Allergies is a kind of skin alignment that can occur when our immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as the pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or the simple thing as food that usually doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. In most cases, it the external influence that can cause an allergic reaction.
Our immune system in this process produces substances known as antibodies. When we get allergic reactions,our immune system starts to make antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. This can usually happen when we come into contact with the allergen, andthen our immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
However the severity of allergiesmay vary from person to person and thatcan range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — that is a potentially life-threatening emergency. While we have noticed that most allergies can’t be cured, there are treatmentsthat can help relieve us from the allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Allergy symptomswill always depend on the substance that is involved, and thatcan affect our airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions we can get into can range from mild to severe. In most of the severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction can lead to a condition called as anaphylaxis. The symptoms should be closely monitored so that we will be able to have a better analysis of the causes as well.
Hay fever that is also called as allergic rhinitis can cause:
- Sneezing
- Itching of the nose, and the eyes or roof of the mouth
- Runny, and the stuffy nose
- We can have watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
A food allergy can cause:
- There can be a Tingling sensation in the mouth
- There will be swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy may also be causing:
- A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
- Itching or hives all over the body
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis
Causes
An allergy may start when our immune system mistakes as a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then will be producing the antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen. This is process when we are exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can getrelease a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers include:
- Airborne allergens,that may include the pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
- There are Certain foods, like peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
- Insect stings can also be a cause such as from a bee or wasp
- Medications can also effect just the ones of penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
- There are chances that we might have allergies from many of the other reactions as well that will be cause of few previous associations as well
Prevention
This is so very important that we should have a proper mechanism in place for the prevention of the allergic reactions. The allergic reactions cannot be completely cured as they are associated with many a factors but yes they can be controlled and minimized.
Preventing allergic reactions will entirely depend on the type of allergy we have. General measures include the following:
- Avoid known triggers.When we are treatingthe allergy symptoms, this is so very important that we try to avoid triggers. For example is we are allergic to pollen, then please try and stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high. Similarly if you’re allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash bedding on a daily basis.
- Keep a diary.Maintain a record of when are you getting the allergic most. This will help you identify the tigers. So the next time you visit the doctor you can tell them and that will help you get the proper medication as well.
- Eat healthy: this can be a step that will help to build up your immune system. The more antibody we have chances are we will be less prone to allergies. Try to avoid the objects that can cause an allergic reaction and that is the only way because as the medication can only help but cannot cure it completely.