Allergy Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Detailed

What is an allergy?

Allergy is a very common disease. Allergy is the reaction of our body to a food or substance. Allergies are more common in children, but with age, allergies usually go away. But many may suffer for life. It's normal for adults to develop new allergies to foods or substances they weren't allergic to before. According to the World Allergy Organization Journal, in a report, at least 30 percent of people around the world suffer from allergies or related diseases in 2018.

How are allergies?

Every human body has an immune system called the immune system. Allergies occur when our immune system does not work properly or reacts to things that are not harmful to us. That is, our immune system often does not understand whether the food we eat or the things we come in contact with are harmful. He then starts to show a type of reaction to these foods or objects which is actually an allergy. In many countries, the number of people suffering from allergies is not low.

What actually happens in allergies?

Allergies can range from sneezing to itching and even shortness of breath, for some these allergies cause little discomfort while for others they make life miserable.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

An allergic reaction usually occurs within minutes of coming in contact with the substance to which you are allergic. However, this can sometimes last for a few hours, but the important thing is that most allergies are mild and under control. Sometimes allergies can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Also, some of the symptoms that are mainly seen due to allergies are sneezing, itching, runny nose and stuffy nose. Itchy, red, watery eyes are common and there is chest noise or chest heaviness during breathing, redness and swelling of the body and skin, swelling of lips, tongue, eyes and face are also major symptoms of allergy.

There is also dryness or redness of the skin. However, how you react depends on what you are allergic to and how you came into contact with it. For example, if you are allergic to flower molecules then you may have sneezing or cold, cough. If you have a skin allergy, the area will be red and swollen and if you eat any food that you are allergic to, you will get sick immediately or after a while or when the test starts.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Such allergic reactions occur within minutes and can sometimes be fatal. Much caution must be exercised in these cases.

• Swelling of the throat and mouth
• shortness of breath
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Delirium continues to bend and
• Bluishness of lips and skin
• Falling or losing consciousness

But Falls or loss of consciousness are rare.

Food allergy

A food allergy is an abnormal immune system response to food. In short, the foods that cause an allergic reaction are called food allergies. It is caused by exposure to even very small amounts of allergenic foods.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that food allergies affect 4%-6% of children and 4% of adults.

The most common food allergies, which account for about 90% of all food allergies, are often referred to as the 'big eight':

• The milk
• The egg
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Seafood
• Oysters
• Soy
• Wheat

Includes other foods containing allergenic proteins

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Corn
• Spices etc.

What to do if allergic?

If you think that you have an allergy, then you must go to the doctor and tell him that you have an allergic problem to any object, how you are allergic when you come in contact with them, how long the allergy lasts and how often it happens. Your doctor will monitor your signs and symptoms and what you are allergic to and prescribe you accordingly. However, if for some reason the presence of allergies cannot be confirmed, different types of tests can be done.

Allergy test

Screen prick testing: In this case, a liquid rich in the substance of the substance to which you are allergic is placed on the skin of your hand. Afterwards, a puncture is gently made, then checked to see if you have an allergy. If you have an allergy, the area on your hand will swell within 15 minutes.

• Blood test: Sometimes a blood test is done along with or instead of screen prick testing to find out if you actually have allergies.
• Rust test: In this, the substance you are allergic to is attached to a metal disc and attached to any part of your body. Then you are kept under observation for 48 hours to see if you are really allergic to that ingredient or not.
• Elimination diet: In this case, you do not eat the food that you are allergic to. Then after a certain period of time, the food is asked to eat again to know how your body reacts to that food. However, it should be remembered that this test can never be done without a doctor's advice.
• Challenge testing: In this case, the food to which you are allergic is increased little by little, to see if that food is actually not tolerated by your body. However, in the case of this test, it must be done after the doctor's advice from the hospital.

Allergy Testing Kits: Different types of allergy testing kits are available in the market. But most of the times they are not of the correct quality.

What is the treatment of allergies?

Allergy treatment varies from person to person because not everyone has an allergic reaction to the same substance or substance. However, some steps can be taken to keep allergies under control.

• Those who have it must watch what you eat
• If people with animal allergies have pets, keep them outside as much as possible and bathe them regularly.
• People who are allergic to fungi should keep the house as dry as possible and provide adequate light and ventilation.
• People with pollen allergies should avoid areas where grass grows. If there is a lot of pollen in the air, use a mask. If that doesn't work then it's better to stay at home.
• For those who are allergic to dust, use anti-allergy pillows.
• Use wooden floors instead of carpets

Apart from these precautions, different types of allergy medicines are available in the market, but in this case, it should be remembered that no medicine can be taken without the doctor's advice.

Eye allergy

There are many of you who have itchy eyes, and at some point the eyes are red again and again, when you go to the doctor, the doctors must reduce the itching with a drop or oral medicine, but what you need to know is that any drop or oral medicine but the itching is repeated. will not stop from This recurring itching is an allergy, eye allergy or allergic conjunctivitis.

What are the causes of eye allergy?

If we want to reduce the itchy eyes, we need to find out the reason why our eyes are itchy.

• Dust
• Food

What is allergic rhinitis?

One of the main problems we have in winter is stuffy nose, runny nose, excessive sneezing usually in the beginning of winter and in the end of winter we suffer from this kind of illness and many people call it cold and usually during summer if the temperature fluctuates suddenly, that If the temperature rises, then such a problem can occur. We call it allergic rhinitis in medical terms.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Allergy is a hereditary disease. For those who have a family history, it is often seen that the parents who have it have children or siblings. Generally, allergies are never 100% cured, but with some treatments and following some rules, it is possible to cure allergies.

Causes of allergic rhinitis

The main cause of allergic rhinitis is dust and smoke as well as cold.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

• Runny nose
• Excessive frequent sneezing
• Swelling of the muscles in the nose
• Sometimes, along with the nasal bones are curved, an inflammation is formed in the inner membrane of the nose.
• Sometimes it hurts inside the nose and sometimes inside the throat, we see that the cold from the nose comes from the back of the throat, causing a kind of inflammation in the throat.

Remedy for allergic rhinitis

People who are often affected by such diseases can get rid of allergic rhinitis if they are on the streets or if they have a profession and use masks here.

Allergic rhinitis is not a very serious disease but it causes a lot of pain for people who suffer from this disease should see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible. And if you use antihistamine drugs as well as steroid nasal sprays as per the doctor's advice, you will get rid of allergic rhinitis and feel better.

Many times we use nasal drops, one thing we have to remember is that nasal drops cannot be used for a long time, it doesn't work for a while and later on it does damage, but some antihistamines and nasal steroids that have sprays are long lasting. There is no possibility of damage in use. And good and comfortable for the patient.

Another thing we need to understand is that sometimes we say nasal polyps. Actually polypus is another disease. Those who suffer from allergic rhinitis can also suffer from nasal polyps.

If a patient has sinusitis or due to inflammation of the sinuses

Swelling of the nasal meatus and curvature of the nasal bones leads to difficulty in breathing through the nose, which can sometimes lead to headaches.

Also dusty, old or unused items should be cleaned thoroughly before use.

Pollen allergy

Pollen allergies are a response from an allergy individual against Pollen. In terms of the Pollen that causes Pollen allergies, it’s generally the wind Pollenated plants. Trees will pollinate in the the spring. Grasses will pollinate in the summer. Weeds will pollinate in the fall, and when the pollen is blowing around, that is when it can land in individuals noses, eyes, and cause problems. 

Symptoms of pollen allergies

The main symptoms of pollen allergies are going to be nasal symptoms and ocular symptoms.

So in terms of the nose, pollen can cause: 

• Nasal itchiness
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Post Nasal drip
• Nasal congestion.

Pollen allergy treatment

Treatment for Pollen Allergy generally starts with avoidance.

Don't avoid an entire session outdoors, But was Pollen counts and avoid the high Pollen count days.

If pollen cannot be avoided, then taking a shower, changing clothes and irrigating the nose will help Remove Pollens.

There are over - the - counter and prescription nasal sprays and oral medications for Pollen allergies.

Allergy Detailed

Symptoms of a reaction can occur a few minutes to a few hours after eating and milk product. Common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to milk include hives, itching around the mouth throat and digestive problems. For symptoms like this you may only need to take an antihistamine, but remember, an antihistamine cannot control a severe reaction and is no substitute for epinephrine. Some people may have a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which can include problems breathing and swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea,coughing,swelling, and loss of consciousness.

Note: Symptoms can happen within a minute or up to hours.

Prevention and treatment of milk allergy

Milk is commonly found in butters, cheeses, creams, yogurts, and puddings.

Milk can also often be found that goods and chocolates, and because milk and whey proteins can be used as a stabilizer, emulsifier for flavouring agent in some Processed foods. You can find it hiding in truly Unexpected places like some lunch meats and canned tuna! So Milk allergy To prevent a reaction, avoid cow’s milk and Milk products.

Egg Allergy

Allergies are caused by the human body's reaction of certain Substances. The immune system reacts against the substances such as certain proteins in foods and create Antibodies to dispose of them. The body creates histamine for protection whenever you consume the substance again.

Food allergies usually exit from birth and are quite common. Studies estimate that around 3.9 % of all children in the US suffer from them and more than half of them (20% off all) Are allergic to egg. Egg allergy are often caused by certain protein present in the egg white. However in some cases, people may be allergic to both whites and yokes. 

Everything you need to know about egg allergy

Causes of egg allergy

• Egg allergy is caused by the body's reaction to a protein known as albumin.
• The protein is usually present in egg whites, with the reaction towards the egg yolk being rarer.
• The exact cause behind this reaction towards album and is not known, but experts believe that Genetics could be a factor.
• Egg allergy usually show up in young children, with most of the affected outgrowing the allergy by 16.
• Along with Genetics, having skin conditions such as Eczema can increase the risk of food allergies in children.

Egg allergy symptoms

Egg allergy symptoms are similar to those of other food allergies, which means that you you might have to deal with: Rapid heartbeat.

• Skin conditions such as Hives, Eczema, Swelling.
• Stomach pain, Diarrhea Nausea, Vomiting.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Trouble breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Anaphylactic shock in very rare cases.

The skin conditions are usually exclusive to children will adults might face additional symptoms such as: 

• Eyelid or lip swelling.
• Watery and itchy eyes.
• Itchy throat or ears.

Prevention and treatment of egg allergy

Experts recommend avoiding eggs altogether if you have an allergy of them, even if it’s just the whites responsible for the reaction.

However, this can be quite difficult as eggs are a key ingredient in many food items, from pasta  to several types of bread.

You need to be extra careful and check the ingredients for whatever you buy.

Besides egg themselves, what you need to look out for is egg protein that could be labeled as:

• Simplesse
• Vitelline
• Lecithin
• Livetin
• Albumin or albumen
• Globulin
• Ingredients starting with ‘’ovo’’ or ‘’ova’’

Melt allergic reactions may be treated with Antihistamines, while severe ones will require  epinephrine.

Make sure to discuss this with your doctor in detail to be prepared for reactions.

Any reactions need to be treated immediately especially if they occur in children.

Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in children under age 18 and the third-most common food allergy in adults. Peanut allergy is usually lifelong: only about 20 percent of children with peanut allergy outgrow it over time.¹

When a person with a peanut allergy is exposed to peanut, proteins in the peanut bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system.  Subsequent exposure to peanut protein, typically by oral ingestion, triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.

Allergy to peanut is the only food allergy for which a treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Palforzia.  There are other treatment protocols currently being used to improve an individual’s tolerance to the peanut protein, such as peanut oral immunotherapy, but these are non-FDA approved. 

Peanuts are not the same as tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans and more), which grow on trees. (Though approximately 40% of children with tree nut allergies have an allergy to peanut.)² Peanuts grow underground and are part of a different plant family, the legumes. Other examples of legumes include beans, peas, lentils and soybeans. Being allergic to peanuts does not mean you have a greater chance of being allergic to another legume. However, allergy to lupine, another legume commonly used in vegan cooking, can occur in patients with peanut allergy.

Peanut allergies affect up to 2% of pediatric population, and many will carry this allergy into adulthood.

Soy Allergy

Soy allergy is more common in infants and young children than in older children and approximately 0.4% of infants in the U.S. have soy allergy.1 Most children eventually outgrow their allergy to soy, although some individuals remain allergic to soy throughout their lives.

When a person with a soy allergy is exposed to soy, proteins in the soy bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system. This triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.

Soybeans are a member of the legume family. Beans, peas, lentils and peanuts are also legumes. While it is rare for peanut allergic patients to react to soy, the reverse is not true. One study found that up to 88% of soy-allergic patients had peanut allergy or were significantly sensitized to peanut. Individuals with soy allergy were more likely to be allergic or sensitized to major allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, egg, milk and sesame than to non-peanut legumes such as beans, peas and lentils.1

About 0.4 percent of children are allergic to soy.

Allergic Reactions to Soy

Allergic reactions to soy are typically mild, but all reactions can be unpredictable. Although rare, severe and potentially life-threatening reactions can also occur (read more about anaphylaxis).

If you have a soy allergy, keep an epinephrine injection device with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy is most often reported in young children and may affect up to 1% of children in the U.S. One study found that two-thirds of children with a wheat allergy outgrow it by age 12.1 However, some individuals remain allergic to wheat throughout their lives.

When a person with a wheat allergy is exposed to wheat, proteins in the wheat bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system. This binding triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.

Wheat allergy and celiac disease are both adverse food reactions, but their underlying causes are very different. Wheat allergy results from an adverse immunologic (IgE-mediated) reaction to proteins in wheat and reactions can cause typical allergy symptoms involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and anaphylaxis in some individuals.1

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. Antibodies are produced in response to the presence of gluten resulting in inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine. Many symptoms involve the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, abdominal pain and bloating). Other symptoms can include skin rashes and disorders that result from nutrient deficiencies. The estimated global prevalence of celiac disease is 1%, similar to wheat allergy.2

It’s important to work with your physician to determine an accurate diagnosis to prevent short- and long-term complications.

Allergic Reactions to Wheat

Symptoms of a wheat allergy reaction can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions can be unpredictable, and even very small amounts of wheat can cause one.

If you have a wheat allergy, keep an epinephrine injection device you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

Shellfish Allergy

Shellfish allergies are the most common food allergies in adults and among the most common food allergies in children. Approximately 2% of the U.S. population reports an allergy to shellfish.1 Shellfish allergies are usually lifelong. 

When a person with an allergy to a particular shellfish is exposed to that shellfish, proteins in the shellfish bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system. This triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.

There are two groups of shellfish: crustaceans (such as shrimp, prawns, crab and lobster) and mollusks/bivalves (such as clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, octopus, squid, abalone, snail). Allergy to crustaceans is more common than allergy to mollusks, with shrimp being the most common shellfish allergen for both children and adults.

Finned fish and shellfish are not closely related. Being allergic to one does not always mean that you must avoid both, though care is needed to prevent cross-contact between fish and shellfish. Discuss this issue in detail with your allergist to make sure the appropriate food restrictions are implemented. 

About 60 percent of people with shellfish allergy experience their first allergic reaction as adults.3

Allergic Reactions to Shellfish

Shellfish can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis). Allergic reactions can be unpredictable, and even very small amounts of shellfish can cause one.

If you have a shellfish allergy, keep an epinephrine injection device with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

Alcohol allergy

An alcohol allergy is when your body reacts to alcohol as if it's a harmful intruder and makes antibodies that try to fight it off.

Alcohol allergy Symptoms

• Red, flushed face
• Rashes or hives
• Nasal congestion
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Prevention of alcohol allergy 

Alcohol allergy depends on the cause of the intolerance, queckly talk to your doctor.

You may need to steer clear of alcohol limit it, or avoid drink with the offending ingredients.

Hopefully you can uncover the culprit and still enjoy happy hour.