Allergies are reactions by immune system that are
abnormal in nature to stuff that are usually harmless to
majority of the people. When somebody is allergic to
something the immune system of that person gets confused
and thinks that the substance is detrimental to the
body. The substances causing allergic reactions are
known as allergens. The examples of allergens are dust,
food, plant pollen, medicine etc. The body produces
antibodies to protect itself from these allergens. The
antibodies make certain cells present in the system to
let chemicals to mix with the bloodstream and one of
them is histamine. This chemical then acts on nose,
eyes, skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and results in
allergic reaction symptoms. Exposure to the same
chemicals in future triggers same response to the
antibodies again meaning every time one comes in contact
with the same allergen, allergic reaction is produced in
the body.
Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like
runny nose to more severe ones such as difficulty in
breathing. Teenagers suffering from asthma often have
allergic reaction to cold and get asthma attack is
another example of allergies. Some kinds of allergies
trigger multiple symptoms. Allergic reactions in very
rare cases also produce severe reaction known as
“anaphylaxis” for which the signs are difficulty in
breathing, difficulty in swallowing, swelling in tongue,
lips and throat and dizziness. This allergic reaction
occurs as soon as the system is exposed to substances
that trigger allergic reactions like peanut although
some reactions are delayed by as much as four hours.
The reasons why people get allergies can be various and
one of the reasons could be hereditary but that
does not necessarily mean that children are bound to get
allergies from their parents. Some of the common
allergens include food, airborne particles, insect bite
and sting, medicines, chemicals etc. Food allergies
typically occur in infants and usually vanish as the
child grows. The list of food allergens includes milk &
dairy products, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, and seafood.
Some people are allergic to stings and bites of certain
insects. The venom in the bite is the one which actually
causes reaction and can be as serious as anaphylactic in
some teens. Some teens are also allergic to airborne
particles which are also known as environmental
allergens. They are also the commonest of all the
allergens. Examples of these allergens include dust
mites, animal dander, mold spores, grass pollens, trees
and ragweed. Some adolescents are also allergic to
certain antibiotic medicines. Another common allergen is
chemical, certain chemicals present in laundry
detergents or cosmetics can cause rashes that are itchy
in nature.
Allergists usually treat allergic problems. They may ask
questions like symptoms of the allergy and whether it is
hereditary. They may also prescribe certain diagnostic
tests like blood or skin test depending on the type of
allergy. The best way to treat allergies is to
completely avoid the substances that cause allergies.
However there are certain medications and injections are
also available to treat allergies.
One can follow certain things to avoid allergies like
people who have food allergies that contain should
peanuts and any food containing smallest amount of
peanuts. Also avoid using cosmetic that contain
chemicals allergic to the skin. One can also avoid
airborne allergies by keeping pets in restricted areas
and away from bedroom. Replace carpets and rugs from
time to time. Avoid keeping things that accumulate dust.
And also clean the room and house frequently.
