ABOUT ALLERGIES

Allergy is characterized by an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance (“allergen”) that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. This immune overreaction can results in symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. In severe cases it can also result in rashes, hives, lower blood pressure, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and even death.

RESPIRATORY ALLERGIES

One of the most common class of allergies is a Respiratory Allergy, which can be further segregated Read More

into different types. It can be said that respiratory allergies are a major health issue around the globe. Irrespective of the geographical region, this allergy can affect anyone. Common Allergies that affect the respiratory system are hay fever, food and drug allergies, insect allergies and allergic asthma which is a fast growing disease all over the country. This problem is a major cause of hospital admission for children each year.

SKIN ALLERGIES

Eczema is a term used for a reaction in the skin caused by direct contact with allergens in our environment. Angioedema Read More

and urticarial are two other forms of skin allergies. Urticarial is an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs. Angioedema is a swelling that is similar to hives, but the swelling is under the skin instead of on the surface. Hives are often called welts. They are a surface swelling. It is possible to have angioedema without hives.
Eczema is a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding, sometimes resulting from a reaction to irritation (eczematous dermatitis) but more typically having no obvious external cause.
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Other forms of eczema include: Contact dermatitis; Dyshidrotic eczema; Nummular eczema; Seborrheic dermatitis.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Eczema, diarrhea, nausea, swelling of the throat, hyportension and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis are all signs of a food allergy. Read More

Signs of anaphylactic reaction can include difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, nausea, or dizziness. Medical attention should be sought immediately. The most common foods that cause allergies are cow’s milk, egg proteins, soy, peanuts and fish.

INSECT ALLERGIES

Allergy to insect stings occurs as a severe local skin reaction, exhaustion, dizziness, swelling of the throat and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis.

WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIES?

An allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. When an allergic reaction occurs, it is a result of the immune system reacting to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response.
In a person with allergies, the first exposure to the allergen triggers the immune system to recognize the substance. Any exposure after that will usually result in symptoms. When an allergen enters the body of a person with a sensitized immune system, histamine and other chemicals are released by certain cells. This causes itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rashes, and other symptoms. These can vary in severity from person to person. Most people have symptoms that cause discomfort without being life-threatening. A few people have life-threatening reactions (called anaphylaxis).

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CAN ALLERGIES DEVELOP INTO ASTHMA?

Yes. Studies have shown that children who suffer from hay fever and/or eczema are more likely to develop asthma. Allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma are part of the same condition that can co-exist in up to 80% of patients. This means that by treating the cause of your allergies, you may prevent the progression of allergies and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

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