Allergies: A Clear Guide

Understanding Allergies
Basically, allergies are a kind of response from the immune system. Your body is simply reacting to a foreign substance, also called an allergen. This overreaction includes any symptoms, which can be mild-to-severe, including life-threatening events.

The Allergic Response

When you're exposed to an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies attach to mast cells, which are immune cells found throughout your body. When you're re-exposed to the allergen, the IgE antibodies trigger the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause the allergic symptoms you experience.

Common Allergens
Allergies can be brought about by many things. The most usual allergens include:

Inhaled Allergens:
Pollen (tree, grass, weed)
Dust mites
Mold spores
Pet dander
Food Allergens:
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Tree nuts
Peanuts
Wheat
Soybeans
Other Allergens:
Insect stings
Medications
Latex

Common Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of allergies include, but are not limited to, the following, which vary according to type of allergen and severity of reaction. Some of these are:

Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever):
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Congestion
Postnasal drip
Coughing

Food Allergies:
Hives
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Allergic Skin Reactions:
Eczema
Hives
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
In severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat
Hives
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness

If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosing Allergies
For the diagnosis of allergies, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and take your history. He may be likely to recommend the following testing for allergies:

Skin prick test: A little amount of this allergen is pricked into your skin to see whether any reaction occurs.
Blood test: There can be a blood test available that can measure the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood.

Managing Allergies
Although there is currently no cure for allergies, there are a number of ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life:

Allergen Avoidance: Identify and avoid triggers.
Medication: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve allergy symptoms.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): A long-term treatment that can reduce sensitivity to allergens.
Emergency Treatment: Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) if you're at risk of anaphylaxis.

Lifestyle Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Keep the environment clean: Let frequent cleaning of the house be done, especially bedding, carpets, and upholstery.
Air Purifiers: Air cleaners/ purifiers fitted with HEPA filters may be used to lessen allergens in the home.
Pollen Counts: Check the local pollen counts and accordingly plan outdoor activities.
Shower and Change Clothes After Outdoor Activities: Remove pollen and other allergens from body and hair.
Wash Bedding Regularly in Hot Water: It might help kill dust mites.
Consider a Diet Low in Histamine: For some allergy sufferers, low histamine levels in food can help.

Through awareness of causes and allergenic triggering elements, you could mitigate your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. It's best to consult with an allergy expert in developing your personal treatment plan for allergies.