Allergies

Overview

Allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. A chronic disease lasts a long time or occurs often. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. When someone has allergies, their immune system makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies respond to allergens. The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction. Avoiding allergens is an important treatment approach. However, it often doesn’t completely end allergic reactions.

Symptoms

Common allergy symptoms may include:

rashes, such as hives
nausea
vomiting
fever
wheezing
difficulty breathing
congestion
runny nose
sneezing
coughing
fatigue
headaches

Causes of allergies

It’s still unclear why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body.

However, researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to allergies, including:

Older age
Genetics
Hormonal changes, especially in people assigned female at birth
Immunological factors, such as weakened immune system
Gut microbiome changes
Having other allergies, such as atopic dermatitis

Several common allergens have also been identified, including foods, medications, and environmental irritants. The cause of allergies may depend on how you come into contact with it:

Ingestion: Foods like nuts, cow’s milk, sesame, fish, tree nuts, and shellfish may cause allergies. Some oral medications like penicillin may also trigger a reaction.
Inhaling: Several environmental irritants, such as pollution, pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites, can trigger allergies.
Direct contact: Some allergies are caused by direct contact with allergens, such as insect stings, the sun, certain plants, latex, and certain metals.

Diagnosis

A doctor will first ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.

They may ask about anything unusual you may have eaten recently and any substances you may have come in contact with. For example, if you have a rash on your hands, they may ask if you put on latex gloves recently.

To confirm an allergy, they may order several tests, including:

Blood test: This can help detect the presence of IgE, which are cells that react to allergens.
Skin prick test: Small amounts of an allergen are pricked, brushed, or scratched against your skin to see if there’s an allergic reaction.

Types of allergies

There are several types of allergies These include:

food allergies
hayfever (allergic rhinitis)
asthma
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
skin allergies
medication allergies
insect bite allergies

Treatment and Management

Avoiding the allergen that triggers the reaction is the best way to prevent allergies. If that’s not possible, there are treatment options available.

Medication

Allergy treatment usually includes over-the-counter or prescription medications, which are available as nasal sprays, pills, liquids, and topical ointments.

Some allergy medications may include:

antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
corticosteroids
decongestants (Afrin, Suphedrine PE, Sudafed)
mast cell stabilizers, which stop mast cells from releasing histamine

It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop the best management plan for your allergies.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that involves administering small doses of an allergen to help your body become used to it over time.

There are two types of immunotherapy:

Injections: This involves several injections over a few years. It’s most helpful for allergens like pollen, pet dander, insect stings, and asthma.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): This involves placing small doses of allergens under your tongue. It’s best for asthma and nasal allergies, such as dust mites, ragweed, and grass.

Successful immunotherapy can prevent allergy symptoms from returning. The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms and reduce your allergic reaction. If you have animal allergies, avoid petting, hugging or kissing animals. Don’t allow them in your bedroom or on your furniture. Regularly vacuuming rugs, carpets and other surfaces helps remove dust, animal dander, pollen and other allergens.

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