Allergy
Allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system that occurs due to a substance called an allergen. The substance is considered dangerous by the body, even though it is not. This is what then causes the symptoms to appear.
When the immune system reacts, the side effects that can occur are allergic reactions. Some causes of allergies can come from certain foods, medicines, pollen, insect or mite bites, and others.
An allergy occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen that the body deems dangerous, causing the body to produce antibodies.
Every time the body is exposed to the same allergen, antibody production can increase, triggering the release of histamine which results in the appearance of allergy symptoms.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms generally appear a few moments to hours after the body is exposed to the allergen. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Red rash on the skin.
- Itchy skin with rashes.
- Sneezing and coughing.
- Hard to breathe.
- Runny nose.
- Swelling in parts of the body exposed to allergens, such as the face, mouth, tongue, and throat.
- Red, watery, itchy eyes.
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
Some of the symptoms mentioned above appear with mild to moderate intensity.
Severe symptoms can trigger an anaphylactic reaction which can increase the risk of death.
A person experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate treatment. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Severe shortness of breath.
- Dizzy.
- Blood pressure drops drastically.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Widespread red rash on the skin.
- The pulse is fast but weak.
- Fainting or unconsciousness.
Causes of Allergies
Allergic reactions that occur can be caused by the body’s immune system incorrectly identifying allergens.
This substance is considered to be harmful to the body, but in fact it is not. When the body is exposed to an allergen, antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) will be formed.
Having contact in the body with an allergen causes IgE production to increase as a reaction from the body. This can trigger the release of histamine which eventually causes allergy symptoms.
Some allergens that trigger allergies in the body include:
- Certain foods, such as seafood, milk, eggs (especially egg whites), and nuts.
- Animal dander, especially from pets such as cats and dogs
- Mites, dust and mold.
- Certain substances in the inhaled air such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and air pollution.
- Pollen and weeds.
- Insect bites, such as bee stings.
- Certain medications.
- Certain chemicals, such as soaps, shampoos, perfumes, or latex materials.
Allergy Risk Factors
Some people may be at higher risk of developing allergies, this can be triggered by several factors such as the following:
- Hereditary factors. Allergies tend to run in families. Someone who has family members with a history of allergies or asthma will be at higher risk of developing allergies.
- Environmental factors. The more often and longer a person is exposed to a particular allergen, the higher the chance of developing an allergy.
- Age factor. Children under the age of 18 are more susceptible to allergies because their immune system exposure is limited and still in the development stage.
- Having asthma. Asthma is often associated with allergic reactions. If someone has asthma, their risk of developing allergies is increased because asthma can trigger allergy symptoms and vice versa.
Allergy Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a series of examinations to obtain a more accurate diagnosis of the disease. The first examination is a detailed history of the disease that has been experienced, including a history of allergic diseases in the immediate family.
Then, the doctor will also perform a physical examination to get signs of allergies in the body. If necessary, the doctor will recommend several supporting examinations, namely:
- Patch test. This test is done by placing one type of allergen on a plaster that is attached to the surface of the skin for two days. Then, the skin reaction that occurs will be observed.
- Skin prick test. This test is done to find out allergies to food, drugs, air, or insect venom. The surface of the skin will be dripped with allergen liquid, then pricked slowly with a fine needle and the resulting reaction observed.
- Blood test. This test is done to measure the level of IgE in the blood.
- Food elimination test. This test is done by avoiding the type of food suspected of being an allergy trigger, then the difference in reaction and symptoms experienced will be observed.
Allergy Treatment
The main treatment for someone who has an allergy is to avoid the allergen as much as possible.
However, sometimes avoiding it is not enough, allergy sufferers need to take certain medications to help reduce or stop allergy symptoms.
For example, drugs that inhibit the effects of allergy-causing agents, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that inhibit the effects of leukotrienes that cause swelling in the respiratory tract when symptoms occur.
These medications include antihistamines, nasal sprays, steroid tablets and steroid creams.
If you have more severe allergies, you can also undergo desensitization therapy or immunotherapy.
Desensitization therapy can be done through injections, drops, or tablets given over several years.
The goal is to accustom the body to exposure to allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
So that the body becomes more tolerant to allergens and does not cause excessive reactions.
Allergy Complications
Having allergies can increase your risk of certain other medical problems, including:
- Anaphylaxis. If you have severe allergies, you are at higher risk of having this serious allergic reaction.
- Asthma. If you have allergies, you are more likely to develop asthma. This is triggered by exposure to allergens in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).
- Sinusitis and ear or lung infections. The risk of developing these conditions is higher if you have a cold or asthma.
Allergy Prevention
Allergy prevention can be done depending on the type of allergen that is the trigger.
Try to identify what causes or worsens allergy symptoms by tracking daily activities.
Pay attention to what foods can trigger allergies, when allergy symptoms appear, and what can help relieve allergies.
This way, it will be easier for you to prevent allergic reactions from occurring.
Once you know your triggers, try to limit activities that may involve contact with allergens.
If you are allergic to animal fur, avoid petting or touching animals. Or if you are allergic to cigarette smoke, take precautions by wearing a mask.
You can also vacuum dust or pet hair in your home regularly to reduce contact with allergens.
You can also wear an allergy alert bracelet or necklace when traveling, so that people around you can provide first aid if symptoms appear.
Remember to always wear a tag bracelet, especially if you have a serious allergy that makes you lose consciousness or cannot communicate.