An allergy is a kind of immune response that your body gives to a foreign substance. Such a substance is usually harmless. However, the immune system of your body identifies the substance as a threat and releases chemicals to fight against it. These chemicals can make you have some visible symptoms that can be mild, moderate, or severe. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), around 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year and allergy is the 6th leading cause of chronic health issues in the USA. In this write-up, you will know about allergy symptoms, causes of allergy, allergy treatment, and how to manage allergies. Keep reading it till the end.
Table of Content
- Types of Allergies/Allergy Types
- Causes of Allergy
- Allergies Symptoms/Symptoms of Allergy
- Seasonal Allergies Symptoms
- Allergy Diagnosis
- Allergy Treatment/Allergies Medicine
- How to Manage Allergies
Types of Allergies/Allergy Types
There are several different types of allergies. Each allergy type has its own set of symptoms and causes. Here are some of the most common allergy types:
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – This is an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or other airborne allergens. Signs and symptoms associated with it may include a stuffy or runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and sneezing.
- Food allergies – This is an allergic reaction to particular food items, such as tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, eggs, milk, fish, soy, and shellfish. Symptoms may include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling, and anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Drug allergies – This is an immune system reaction to specific medications, like aspirin, antibiotics, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Symptoms may include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling.
- Insect sting allergies – This is an allergic reaction to the venom from a wasp, bee, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant sting. Symptoms may be redness, pain, itching, or swelling at the site of the sting. Further, symptoms may be itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.
- Skin allergies – This is an allergic reaction to certain substances that come into contact with the skin, such as nickel, latex, and particular chemicals. Symptoms may include a rash, hives, itching, and swelling.
Causes of Allergy
The causes of allergies differ based on allergy types. Here are some of the most common causes of allergies:
- Genetics – Allergies can be passed down from parents to their children.
- Environment – Exposure to specific environmental factors, like dust, pollen, and pollution, can cause allergies.
- Immune system dysfunction – In some cases, you have an allergic reaction due to a malfunction in your immune system. This malfunction makes your immune system take a foreign substance as a threat for you.
- Age – Allergies can develop at any age. However, they are more common in children and young adults.
- Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, such as asthma and eczema, may increase the risk of developing allergies.
- Airborne allergens like animal dander, pollen, dust mites, and mould
- Insect stings
Allergies Symptoms
The symptoms of allergies can vary depending on the type of allergy and the severity of the reaction. Here are some of the most common symptoms of allergy:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Nausea or fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or vomiting
- Anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction)
Seasonal Allergies Symptoms
Some of you may have seasonal allergies. Your seasonal allergy symptoms may include runny nose, congestion, and swollen eyes. With the use of the over-the-counter medicines, you can easily manage such allergic reactions.
Allergy Diagnosis
You should rush to consult a doctor if you notice your allergy symptoms such as runny nose and swollen eyes are getting worse with each passing day. After interacting with you, the doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Blood tests to measure the levels of IgE antibodies to particular allergens in the immune system
- Skin prick tests involve a doctor pricking the skin with a small amount of a potential allergen to know the reaction of your skin. If you have an allergy, your skin can become itchy, red, or swollen
- Patch tests to detect contact eczema, whereby a doctor tapes a metal disc containing a suspected allergen onto the person’s back and checks for a skin reaction 48 hours later, followed by another check after two days.
Allergy Treatment/Allergies Medicine
Allergies are a common condition that occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a substance, called an allergen, that is typically harmless to most people. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, or even anaphylaxis. The primary goal of allergy treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent future reactions. Treatment options include:
- Avoidance – The most effective way to manage allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen. This can involve making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or environmental triggers, or using protective measures, such as wearing a mask during outdoor activities.
- Medications – There are several types of medications available to treat allergies. Based on your symptoms and allergy test reports, your doctor can recommend you medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. In severe cases of allergy, such as anaphylaxis, emergency treatment is necessary. This may involve the use of epinephrine, which can help open the airways and increase blood pressure.
How to Manage Allergies
Managing allergies involves taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens and to relieve symptoms when they occur. Here are some strategies to manage allergies:
- Identify the allergen – The first step is to identify the allergen that triggers your allergic reactions. This can be done through skin tests, blood tests, or by keeping a diary of symptoms.
- Avoid the allergen – Once you know the allergen, you can take steps to avoid it. For example, if you’re allergic to pollen, you can stay indoors during peak pollen season or wear a mask when outside. If you’re allergic to certain foods, avoid eating them.
- Take prescribed or OTC Medications – Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications if your symptoms are severe.
- Have immunotherapy – Immunotherapy involves gradually exposing you to increasing amounts of an allergen over a period of time, which can help reduce your sensitivity to the allergen.
- Keep your environment clean – Dust, mould, and pet dander can all trigger allergies. Keep your environment clean by dusting, vacuuming, and using air purifiers.
- Be prepared for emergencies – If you have severe allergies, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) with you at all times in case of an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
Allergies can cause a range of symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and swelling, and can be triggered by various factors including food, pollen, and animal dander. Treatment options include avoiding triggers, taking medications such as antihistamines or steroids, and receiving allergy shots. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to properly diagnose and manage allergies.