition associated with an extremely acute reaction of the body to an allergen. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by various allergens: medications, insect bites, food products. Anaphylactic shock can also occur due to skin contact with an allergen, such as latex.
A food allergy is an immune reaction caused by certain foods and accompanied by known symptoms. A food allergy occurs when the body mistakenly perceives a food as a threat to the body and forces the immune system to produce antibodies to protect itself. When the allergen is consumed again, the immune system quickly recognizes the substance and immediately reacts by producing antibodies again. It is these substances that cause allergic symptoms. Food allergies almost always develop in this way.
In some cases, adults get over allergies that they had in childhood. But if the allergy only manifests itself in adulthood, it is very difficult to get rid of it. Allergic rhinitis (specialists call this condition rhinitis) or hay fever occurs in 1 in 10 people and is often hereditary. People with other allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma or eczema, also often suffer from allergic rhinitis. Such allergies are more common in women than in men.
Allergic rhinitis may cause the following symptoms: itching in the eyes, throat, nose and palate, sneezing, as well as a stuffy nose, watery eyes, mucous discharge from the nose, conjunctivitis (redness and pain in the eyes). In severe cases, allergic rhinitis can cause an asthma attack (in people suffering from asthma) and/or eczema.
Causes of allergies
Some people have an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances (allergens), producing various chemicals. One of these, histamine, causes allergic symptoms. The body’s reaction can occur when the allergen is inhaled, comes into contact with the skin, is introduced, or is eaten. Allergens can include animal hair, fluff, dust, food, cosmetics, medicines, pollen, and cigarette smoke.
Symptoms of allergies
An allergic reaction can occur in different parts of the body, and symptoms can last from a few minutes to several days. upper respiratory tract: hay fever, asthma; red, watery eyes; pain and inflammation of the joints; urticaria, eczema; diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset.
Complications
anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction); difficulty breathing or wheezing; rapid pulse; cold sweat; sticky skin; hives; stomach cramps; dizziness; nausea; collapse (acute vascular insufficiency); convulsions. Without medical attention, severe allergies can be fatal.
What can you do?
Mild allergic reactions can cause a runny nose, watery eyes, and other cold-like symptoms. A small rash may also appear. If you or your loved ones often experience such reactions, you should consult a doctor.
Remember that in the case of anaphylactic shock, the allergy affects the entire body. Anaphylactic shock can occur within 15 minutes of ingesting the allergen, so it is necessary to take immediate action (call an ambulance). Avoid foods, medications, and other substances to which you have ever had an allergy.
Your allergies should be known to your friends, relatives and colleagues. Always inform all doctors (including dentists, cosmetologists, etc.) about all your allergic reactions, especially to medications. This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Before taking any medication, carefully read the packaging and instructions.
For mild allergic rhinitis, use decongestant drops and sprays to relieve symptoms. If the allergy is caused by a medication, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.
Take antihistamines (allergy medications) as prescribed by your doctor. When taking antihistamines that have a sedative effect, avoid driving or operating machinery, as they may cause drowsiness. However, there are now a number of antihistamines that do not have a sedative effect. For allergic reactions on the skin, use an antipruritic cream or lotion on the affected areas to relieve irritation.
What your doctor can do
The doctor must rule out other diseases, conduct tests to identify the allergen, and prescribe antihistamines and, if necessary, steroids. If the allergen is identified, but contact with it is unavoidable, the doctor must administer a special vaccine to prevent and treat allergies. The doctor may also recommend a special diet for patients suffering from food allergies.
Preventive measures for allergies
Try to identify the substances that cause your allergies and always avoid them. Make sure your home is clean and free of dust, fluff and mites. When you sweep or vacuum, beat the dust out of furniture, change bed linen and in any other contact with dusty objects, cover your nose (use a gauze bandage or mask). If you are allergic to pets, do not keep them in your home.
If you have an allergy to medications, always carry a special card with you that states which medications you are allergic to. In this case, even if you are unconscious or cannot remember the name of the drug, you will be protected from the introduction of the allergen. If you have a severe allergy, inform your family and colleagues about it and do not forget to inform your doctors about it.
