Allergy is a common disease. The symptoms are experienced by many people. It is a word used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance in the environment. Allergies, if left untreated leads to many complications.
Most substances that cause allergies are not harmful and have no effect on people who are not allergic. It develops when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen as though it is a threat, like an infection. It produces antibodies to fight off the allergen. Common allergic disorders include asthma, eczema and hay fever.
Causes
There are some common Allergens (that cause Allergy). Knowing the Allergens is helpful in limiting the disease self. Try to avoid Allergens and you are done.
- Fruits
- House dust mites
- Mould
- Nuts
- Pets
- Pollen
- Drugs
- Occupational allergens
Symptoms and signs
- Coughing
- Diarrhoea
- Itching in
Eye, Ear, Lips, Throat, Palate - Nettle rash/Hives
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sickness
- Sinus Pain
- Sneezing
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Investigations
Blood tests-
- Quantitation of total plasma IgE
- Tests for specific IgEs recognise a wide range of allergens
Skin test
Allergy Complications
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Another allergy—Having one type of allergy increases the chances
of being allergic to something else - Asthma – In many cases, asthma is triggered by exposure to an
allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma). - Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Infection of lungs
- Infections of the ears
- Sinusitis
Prevention
- Identify and avoid the causative allergen
- Medication
- Boost your immunity
- Wear a medical alert bracelet — If ever had a severe allergic reaction.
A medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know that you have
a serious allergy in case you have a reaction and you’re unable to communicate.