What is Allergy? – Definition, Symptoms, and More

What is Allergy?

An allergy is your physique’s reaction to a part that it considers a harmful “invader”. For example, contact with a normally harmless substance like pollen can cause your immune system (your body’s defence system) to react. The part that causes these reactions are called allergens.

Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms you experience due to allergies are the result of several factors. These include the type of allergy and its severity.

If you take medication before the expected allergic reaction, you may still experience some of these symptoms, but they may be relieved.

• Food Allergies
• Seasonal Allergies
• Severe Allergies

Allergy on Skin

Skin allergies can be a sign or a symptom of allergy. They can also be the direct result of exposure to an allergen.

For example, eating foods, you are allergic to can cause various symptoms. You may feel a tingling sensation in your mouth and throat. You may also develop a rash.

Contact dermatitis, however, results from direct skin contact with an allergen. It can happen if you touch something you’re allergic to, like a cleaning product or a plant.

Types of Skin Allergies include:

• Rashes
• Eczema
• Also, Throat pain.
• Urticaria
• Swollen eyes.
• itching
• Burning

How is Allergy Diagnosed?

If you suspect an allergy, don’t wait for symptoms to go away. If your symptoms last longer than a week or two and tend to come back, make an appointment with an allergist/immunologist.

Allergy skin tests can use to identify the allergens that cause allergy symptoms. The test is done by pricking the skin with an allergen extract and checking for skin reactions.

If a skin test is not possible, a blood test can obtain. This test is not as sensitive as the skin test. The test assesses the number of antibodies produced by your immune system. Higher levels of specific antibodies suggest a possible allergy to that allergen.

Allergy Treatment

The best way to avoid aversions is to avoid anything that triggers the reaction. If that is not possible, there are treatment options.

Medication

Allergy treatment frequently includes medications, such as antihistamines, to controller symptoms. The drug can be over-the-counter or prescription. What your doctor commends depends on the severity of your allergy.

Allergy Medications include:

• Antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Corticosteroids
• Also, Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cromolyn Sodium (Gastrokrom)
• Also, Decongestants (Afrin, Sufedrin PE, Sudafed)
• Leukotriene Modifiers (Singulair, Zyflo)

Singulair should only use in the absence of other suitable treatment options. It increases the risk of significant behavioural and mood changes, such as suicidal thoughts and actions.

Immunotherapy

Many people choose immunotherapy. It includes multiple injections over several years to help your body get used to the allergy. Successful immunotherapy can prevent the recurrence of allergic symptoms.

Emergency Epinephrine

If you have a severe and life-threatening allergy, bring an emergency injection of adrenaline. The injection neutralizes allergic reactions until medical help arrives. Common brand names for this treatment include EpiPen and Twinject.

Some allergic reactions require emergency medical attention. Prepare for these emergencies by knowing first aid for allergic reactions.

Natural Remedies for Antipathies.

Many natural remedies and supplements are advertised as treatments and even as a way to prevent allergies. Please discuss with your doctor before trying them. Some biological therapies may contain other allergens and make your symptoms worse.

For example, some dry teas use flowers, closely related to plants that can cause severe sneezing. The same goes for vital oils. Some people use these oils to relieve mutual allergy symptoms, but essential oils still contain ingredients that can cause allergies.

Allergic Complications

While you may think of aversions as those irritating colds and sneezes that come with each new season, some of these allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis, for example, is a severe reaction to exposure to allergens. Most people assist anaphylaxis with food, but any allergen can cause telltale signs:

• Sudden Narrowing of the Airways
• Increased Heart Rate
• Possible Swelling of the Tongue and Mouth

Its symptoms can cause many complications. Your doctor can help you control the cause of your symptoms, as well as the difference between sensitivity and a full-blown allergy. Your doctor can also teach you how to manage your allergy symptoms to avoid worse complications.