Allergies and its causes

Allergies occur when the immune system recognise and reacts to a foreign substance. Allergies make the body’s immune system produce antibodies by identifying specific allergen like pollen, bee venom or pet dander, as harmful. Thus, making the immune system’s reaction will inflame the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India, explains the types of allergens and its reactions. 

Types of Allergies

Respiratory Allergies

Hay allergy- also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. They are of two types including seasonal, which occurs at specific time of the year and perennial, which affects all the year. This type of respiratory allergy causes sneezing, stuffy nose, itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth and watery, red or swollen eyes.

Other respiratory allergies are

·         Spring Allergies

·         Summer Allergies

·         Fall Allergies

·         Winter Allergies

·         Pollen Allergies

·         Mold Allergy

·         Dust Allergy

·         Dog Allergy

·         Cat Allergy

Food Allergies

Food allergies are also referred to as food intolerance which is an unpleasant reaction to something eaten and may experience a reaction. A general food allergy will pose problems like tingling in the mouth, hives, anaphylaxis and swelling of the lip, tongue, face or throat.

Some of the common food allergies diagnosed are

·         Milk Allergy

·         Casein Allergy

·         Egg Allergy

·         Wheat Allergy

·         Nut Allergy

·         Fish Allergy

·         Shellfish Allergy

·         Sulfite Sensitivity

·         Soy Allergy

Skin Allergies

Sun Allergy- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may cause skin burn in most of the people. In some people skin burn occurs particularly easily and may develop exaggerated skin reactions to sunlight.

Cosmetic Allergy- Certain beauty products pose skin problems like skin irritation and other allergic reactions. Ingredients used in cosmetics including fragrances and preservatives, may act as allergens, which trigger an allergic reaction.

Some of the other skin allergies are-

·         Contact Dermatitis

·         Hives or Urticaria and Angioedema

·         Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

·         Nickel allergies

Other Allergies

·         Eye Allergies

·         Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

·         Drug Allergies

·         Aspirin (Salicylate) Allergy

·         Penicillin Allergy

Treating Allergies

Prescribed medications and allergy shots can treat allergy symptoms. Using air filters and avoiding triggers are some important lifestyle changes.

Types of Allergy Medications

1.      Antihistamines- Stem allergy symptoms

2.      Decongestants- Relive stuffed up nose

3.      Anticholinergic nasal allergy spray- Help with the runny nose

4.      Steroid nasal sprays- For nasal allergies

5.      Allergy eye drops- Treat symptoms of eye allergies

6.      Leukotriene inhibitors- Reduces congestion in the nose, treats sneezing, itching and eye allergies. Also, reduces inflammation in the airways

7.      Mast call inhibitors- Prevent allergic symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes

8.      Allergy shots- Not a cure but, help improve symptoms and make it less frequent

9.      Auto- injector- Some of them like EpiPen, Twinject or Auvi Q, treat extreme allergic reaction.

The above mentioned medicines can be bought through 3MEDS, the best medicine store online in India, with authentic prescription.

Environmental allergy treatment

Airborne allergies like pollen, dust and old spores can be treated by:

1.      Throat lozenges with ingredients including menthol, honey or ginger

2.      Take a bath and wash the clothing after being exposed to an allergen

3.      To reduce nasal congestion, exercise for a while

Skin allergy treatment

Skin allergy symptoms associated with allergens fond in animal saliva, drugs, chemicals, poisonous plants and metals can be treated with:

1.      Topical corticosteroid creams and tablets

2.      Moisturizing creams with ingredients like calamine

3.      Place ice pack to the infected area for 10- 15 minutes

Other remedies

1.      Non- Drug treatment- Some natural treatment can work alongside medications like acupuncture and other supplements, which can help in easy breathing

2.      Supplements- Falxseed oil, zinc and vitamins A, C and E can help improve allergy symptoms

3.      Diet- Consume a low- fat and high complex carbohydrate diet including beans, whole grains and vegetables

4.      Bioflavonoids- They are plant- based chemicals that act as natural antihistamines, which are found in the citrus fruits and blackcurrants.

5.      Environment- Allergy proof your work place and home, to avoid having an attack

6.      Home care- Dehumidifier home can help one breathe easy

7.      Special care- Use special mattress and pillow covers to protect against dust mites, microscopic creatures

8.      Avoid food allergy triggers

Ending note

There exists variety of allergens in the environment that may pose allergic reactions. The treatment of these allergies depends on the individuals’ immune system response to the particular allergen.