Allergy- a common problem
Allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system. Allergy or allergic reactions occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes allergic reactions is called allergens.
Mild allergies like light fever are very common in the humans and cause symptoms such as redness of eyes, itchiness, and runny nose, eczema, or an asthma attack. Allergies can develop at any stage of life. It also depends upon your parent’s allergic history.
What causes allergy?
Allergies can develop at any age. Possibly even in the womb. They commonly occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline gradually with age.
Allergy can be hereditary. It may also depend upon gender and race. Infectious disease and environmental pollution are also responsible for causing allergy.
One of the most common food allergies is due to peanuts. Peanut allergies may be extremely severe. Nuts from trees, including pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, and walnuts, are another common allergen. Sufferers may be sensitive to one, or many, tree nuts. Seeds, including poppy and sesame contain oils where protein is present, which may elicit an allergic reaction.
Egg allergies affect one to two percent of children but are outgrown by about two-thirds of children by the age around 5. The sensitivity is usually to proteins in the white rather than the yolk.
Milk, from cows, goats, or sheep, is another common allergy-causing food, and many sufferers are also unable to tolerate dairy products like cheese. Other foods containing allergenic proteins include fish, wheat, soy, shellfish, fruits, vegetables, spices, synthetic and natural colors, chicken, and chemical additives.
What are the symptoms of allergy?
The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the nose, eyes, lungs, skin, and stomach. A few common allergic symptoms are:
If you have a nasal allergy then u may develop these symptoms:
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal itching (rubbing)
• Itching in ears and throat
Allergic Eyes
Allergy in eyes (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the membranes that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs as a result of an allergic reaction and may produce the following symptoms:
• Redness under the lids and of the eye
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Swelling in the membranes
Eczema is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic asthma and features the following symptoms:
• Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin.
• Rashes on the face, especially children.
• Rashes around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in older children and adults.
Treatment for allergy
The three most effective methods to treat allergies are avoidance, immunotherapy, and medication.
• Remain indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days.
o Dust-proof the home,
o Eliminate wall-to-wall carpet, venetian blinds, and down-filled blankets or pillows.
o Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing often and in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
o Keep bedding in dust covers, when possible.
• Use air conditioning instead of opening the windows.
• Consider putting a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home, but remember to clean it.
Do not eat such foods of which you are allergic. Avoid them as they trigger your allergic reaction.
If your allergy does not reduces with time consult a doctor and seek medical advice. Take medicines on a regular basis as prescribed.
The writer of this article is associated with BookMyDoctor.com and writing about the various diseases since a long time, in this article the writer mainly focused on the Symptoms of Allergy and primary Treatment of Allergy and at advising about various experienced Asthma Specialist in Delhi that will be very helpful for the patient.