When should you consult your allergist?

Allergies or allergic diseases occur as a heightened reaction by our immune system in response to certain foreign substances that are harmless to most people, but can trigger a hypersensitivity reaction in someone who is sensitive to it. Substance that causes allergy is known as allergen. The immune system is the defensive guard of the body whose main function is to provide protection against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses or any other type of infection. It works by recognising the allergen and inducing an immune response through production of antibodies. Antibodies or immunoglobulins (Ig) are protective proteins that specifically target against particular antigens by attaching to its (antigen’s) surface thereby helps in their recognition and destruction by other immune cells. The antibody involved in allergic reactions is IgE.

Though allergies can develop at any age, it is more common in children and people who have family history of allergies are more prone to it. Most commonly involved allergens are pollens, dustmites, animal dander, certain food products (eggs, peanuts, soy, shellfish etc.), insect bites, latex and even some medications. Most common allergic diseases are Allergic Rhinitis (nasal allergies), Allergic Asthma, Allergic Conjunctivitis (eye allergies), Dermatitis and food allergies.

We can come in contact with allergens through skin (causes contact dermatitis),eyes(conjunctivitis), nose(rhinitis), mouth and stomach. The allergy attacks may vary from mild to severe and even life threatening anaphylactic reactions depending on severity of allergen attack and body’s response towards it. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis are:

Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever): It is the most common allergic reaction due to inhalation of allergens such as dust mites, pollens, and animal dander etc. Symptoms occur due tp the inflammation of nasal tissues when exposed to aero-allergens. Sinuses, throat, eyes and ears can also get affected. Most commonly seen symptoms are:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose due to nasal obstruction.

• Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, throat, and ears.

• Watery, red and swollen eyes.

• Post-nasal drip.

• Fatigue (due to above mentioned symptoms).

Asthma: It is a respiratory disorder that occur due to inflammation and hypersensitivity reaction of air passages causing recurrent and reversible narrowing of air passages leading to difficulty in breathing. Most common symptoms are:

• Breathlessness.

• Wheezing.

• Coughing(especially at night)

• Tightness, pain or pressure on chest.

• Difficulty speaking.

Dermatitis: Dermatitis literally means inflammation of skin. It occurs when we come in contact with the irritant that triggers the allergic reaction. Commonly seen symptoms are:

• Sudden,painful red rash.

• Itching.

• Burning and swelling in the rash.

• Fluid oozing and skin crusting.

• Blisters/ulcerations.

• Dry cracked scaly skin due to extreme dryness.

• Tenderness.

The prime most step in Management involves detection of the allergen. The allergist will take the detailed history about work, home environment, eating habits, family’s medical history, frequency and severity of symptoms. Skin tests can also be performed which is the easiest, affordable and quick way to identify the allergen.

Treatment for allergic rhinitis: The best way is to limit the exposure to irritant.

• In case of pollen allergy, outdoor exposure should be limited when the pollen counts are high.

• Pollen masks and sunglasses should be used to minimize exposure.

• In case of dust mite allergy, the beddings should be washed frequently.

• In allergies with mold, level of humidity should not exceed more than 50%.Instead a dehumidifier can be used in damp, humid places.

• Medications involve: 

1. Antihistamines: Group of medicines to counteract the harmful, irritating effects of histamine produced in the body during allergic reaction.

2. Immunotherapy: To boostbody’s immunity to build resistance against the harmful effects of allergen.

3. Intranasal corticosteroids to reduce nasal congestion, stuffy and runny nose.

In allergic rhinitis sometimes sinus can also become swollen, congested and inflamed to remove any inhaled irritant responsible for triggering allergy leading to allergic sinusitis. Allergic sinusitis’s treatment involves medication with antibiotics, nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines, nasal saline washes and topical nasal corticoids.

When you come across any of these symptoms very often, it is always preferable to consult the allergist to find immediate remedies for your problems. 

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