allergy- causes and treatments

What is an allergy?

Allergies are a very common overreaction of the immune system to usually harmless substances.

When a person with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, the allergic reaction is not immediate. The immune system gradually builds up sensitivity to the substance before overreacting.

The immune system needs time to recognize and remember the allergen. As it becomes sensitive to the substance, the immune system starts making antibodies to attack it. This process is called sensitization.

Sensitization can take a few days or several years. In many cases, the sensitization process is not completed. The patient experiences some symptoms but not a full allergy.

Allergies may also be seasonal. For example, hay fever symptoms can peak between April and May, as the pollen count in the air is much higher.

-- Symptoms --

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. The signs and symptoms depend on the type of allergen. Allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, and nasal passages.

Allergic reactions may be confused for other conditions. Hay fever, for example, creates similar irritations to the common cold but the causes are different.

Below is a range of various triggers and the symptoms they regularly cause in people who are allergic.

Dust and pollen

- blocked nose
- itchy eyes and nose
- runny nose
- swollen and watery eyes
- cough

- Skin reactions

- flaking
- itching
- peeling
- rashes

- Food

- vomiting
- swollen tongue
- tingling in the mouth
- swelling of the lips, face, and throat
- stomach cramps
- shortness of breath
- rectal bleeding, mainly in children
- itchiness in the mouth
- diarrhea

- Insect stings

- wheezing
- swelling at the site of the sting 
- a sudden drop in blood pressure
- itchy skin
- shortness of breath
- restlessness
- hives, a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body
- dizziness
- cough
- chest tightness
- anxiety
- possible anaphylaxis

Medication:

- wheezing
- swollen tongue, lips, and face
- skin rash
- itchiness
- possible anaphylaxisTreatment options

The most effective treatment and management of an allergy is avoidance of the allergen.

However, sometimes it is not possible to completely avoid an allergen. Pollen, for example, is constantly floating in the air, especially during hay fever season.

-- Medications --

Drugs can help treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction, but they will not cure the allergy. The majority of allergy medications are over-the-counter (OTC). Before taking a particular type of medication, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

-Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine. Caution is recommended, as some antihistamines are not suitable for children.

Decongestants: These can help with a blocked nose in cases of hay fever, pet allergy, or dust allergy. Decongestants are short-term medications.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists, or anti-leukotrienes: When other asthma treatments have not worked, anti-leukotrienes can block the effects of leukotrienes. These are the chemicals that cause swelling. The body releases leukotrienes during an allergic reaction.

Steroid sprays: Applied to the inside lining of the nose, corticosteroid sprays help reduce nasal congestion.