What Are Allergies?

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Know all about allergies, its sign-symptoms, types and much more

Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body, yet causes some or the other discomfort to you. These foreign substances are called allergens.

They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander². Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies as a response to the allergen.

These antibodies then create a plethora of symptoms and signs that range from a mild skin rash to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.

When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t¹.

When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system¹.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency¹.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?

Some of the common symptoms of allergies are: –

Sneezing
Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
Hives
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
Anaphylaxis- a life-threatening allergic reaction

Causes of Allergies

Some of the common causes of allergies are:

Pollen from flowers of trees, grasses and weeds
Dust mites, cockroaches and mold spores
Animal dander and saliva
Insect stings and bites
Certain foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat
Certain medications, such as penicillin, aspirin and ibuprofen
Latex and other substances that touch the skin²

How to diagnosis allergy?

Allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor who will ask about your symptoms, medical history and family history. The doctor may also perform a physical exam and some tests to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the tests are:

Skin prick test: A small amount of a suspected allergen is pricked on the skin and the reaction is observed after 15 minutes.
Blood test: A sample of blood is sent to a lab to measure the level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens.
Oral food challenge: A small amount of a suspected food allergen is given to the patient under medical supervision and the reaction is monitored.
Patch test: A patch [as shown above] containing a suspected allergen is applied to the skin and removed after 48 hours to check for any signs of contact dermatitis.

How do you treat allergies

Allergies can be treated by avoiding the allergens that trigger them. However, this may not always be possible or practical.

In that case, some medications can help relieve the symptoms or prevent allergic reactions. Some of the medications that your doctor might prescribe are:

Antihistamines: These block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. They can reduce itching, sneezing and runny nose. Examples of antihistamines are- [pheniramine malleate [ Avil, Polaramine], desloratadine [Deslor, Sylor], cetirizine [Levocet, Cetzine], fexofenadine [ Allegra]
Decongestants: These shrink the swollen blood vessels in the nose and sinuses and relieve congestion and pressure. Examples- Phenylephrine as in Sinarest, Wikoryl.
Nasal sprays: These deliver steroids or antihistamines directly to the nasal passages and reduce inflammation and mucus production. Examples are- oxymetazoline [Nasivion nasal spray, Otrivin nasal spray]; azelastine
Eye drops: These contain antihistamines or anti-inflammatory agents that soothe irritated eyes [I-kul eye drops, Vasicon eye drops].
Allergy shots (immunotherapy): These involve injecting gradually increasing doses of a purified allergen over several months or years to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. These shots are available from physicians who treat allergies based on the type of allergen you are allergic to.
Epinephrine (adrenaline): This is a life-saving medication that can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. It can be given by injection using an auto-injector device that should be carried by people with severe allergies at all times. Know more about Epinephrine.

Are there natural remedies to treat allergies?

Some natural remedies that may help with allergies are:

– Saline nasal irrigation: This involves rinsing the nasal passages with a saltwater solution to flush out allergens and mucus.

– Butterbur: This is an herb that may have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. However, it may also cause side effects and interact with other medications.

Some studies of butterbur root or leaf extracts suggest that they may be helpful for symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but the data are not convincing.
NCCIH

– Quercetin: This is a plant pigment that may inhibit histamine release and reduce inflammation. However, it may also cause side effects and interact with other medications.

– Bromelain: This is an enzyme found in pineapple that may reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose and sinuses. However, it may also cause side effects and interact with other medications.

– Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that may help balance the gut microbiome and modulate the immune system. However, their effectiveness for allergies is not well established.

How can you prevent allergic attacks?

Allergies can be prevented by avoiding or minimizing exposure to allergens. Some of the ways to do this are:

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high and keep windows and doors closed.
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home and vacuum regularly.
Wash your bedding and curtains in hot water and use dust mite-proof covers on your mattress and pillows.
Keep your pets out of your bedroom and off your furniture and wash them frequently.
Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling substances that may cause contact dermatitis.
Read food labels carefully and avoid foods that you are allergic to or that may contain traces of allergens.
Carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you if you have a history of anaphylaxis and know how to use it in case of an emergency²

What are complication of an allergic reaction?

Allergies can cause complications such as:

Asthma:

This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Allergies can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in some people.

Sinusitis:

This is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled cavities behind the nose, cheeks and forehead. Allergies can cause congestion and mucus buildup in the sinuses, creating a favorable environment for bacteria or fungi to grow.

Otitis media:

This is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. Allergies can cause swelling of the eustachian tube, the passage that connects the middle ear to the throat, and impair its function of draining fluid from the ear.

Eczema:

This is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed patches of skin. Allergies can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms in some people.

Anaphylaxis:

This is a severe allergic reaction that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. It can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, rapid pulse, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with epinephrine²

Conclusion

Allergies can be a very uncomfortable condition that can cause discomfort, runny nose, mucus, sneezing and itching. The most common types of allergies are allergic rhinitis, hay fever or eczema.

An allergy is an abnormal immune response. Allergies are caused when a person’s immunity system attacks harmless substances that are commonly encountered in and around us on a daily basis. Allergies can be severe, even life-threatening, and there is no cure.
However, there are many ways to treat and manage this condition. If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
There are many different types of allergens, including allergens such as molds, dust mites and dander from lice-bearing animals, pollen and certain medications.

Once you know the various types of allergens and the pollens that are most likely to cause an allergic reaction, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from harmful allergens.
While you can’t prevent or cure allergies, you can take simple steps to prevent and manage them at home, wear protective eyewear and keep allergen triggers away from your nose and mouth.

You can also use medication to help reduce the symptoms of allergies. When you have a severe allergic reaction, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Final words

This article was on how and why allergies occur and what can be done about it. My next article will be on how some foods trigger allergies of the gastrointestinal intestinal system.

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Useful Resources:

Use these resources to learn in detail about allergies and their management-

(1) Allergies Overview: Symptoms, Treatments, and More – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies.

(2) Allergies – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497.

(3) Are Allergies Hereditary? Everything You Need to Know – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-allergies-hereditary-5198808.

(4) Allergies: Symptoms, Reaction, Treatment & Management – Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergies.