Allergy is a form of immune system reaction against something that is considered dangerous even if it is not. This could be a substance into or come into contact with the body .
Allergens or substances trigger allergies affect only the people who have these allergies. In others, these allergens will not trigger an immune response. Some kind of substance that can cause an allergic reaction include insect bites, dust mites, animal dander, medications, certain foods, as well as pollen.
When the body was first passed by an allergen, the body will produce antibodies regarding it as something dangerous. If the body returns to cross paths with the same allergen, the body will increase the amount of antibodies to these allergens. This is what triggers the release of chemicals in the body and cause allergic symptoms.
Symptoms Appear When Allergies
There are some common allergy symptoms occur, among others:
The severity of the allergy also different in each person, no experience mild allergic reactions and no severe to fatal called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis, you need emergency medical treatment.
- Sneezing.
- Coughs.
- Hard to breathe.
- Rashes on the skin.
- A runny nose.
- Swelling in the body that passed by allergens, such as the face, mouth and tongue.
- Itching and redness.
- Watery eyes.
The most powerful way to prevent allergies is to avoid themselves from substance triggers or allergens. But if the allergy symptoms already appearing, there are some anti-allergy medications that can help
symptoms of Allergies
Allergy symptoms we experience generally depends on the type of allergen. For example allergy symptoms due to food would cause symptoms in the mouth or digestive system, whereas dust allergy will cause symptoms in the respiratory system. The following is a detailed explanation.
Allergy Because Bites Or Insect Stings
In addition to swelling of the bitten part, this type of allergy can cause an itching all over the body, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Since the substance of Allergy Air
If you have allergies to airborne substances such as dust, pollen, or dust mites, the main symptom that you will experience typically is sneezing. These symptoms can develop into a runny or blocked nose that trigger breathing difficulties. Itching of the nose, eyes were red, watery, and swelling may also appear.
Due to Food Allergies
Allergies because certain foods can cause a tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth. Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, throat, or face may also occur. In addition, allergies may also result in an itchy rash and hives, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
As a result Allergy Drugs
Medication can also cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may include itching of the skin, rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
In addition to the above causes, allergies can also appear when the skin is touched by a particular substance. For example soaps, shampoos, perfumes, hair dyes, as well as jewelry. Allergies of this type will lead to a type of inflammation of the skin, known as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis causes the symptoms of itching, rash, and scaly.
If you've ever felt the symptoms above, you should find out the cause to be discussed with the doctor so that your allergies can be handled.
Recognizing Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Allergies can sometimes cause severe reactions and fatal , ie anaphylaxis . This reaction will generally occur on the whole body and spread very quickly . Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Patients with anaphylaxis requiring emergency medical treatment . Anaphylactic reactions can be treated with injections or drug epinephrine .
- Severe shortness of breath .
- Fainting due to blood pressure drops .
- Nausea .
- Rashes on the skin .
- The pulse is rapid , but weak .
allergens
Substance allergen or allergens are usually harmless and does not cause allergy symptoms in others. Some types of allergens that generally can cause allergies include:
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts to the allergens that it considers a threat, though it is not. Therefore, it becomes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When the contact between the body and re-occurring allergens, the body produces more IgE. Then IgE will trigger the release of natural chemicals such as histamine that cause allergy symptoms.
- Insect bites such as bee stings.
- Certain foods, such as shellfish, nuts, crab, shrimp and milk.
- The substance in the air, such as animal dander, dust mites or pollen.
- Drugs, such as penicillin.
- Allergens are in contact with the skin directly, for example chemicals in perfumes, soaps, shampoos or latex material.
A person's risk for developing allergies may also increase because of heredity and environment. If your mother or father have certain allergies, you also have a high risk of allergies, although not always the same type of allergy.
Environmental factors may also affect the risk of allergies. Research shows that the longer and often someone exposed to certain allergens then the risk for allergies will be higher. For example, children who grow up in a family of smokers in the future could be allergic to cigarette smoke.
Allergy diagnosis
At the initial stage, the doctor will ask for details of symptoms, frequency and time of appearance, and allergens that you are experiencing. The doctor will also check parts of the body affected by allergies. If allergens you are not known with certainty through the initial examination, the doctor will usually recommend some tests for further evaluation.
Skin tests
In skin prick test, a patient's skin will be spilled liquid common allergens then stabbed subtly and slowly with a needle to see his reaction. If the patient has an allergy to these substances, red and itchy bump will appear on the skin within 10-15 minutes.
Skin prick test is usually used to check the types of food allergies and certain drugs, allergens in the air, and toxins from the insects. These tests include safe and can be used on everyone.
In addition to a skin prick test, patch testing can also be done. In a test patch, the type of allergen will be placed in specific places such as plaster, and then applied to the skin for two days while watching the reaction of the skin. Patch testing is used to evaluate contact dermatitis.
Blood tests
Type of blood test used was radioallergosorbent tests (RAST), which will measure the levels of specific IgE in the blood types. Blood tests may be recommended in conjunction with or to replace the skin prick test.
In addition to the doctor, you can also evaluate allergens that you or your child experienced having regard to the type of food consumed and allergic reactions that cause to the body.
Allergy treatment
In addition to dealing with allergies by avoiding the allergen, allergy medical attention are also available to control symptoms appear. Types of drugs commonly used in dealing with allergies are:
antihistamines
The drug works by blocking the effects of histamine compounds that cause various allergic symptoms such as shortness of breath, watery eyes and runny nose. Antihistamines can be used in the form of tablets, creams, liquids, eye drops or nasal spray. But you should be careful while buying eye drops or nasal spray because not everything is suitable for people of all ages.
Corticosteroid inhaler
These drugs are effective to handle an inflammation of the walls of the nose and respiratory tract, especially a stuffy nose. The side effects are also rarely felt by its users because little is absorbed by the body.
decongestants
In addition to tablets and capsules, the drug is also available in the form of drops or nasal spray. Decongestants are useful to help relieve nasal congestion. But not recommended for use in the long term.
leukotriene inhibitorsLeukotriene are compounds that can cause swelling in the respiratory tract when an allergic reaction occurs. The function of this drug is to inhibit leukotriene effects and can be used in tablet form. Examples of leukotriene inhibitors are monteleukast and zafirlukast.
Treatment for Anaphylaxis
If allergy you have the possibility to cause an anaphylactic attack, it is advisable to always carry epinephrine injections prescribed by a doctor. You can also wear a bracelet or necklace marker of allergy if possible so that if anaphylaxis occurs, people around will know the cause and act as quickly as possible.
Allergy prevention
Prevention of allergies depending on the allergen. The most effective way to prevent allergies is to avoid triggers. But not all sources of allergies can be avoided easily like dust mites, pets, or food. The following suggestions can help prevent allergies.
prevention of Anaphylaxis
- Wear closed or applying insect repellent lotions while on the move.
- Use a mask when outdoors.
- Clean the house regularly, especially the rooms were often used, such as bedrooms and living rooms, to avoid dust mites.
- Avoid the use of a feather duster as it can spread allergens.
- Wipe the furniture with a clean cloth dampened with water or a cleaning liquid.
- Opening a window or door for air circulation more smoothly so that the room does not feel damp.
- Putting pets outdoors or in a particular room only.
- Bathe your pet once a week.
- Cleaning pet cages regularly.
- Take note of the types of food that may be the source of allergies that can be avoided.
- Always read the label to find out the ingredients used before to buy food.
- Asking foodstuffs used in detail before you order in a restaurant.
- Cleaning the kitchen in order to avoid mildew, especially the sink and washing clothes.
- Do not dry the clothes in the house.
Beware yourself if you suffer anaphylaxis as if allergic to recur and is not treated as soon as possible, you risk loss of consciousness or even death. You are advised to always carry two doses of epinephrine injections that can be directly used if an anaphylactic attack occurs.
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