Let’s Be Educated In Allergy
Allergies | December 14, 2009Allergy or hypersensitive reaction, which is also called as type 1 allergy, refers to a state of an abnormal reaction wherein the immune system unusually responds to protein substances also known as allergens. In this response, the white blood cells (B-lymphocytes) generate an antidote also called antibody to fight against the allergen. These antibodies attach themselves to the surface of the allergy cells, which indicates that the immune system is all set to fight against the allergen the next time the body comes in contact with it. Such a process of getting ready to fight back is known as sensitization.
Each time the body comes in the contact with the allergen, an allergic reaction occurs naturally. In this reaction, the allergens attach themselves to the antibodies that in turn lie on the allergy cells’ surface. This merger results in secretion of histamine from the granula, which exist in the allergy cells and are small in size. It is this histamine that leads to the symptoms of allergic reactions. These symptoms can be fever, asthma, or rash that can occur based on the level and location of the exposure on the body. The histamine actually:
Expands the blood vessels.- Makes the mucous membranes, the lining tissues of the nose and airways, to swell due to leakage of a liquid.
- Triggers the production of mucus (phlegm) in the glands of the nose and the respiratory passages.
- Releases the substances that narrow down the respiratory passages.
Because of the above abnormal activities, it results in difficult breathing to which asthma attack can be the subsequent symptom.
Understanding Allergens/Causes
An allergen refers to a minute protein matter that stimulates the immune system to respond to them by producing antidotes also called as antibodies. Listed below are the most common allergens that incite allergic reactions.
- Pollen in weeds, grass, flowers, and trees
- Mould and fungus
- Fur in dogs and cat
- Dust mites in home
- Certain medicines
Apart from these allergens, one more reason of allergy can be sensitive mucous membranes that are present in the mouth and throat. These membranes are more likely to get inflamed due to many different reasons such as smoking, pollution, perfumes, strong odors, and certain cooking smells. Generally, there are high chances of allergic reactions in children who often come in contact with passive smoking.
It is also observed by the medical experts that the inclination towards this hypersensitivity is genetically inherited. So, if any of the parents or a close family member is suffering from food allergy, always be alert and take precautions by consulting your doctor regarding the different ways to minimize the chances of allergy in the children.
Allergy Diagnosis
To confirm the presence of food allergy, informing the doctor about the time and location of allergy along with the intensity of the symptoms will suffice. Once this information is accurately given, the doctor examines your body for allergy by conducting skin tests and various blood tests. In a few cases, as a symptom, if even asthma is alleged, then further tests related to breathing will be conducted.
Allergy Treatment
There are different kinds of allergy such as pet allergies, eczema, asthma, and hay fever. Therefore, treatment is also given accordingly to the type, frequency, and intensity of the allergy confirmed. If an allergy is not too major in nature, it can be treated with the specific remedies available at the shop of a chemist. For example, antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zirtek allergy tablets) or loratadine (Clarityn allergy tablets) are effective in minimizing the reaction. Other alternatives or treatments that are given by the doctor are given below.
- Nasal Products
- Sodium cromoglicate (Rynacrom nasal spray)
- Antihistamines – levocabastine (Livostin nasal spray)
- Decongestants and corticosteroids (Beclometasone – Beconase nasal spray)
- Eye Drops
- Sodium cromoglicate (Opticrom eye drops)
- Nedocromil sodium (Rapitil eye drops)
- Antihistamines levocabastine (Livostin direct eye drops)
- Corticosteroids in highly severe cases
- Injections
These are of allergy stirring agents given in small amounts to develop tolerance against the known allergens, which is also known as hyposensitisation. This results in stopping the immune system to release excessive histamine. These injections are to be taken for a long period time and under strict supervision. - Steroids
Injecting long-acting steroids in the muscles is only suggested for severe cases. It takes weeks or months for these steroids to be effective in providing you with relaxation against rigorous symptoms. The reason behind giving these injections in rare cases is that the steroids cause major severe side effects.
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i am allergic to dust, my hands get reddish and swollen, looks like tomato
so i try to stay away or keep myself away from dusty areas and or polluted areas while traveling