Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies are an increased reaction of the body’s natural defenses (the immune system) to a certain substance. The reaction is referred to as increased because these substances are considered harmless by the body of people who do not suffer from allergies. When the immune system is exposed to an allergen, it produces antibodies that are activated with each subsequent encounter with it. These antibodies then release substances (such as histamine) that cause allergy symptoms.

Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and cause an allergic reaction. Examples of allergens are pollen, house dust, certain foods, medicines, and others.

The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person and can range from a mild, unpleasant reaction to a life-threatening condition such as anaphylactic shock. Although allergies cannot be cured, several therapies can relieve the symptoms they cause.

Allergies can appear at any age, but are most common in childhood and are overcome with age.

What are the causes of allergy development?

The most common types of allergies are:

• to airborne allergens – pollen, dust, mold, allergens from pets (dead skin, dried saliva, hair, urine)
• food allergies – most often occur to nuts, milk, eggs, some fish, soy, oysters, wheat
• drug allergies – can occur with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Examples of drugs that cause allergic reactions are ACE inhibitors, some antibiotics (penicillin), anticonvulsants, hypnotics such as barbiturates, beta-blockers, contrast agents used in imaging studies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and others
• allergies to insect sting venom – when a person is stung by an insect it is normal to have swelling, redness, pain, and itching at the site, but with an allergy, more serious reactions can occur such as difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis (see symptoms) and others
• latex allergy – causes reactions when in contact with gloves, condoms, and other products containing latex
• allergies to cosmetic products such as artificial nails, hair extensions, temporary henna tattoos

What are the risk factors for developing an allergy?

Factors that increase the risk of developing an allergy include:

• parents suffering from allergies, allergic diseases such as asthma and others – if none of the parents suffers from allergies, the chance of developing them is 15%, if one parent suffers from allergies – 30%, both parents – over 60%
• intensive exposure to allergens in the baby increases the risk of developing allergies later in life
• not breastfeeding the baby – children who are fed with their mother’s breast milk suffer less from allergies
• cigarette smoke – children raised in families exposed to cigarette smoke suffer more often from allergies

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms that the allergic reaction causes can range from unpleasant irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and depend on the specific allergy.

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis:

• nasal congestion
• itching on the inside and outside of the nose
• itching, tearing, and swelling in the eye area
• itchy throat

Atopic dermatitis:

• itching, dryness, redness of the skin
• skin peeling
• rash – in children more often on the face, and in adults – behind the knees

Food allergy:

• tingling, itching of the mouth
• rashes, itching, eczema on the skin
• swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, and other parts of the body
• wheezing, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing
• abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• dizziness, fainting

Insect sting allergy:

• significant swelling at the site of the sting
• itching or tingling in the body
• cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing
• anaphylaxis

An allergic reaction to drugs can include:

• tingling
• itchy skin
• rash
• shortness of breath, cough
• facial swelling
• anaphylaxis

In some people, the allergic reaction can lead to a condition called anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. Its symptoms include:

• constriction of the airways
• swelling of the throat or feeling of a lump in the throat that makes breathing difficult
• shock, severe drop in blood pressure
• rapid pulse
• loss of consciousness

The occurrence of anaphylactic shock can cause coma or death and requires emergency treatment. In case of allergy symptoms, after starting a new drug, the doctor who prescribed it should be reported immediately.

How is a diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is made based on the history of the characteristic symptoms and their association with a certain provoking agent. A physical examination is also performed. If the visit to the doctor takes place during the reaction itself, it will greatly facilitate the diagnosis. Tests that are used to diagnose allergic diseases include:

• skin allergy test (STP) – small amounts of purified allergens are introduced into the area of ​​the hand between the elbow and the wrist by fine scratching (scarification test), pricking, and subcutaneous injection (intradermal test). Then wait twenty minutes to an hour and check for a skin reaction
• blood tests – determination of serum IgE antibodies, allergen-specific IgE antibodies (RAST) in the blood
• functional breathing study
• provocation test – placing tests in contact with the allergen in question and observing for a reaction – the test is carried out in the doctor’s office, taking all safety measures

What is the treatment for allergy?

The only way to avoid reactions to an allergen is to eliminate contact with it. Medications that are used in the treatment of asthma include:

• medications to reduce symptoms – many medications in the form of eye drops, nasal sprays, and pills. Corticosteroids, decongestants, antihistamines, and others are used
• immunotherapy – allergy-causing substances are injected into the body (subcutaneously) at regular intervals in increasing dosage. and so the body’s sensitivity to them is reduced. However, the treatment period is long (from 3 to 5 years)
• “adrenaline pens” – ready-made syringes with needles that release a dose of the drug when pressed against the thigh