Allergies occur due to the hyperactivity of your immune system. It occurs due to a response of your immune system due to foreign particles. Allergy can occur due to anything. Any person can be allergic to anything. The most common cause of allergy is pollen, animal dander, bee venom, and mites. Also, it can occur due to any kind of food like a peanut allergy, soy allergy. If you have a complaint of allergy, you must visit a medical doctor in Lahore.
Generally, your immune system works to protect you against foreign particles. It does that by producing antibodies that attack the foreign substance. During allergy, your immune system responds to a foreign substance and produces antibodies. These antibodies start to attack that allergen even if it is not harmful to you. An allergic reaction may present as
Shortness of breath
Hives
Congestion of sinuses
Airway bronchoconstriction
Inflammation of the digestive tract
The symptoms of allergies vary according to the severity. Sometimes it can be mild, while sometimes it can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. The sign and symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are;
Skin rash
Lightheadedness
Increased heart rate
Feeble pulse
Loss of consciousness
A drop in blood pressure
Severe shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting
Increased mucus production
Hives
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of allergy vary according to the condition and the foreign substance that causes it. Sometimes it may involve the nasal passage more, while sometimes it may include the digestive system or skin.
The signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, are;
Itching of the nose
Itchiness of eyes
Irritation or itchiness on the roof of the mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Sneezing
Watery and red or swollen eyes, also known as conjunctivitis
A food allergy may represent as;
Hives
Tingling in the mouth
Swelling of the lips
Swelling of tongue
Swelling and redness of the face
Irritation in throat
Anaphylaxis
An insect allergy may represent as;
Edema or swelling at the sting site
Itching over body
Hives all over the body
Cough
Chest tightness
Wheezing (whistling sounds while breathing)
Shortness of breath
Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy may represent as;
Rash
Facial swelling
Cough
Chest tightness
Wheezing (whistling sounds while breathing)
Shortness of breath
Hives
Itchy skin
Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a kind of skin allergy that represents as;
Skin itching
Redness of skin
The skin turns into flakes and peels
Causes
During allergy, your immune system responds to a foreign substance and produces antibodies. These antibodies start to attack that allergen even if it is not harmful to you. After the first encounter, these antibodies are saved in your body. Upon second exposure, your body may act vigorously to it. The antibodies release a chemical called histamine that mediates allergy. Therefore, the healthcare providers prescribe antihistamines, also known as antiallergy medications to people allergic to mites, dust, dander, pollen, and having rhinitis.
Causes for allergy differ from person to person. For someone, a particular thing may cause allergy while it is not harmful to others. The most common causes of allergy are;
- Airborne allergens like exposure to animal dander, pollens, mites, and mold
- Exposure to air pollution like smoke
- Eating foods like peanuts, walnuts, wheat, soy, tree nut, fish, shellfish, milk, and eggs
- Medications like penicillins
- The fabric you wear like silk
- Latex or substances you get in contact with
Risk factors
The risk factors for allergy are;
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Hives
- Eczema
- Being a child
- Having a family history of allergy
Prevention To prevent allergy, you must avoid its triggers. For that, you can keep a diary and write everything in it. The diary must include the details about things you are eating, the fabric you are wearing, whatever you drink, and the place where you are sitting. Also, try to keep the place clean where you sit or reside for a long time. Expose your room to sunlight and clean the carpets with a vacuum cleaner. If you are prone to allergies, wear a mask while going out. Avoid getting your exposure to smoke and air pollution. If you are having recurrent allergy attacks, visit the best medical doctor in Karachi.
