Allergy Allergie
Allergy is the immune system's reaction to unfamiliar substances, such as: pollen grains, venom from a bee sting or animal dander.
The immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from unwanted foreign bodies that may invade the body and cause disease or infection. When someone is allergic to a particular substance, their immune system produces antibodies that identify the allergen and treat it as a harmful agent, although It is not, which leads to the release of histamine and other substances that cause allergy symptoms.
Allergies may cause different symptoms, as they can appear on the skin, in the sinuses, in the respiratory airways, or in the digestive system, as the severity and degree of severity of allergies varies from one person to another, as it can cause anaphylactic shock, an emergency that may It causes death, and allergies cannot be completely cured, but there are some treatments that help relieve allergy symptoms .
allergy symptoms
Allergy symptoms vary according to the sensitivity itself from one person to another. Allergy symptoms may appear in the respiratory airways, in the sinuses and nasal passages, in the skin, or in the digestive system.
In most cases, the allergic reaction is a source of discomfort and distress, but the symptoms of allergy are minor. As for the reactions in the case of acute allergies, they may be more dangerous, because they may affect many organs and systems in the body. The following are the most prominent types of allergies and their symptoms:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Itching .
- Watering or swelling in the eyes.
2. Atopic Dermatitis
Symptoms include:
- Itching of the skin.
- skin redness;
- Peeling of the skin.
3. Food Allergy
Symptoms include:
- A feeling of pinching in the mouth.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat.
- urticaria ;
- Anaphylaxis.
4. Insect bite allergy
Symptoms include:
- Swelling in a large area around the site of the sting.
- Itching or urticaria all over the body.
- coughing ;
- Chest contractions.
- Shortness of breath.
- Anaphylaxis.
5. Drug Allergy
Symptoms include:
- urticaria;
- itching;
- Skin rash.
- Facial swelling.
- Karkara and whistling at the time of breathing.
- Anaphylaxis.
6. Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, including food allergies and sensitivity to insect stings, may cause a dangerous phenomenon known as anaphylaxis. This allergy may end in death and require immediate medical treatment. This sensitivity affects many organs and systems of the body and may cause shock.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- He lost consciousness.
- dizziness;
- severe shortness of breath;
- Fast and weak palpitations.
- Skin rash.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Respiratory distension that may stop breathing completely.
If a syringe of adrenaline (Adrenaline) for self-injection is available, it should be used immediately, and even if symptoms improve after the injection of epinephrine, you should go to the emergency department to ensure that symptoms do not reappear when the effect of the injection ends.
Allergy causes and risk factors
The following is an explanation of the causes of allergies and the most affected people:
Allergy causes
Substances that cause allergic reactions include:
- Pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
- Certain foods, especially nuts, walnuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
- The poison from insects such as: bee stings, or wasp stings.
- Some medicines, especially penicillin or some antibiotics derived from penicillin.
- Natural rubber or other materials, contact with which can provoke allergic reactions in the skin.
People most at risk
- The risk of developing allergies increases in people who belong to one of the following groups:
- They have a family history of allergies or asthma, as the risk of developing allergies increases among relatives of patients who suffer from asthma or allergies, such as: hay fever, urticaria, or eczema.
- Children Although allergies may appear at any age, children are more likely than adults to develop allergies, yet in many cases allergies disappear and then return later in the future.
- The likelihood of developing allergies is greater in patients with asthma, and people who suffer from a certain type of allergy are likely to develop sensitivity to other substances as well.
Allergic complications
Allergies increase the risk of other health problems, including the following:
- Anaphylactic shock: People who suffer from severe allergic reactions are more likely to develop anaphylactic shock, which is an allergic reaction.
- Other allergies: People with one type of allergy are more likely to have other types of allergies.
- Asthma: People with asthma are more likely to develop allergies.
- Infection with various diseases: Allergies cause eczema , sinusitis, ear or lung infections
- Fungal infections: The risk of infection with fungal infections known as fungal sinusitis increases in people who suffer from allergies.
Allergy diagnosis
To determine if someone has a certain type of allergy, the doctor will do the following:
- Ask detailed questions about signs and symptoms.
- A physical examination is done.
- Demands detailed documentation of symptoms and causative agents.
The doctor may also recommend one of the following two tests:
- Skin test : In this test, the skin is pricked and exposed to tiny amounts of a protein found in allergens. If an allergy is present, swelling will develop at the test site.
- Blood test : The amount of allergy-causing antibodies in the blood , known as immunoglobulins, is measured. It is checked if the sample contains allergy indicators.
- Allergy treatment
Allergy treatment includes the following:
- Avoid irritating substances.
- Use of medication to relieve symptoms.
- Take an immunotherapy.
- Use of adrenaline in emergency situations.
- Allergy prevention
Allergy prevention depends on the type of allergy. The general guidelines for allergy prevention include the following recommendations:
1. Avoid common allergens
Substances that cause known and common allergies usually include: certain foods, some insects, and some medicines, and there are certain symptoms of allergies that appear and are exacerbated by extreme heat or psychological stress .
2. Putting on a medical alert bracelet
The medical alert bracelet should be worn by people who have previously had an acute or severe allergic reaction.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies only help relieve allergy symptoms, and a doctor should be consulted before use to ensure the general safety and effectiveness of the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Possible alternative medical treatments include the following:
- Aram (Butterbur).
- Marigolds (Calendula).
- Golden Seal.
- Nettles.
- Set El Hassan (Belladonna).
- Bromelain extracted from pineapple.
- Probiotics _
- Acupuncture.
- hypnosis.
