Allergic conditions

There are many different types of allergies, each presenting with different symptoms:

1. Skin allergy: Also known as atopic dermatitis or eczema, it can cause symptoms such as:
   • Redness, itchiness, and pain in the areas of skin exposed to the allergen
   • Flaky skin that may peel off
2. Allergic conjunctivitis: When an allergen enters the eye and irritates the conjunctival lining, it may cause the following symptoms:
   • Redness in the eyes
   • Puffy eyes
   • Excessive watering of the eyes
   • Itching or burning sensation in the eyes
   • Changes in vision
3. Food allergy: Consuming allergenic foods can lead to symptoms such as:
   • Tingling in the mouth
   • Facial puffiness
   • Swelling of the lips
   • Swelling of the tongue
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Itching all over the body
   • In severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis
4. Insect allergy: An insect sting can cause allergic symptoms like:
   • Pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site
   • Itching all over the body
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Chest tightness and wheezing
   • In severe cases, it can also cause anaphylaxis
5. Respiratory allergy: Allergic rhinitis and asthma are types of respiratory allergies. Symptoms include:
   • Shortness of breath
   • Coughing
   • Wheezing
   • Chest tightness
   • Runny nose
6. Medicinal allergy: Certain medications can trigger allergic reactions and cause symptoms such as:
   • Swelling of the face and body
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Cough
   • Chest tightness
   • Skin rash
   • Skin itching
   • In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis
7. Anaphylaxis: This is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction to any type of allergy. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
   • Anaphylactic shock
   • Severe drop in blood pressure
   • Loss of consciousness
   • Extreme difficulty breathing
   • Weak and thready pulse
   • Nausea
   • Skin rash

Allergies are caused when the body’s immune system responds abnormally to an external trigger known as an allergen, which does not usually incite an immune response in most other individuals. When the allergen comes into contact with the human body, the immune system activates a response by producing IgE antibodies. Typically, this immune response is not harmful, but an extreme reaction may lead to the formation of a chemical called histamine, which causes various allergy symptoms.

There are numerous substances that can cause allergies. The most commonly observed allergens include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Mites
• Pollen
• Animal fur
• Insect bites
• Latex
• Foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and milk
• Certain medications like penicillin and NSAIDs
• Seasonal changes

Allergies are widely prevalent across the world, and the number of people suffering from allergies is increasing every year. It is estimated that about:

• 200-250 million people suffer from food allergies.
• 400 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis.
• 300 million people have asthma due to allergic reactions from certain allergens like pollen or dust.
• One-tenth of the population suffers from medication allergies worldwide.

The risk factors for allergy include:

• A family history, as allergies are hereditary. The risk of developing an allergy increases if your parents or someone in the family has allergies.
• Occupational exposure to common allergens, such as dust, can also trigger allergies due to repeated exposure to the triggers.

To evaluate whether a person is allergic to any particular trigger, the doctor may take a detailed history of the onset of symptoms with particular emphasis on the exposure to allergens and how often the symptoms occur. Along with this, the doctor may perform a detailed physical examination to evaluate the symptoms and their probable cause.

A skin prick test can check for the development of an allergic reaction to common allergens via the skin prick. The development of a skin rash or bumps at the test site suggests an allergic reaction.

Laboratory tests to check for the levels of Total IgE are also used to evaluate the possibility of allergies. Other specific tests that may be performed to test for specific allergies include:

• Allergy - Medicines
• Allergy - Inhalants
• Allergy - Food

Allergies by themselves cannot be prevented as they are mostly hereditary. However, the harmful effects that occur due to allergies, known as allergic reactions, can be prevented. The single most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid exposure to the causative allergen. It is important to first understand and recognize the trigger that causes the allergic reaction. Once the agent is identified, all steps must be taken to avoid exposure to the allergen wherever possible. For example:

• Dust allergy: Use face masks or tie a wet cloth over the nose and mouth while cleaning or dusting an area with excessive dust.
• Food allergy: Avoid foods that may cause allergies, even in minute quantities.
• Medicine allergy: Always inform your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine in the past so that the doctor can modify the treatment accordingly.
• Mold allergy: Molds usually grow in dark enclosed places devoid of sunlight. To prevent exposure to molds, all areas at home must be adequately ventilated and receive plenty of natural sunlight.

Those who face respiratory problems occasionally can benefit from using some natural herbs regularly or as advised. Here are a few natural herbs that will help you fight symptoms of common respiratory allergies.

Here's More To Read!

The treatment for an allergic reaction aims to provide symptom relief and long-term management for desensitization of the immune system.

1. Symptomatic Relief

• Antihistamines: Used to relieve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the action of histamine. They may be given orally or applied topically as a lotion or cream. Antihistamine eye drops are used for eye allergies, and nasal administration provides rapid relief from nasal congestion and other respiratory symptoms. Examples include:
  • Levocetirizine
  • Chlorpheniramine Maleate
  • Loratadine
• Nasal Decongestants: Help reduce nasal congestion and ease breathing. Examples include:
  • Xylometazoline
  • Oxymetazoline
• Corticosteroids: Available in oral or injectable forms, these provide rapid relief from mild to severe allergy symptoms, including inflammation and rash. They may also be prescribed as eye drops. Examples include:
  • Prednisolone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Betamethasone
  • Dexamethasone
• Bronchodilators: Used to relieve acute asthma symptoms, with some prescribed for daily maintenance therapy. Salbutamol is a commonly prescribed medication in this category.

2. Immunotherapy

For severe allergies or those unresponsive to standard medication, immunotherapy may be considered. This involves a series of allergen exposures via injections or tablets over a few years, helping to desensitize the immune system to the allergen and prevent serious allergic reactions.

3. Treatment for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction requiring immediate medical care. During an anaphylactic attack, an injection of adrenaline must be administered as soon as possible, potentially repeated at intervals. Symptoms may include dizziness, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, and a fast heart rate. Prompt supportive care at the hospital is essential.

Preventing exposure to allergens is the best way to avoid allergic reactions, and this can be achieved by adopting simple lifestyle modifications such as:

• Staying away from dusty and moldy areas
• Covering the nose and mouth with a mask or wet cloth in dusty environments or during activities like cleaning
• Ensuring that all rooms of the house receive ample natural air and light to prevent mold growth
• Avoiding garden and field visits if you have pollen or insect allergies
• Staying away from pet animals if you are allergic to pet fur or dander (flakes of animal skin)
• Avoiding foods that cause allergies, such as nuts, milk, certain types of fish, and mushrooms
• Avoiding contact with foreign bodies such as metals or detergents that trigger skin allergies

How to care for troublesome symptoms

If you have an allergic reaction that causes troublesome symptoms, you can care for yourself by doing the following:

• Do not panic.
• Immediately withdraw contact from the allergen.
• If you have mild symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, or a mild rash, take OTC preparations to relieve congestion. You can also use emollient cream to soothe skin rash.
• Using a saline nasal rinse can help relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion.
• A cold compress (ice pack) or shower can help reduce the symptoms of skin rash or burning sensation.
• You must always carry an emergency epinephrine shot with you, which can be used in emergency cases of anaphylaxis.

If allergy is left ignored or unnoticed, it can lead to various complications such as:

• Anaphylaxis: In some cases, the allergic reaction may be severe and can result in an episode of anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
• Asthma: Individuals with allergic disorders are more likely to develop asthma, an obstructive airway disease characterized by wheezing, cough, and breathlessness. Allergens may also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
• Recurrent infections: Allergies increase susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections, such as sinusitis and pharyngitis.

Respiratory allergies, particularly asthma and nasal allergy (also known as allergic rhinitis), are on the rise worldwide, especially among children. Here’s more information on respiratory allergies and asthma.

Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda, allergies occur when there is an imbalance of the three doshas - vata, pitta, and kapha doshas. The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes avoiding exposure to common allergens and maintaining a balance among the three doshas. Ayurveda suggests detoxification procedures, such as ‘Nasya Chikitsa’, to alleviate symptoms of respiratory allergies. Herbal preparations, such as tulsi, ginger, ashwagandha, and triphala, may help ease symptoms of mild allergic reactions.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic medicines are believed to improve the over-sensitized immune system, acting as immunomodulators or immunoregulators. Homeopathy not only aims to treat the disease permanently by correcting the immune response but also does so without side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Some common homeopathic medications recommended for allergic rhinitis include:

• Arsenic Album
• Allium Cepa
• Natrum Mur
• Sabadilla
• Arundo

Yoga: Breathing exercises such as pranayam may be beneficial, providing relief from respiratory symptoms of allergies, including nasal congestion, runny nose, and breathlessness.

A person with allergies may find it difficult to lead a completely symptom-free life. Even the slightest exposure to allergens can trigger a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. With appropriate treatments, the intensity of allergic reactions can be reduced to some extent.

Individuals with allergies may encounter challenges in performing day-to-day activities, such as:

• Cleaning
• Dusting

There may also be certain dietary restrictions. Alternative medications may be necessary if a person is taking medications that could cause allergic complications.

People with severe allergies are advised to carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. This can be life-saving in the event of a severe episode of anaphylaxis.