Allergies can come in many forms and can range in severity, which is what makes allergies a common phenomenon for many people worldwide. Although allergies can sometimes be associated with minor inconveniences, such as sneezing and itching, reactions sometimes can be serious and even be life-threatening. In order to manage allergies, understanding the different elements and reactions of an allergy is very important.
This article explains what an allergy is, what can cause an allergy, what are the potential symptoms of an allergy, and how allergies are treated.
 

What is an Allergy?

Allergies are the immune system responses to a reaction of an allergen. In most people, allergens are not considered harmful. Some symptoms of an allergy response are caused by the immune system releasing histamine, and these symptoms can cause serious reactions such as difficulty breathing.
Allergic reactions can be very different for different people depending on allergies and the allergies someone has. Dust, mold, pollen, various food items, pet dander, prescription medication, and insect stings are common allergens.
 

How the Immune System Triggers Allergies

The immune system functions to defend the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. But in allergy sufferers, the immune system reacts defensively to certain benign stimuli.
When the body encounters foreign stimuli for the first time, the immune system reacts and produces a type specific antigenic response called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies recognize and bind to certain immune system cells. On subsequent encounters, these cells will secrete IgE associated-cells and, in most cases, be triggered to secrete the pro-inflammatory mediators including histamines.
The secretion of histamines accounts for inflammatory responses associated with allergic reactions, as well as itching and most of the body's secretions.
 

Leading Contributors to Allergic Responses

Numerous factors can lead to the development of allergy conditions in different people. However, some of these factors are more common. These include the following:

1. Pollen

When pollen is elevated in the atmosphere, people with successive seasonal allergies can be pushed to levels of irritability that lead to constant sneezing, a rhinorrhea (running nose), and an increase in watery eyes.

2. Dust Mites

In addition to pollen, a common contributor to allergy conditions is used bedding. Dust mites are a major cause of low-level, chronic allergic conditions all year round.

3. Pet Dander

People can have an allergic reaction to proteins found in animal skin flakes, saliva, and urine. Pet allergies are often associated with cats and dogs.

4. Food Allergies

Some people can have allergic reactions to certain foods. Common food allergens include:

• Peanut
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy

Allergic reactions to foods can range from mild symptoms such as itching to severe symptoms including difficulty breathing.

5. Insect Stings

Some people can have allergic reactions to being stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet. In severe cases, this can lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.

6. Medications

Allergic reactions can occur to certain medications, including some antibiotics and pain medications.

7. Mold

Mold is present in damp areas and can cause allergic reactions. Mold spores can cause reactions when breathed in.
 

Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can differ based on the specific allergen and which body part is affected. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Respiratory Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Running or blocked nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness

Skin Symptoms

• Itching
• Redness
• Hives
• Skin rashes
• Swelling

Eye Symptoms

• Watery eyes
• Red or itchy eyes
• Swollen eyelids

Digestive Symptoms

These are more common with food allergies:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis)

Allergies can lead to a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can include the symptoms below. These cases require immediate medical intervention.

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

 

Types of Allergies

Allergies can be categorized in a number of ways, based on the trigger.

Seasonal Allergies

These allergies occur during specific times of the year when the pollen count is at its peak (also referred to as hay fever).

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts with a certain type of food.

Skin Allergies

Allergies can be triggered by a variety of things that come into contact with the skin such as cosmetics, certain soaps, or certain types of plants.

Drug Allergies

Drug allergies occur when the immune system responds negatively to a particular type of drug.

Insect Sting Allergies

Insect sting allergies are the body's response to insect stings or bites.
 

How These Allergies are Diagnosed

You will need to see an allergy specialist to begin allergy symptoms.

Skin-Prick Testing

Skin-prick testing involves the insertion of a small amount of a suspected allergen into the epidermal layer of the skin to see if a reaction occurs, such as the formation of a small, raised, itchy, red weal.

Blood Testing

Blood testing in the context of allergies are investigations to quantify allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in a person's blood (these antibodies are typically increased in response to an allergen of the individual).

Food Allergy

In the context of allergies, the anaphylactic response is a medical emergency that is the result of exposure to a food allergen that may lead to the death of the allergy sufferer.
 

Management of Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of an allergy are a physical response to a food allergen after the allergy sufferer has been exposed to the allergen food.

Allergen Avoidance

Allergic symptoms can be prevented when the food allergen is removed, and the allergy sufferer does not come into contact with the food allergen.

1. Avoiding Allergens

Food that is suspected of being an allergen should be removed from the diet and when it is done by the allergist or doctor in the context of food allergies, this is referred to as an elimination diet.
 

Medications

In the context of allergies, medications that are used to suppress an allergic response are called allergy medications.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medications that antagonize the effect of a chemical called histamine, and in turn they result in the lessening or elimination of the symptoms of an allergy, including sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.

Decongestants

Decongestants are medications that are used to assist in the alleviation of mucus in the nasal passages.

Nasal Corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids are a class of medications that are used to relieve inflammation of the nasal passages and as a result, their utilization will lead to a reduction of swollen and congested nasal passages.

Eye Drops

These can help dry itchy and watery eyes.
 

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps by slowly introducing allergens into the body. Over time, the immune system can learn to not be as sensitive to the specific allergens.
This can be in the form of allergy shots, or can be given as tablets.
 

4. Emergency Treatment

In the case of severe allergic reactions, physicians will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. This can help rapidly reverse anaphylactic symptoms and can be lifesaving.
 

Natural Remedies for Allergy Symptoms Relief

Some natural allergies can help relieve symptoms.

Saline Nasal Rinse

Allergens can be trapped in the nasal passages. Rinse your nose with saline to help clear allergens and mucus.

Clean Air Indoors

Inhaling a load of dust and allergens will only worsen your allergy symptoms. So, dust, clean, and vacuum your home at regular intervals.

Clean Home

Dust mites and pet dander can be allergens. Vacuums can collect the dust in your home.
 

Prevention

Some allergies cannot be prevented. These diagnoses can be improved with lifestyle changes.
The following actions can help you minimize your exposure to allergens:

• Keeping your home free of dust and debris
• Staying away from tobacco and other products that involve smoking
• Keeping an eye on the pollen count during allergy season
• Cleaning your linens with hot water and detergent regularly
• Eating well and exercising can boost your immune system

 

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

• You schedule your daily activities around your allergy symptoms
• Your symptoms remain despite taking over-the-counter medication
• Your symptoms worsen
• You find yourself short of breath or you have swelling

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and can improve your quality of life.
 

Conclusion

Allergies are the immune system's response to defend the body from perceived threats. The symptoms can affect the nose, skin, digestive system, and eyes. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary because the reactions can be severe and can be a threat to life.
Identification of triggers is crucial and should be the foundation of an allergy management plan. Individuals managing triggers should consider alternative treatments to reduce the impact of triggers. The knowledge is necessary for improved management and prevention of life-threatening reactions.