Allergy is nothing but the reaction of the immune system to any substance that is not compatible with the body. The main task of immune system is to protect the body against any foreign invaders like bacteria, virus and dust and pollen. The substance that causes allergy in the body is known as allergens. Allergy is mainly caused by environment factors like dust, pollen and smoke. The immune system produces an allergic antibody called IgE whenever the body is prone to allergic substance.
Allergy can occur at any age and is common for all. An individual is at high risk of developing allergy if he/she has a family history. About 15-30% of employees working in industrial situations are affected by some kind of allergy. About 20-25% of Americans develop allergic rhinitis and it is reported that each year the amount spent for the purpose of allergy alone exceeds $3 billion. Roughly 8-10% of Americans develop asthma (due to allergy).
A person who is prone to allergy is known as “allergic” or atopic. Allergy related diseases are increasing steadily over the past two decades. Allergy can be defined as the response of the immune system to the presence of foreign substances like dust, pollen or pet dander. Normally for most of the people it may not cause any reaction but people with compromised immunity develop allergic reaction. The immune system would sense threat to the body when a person comes in contact with allergens and triggers the production of antibodies.
Many times antibodies are produced even if particular substance is not harmful to the body. Some of the common allergens are pollen, dust, bee venom, pet dander and smoke. Allergy can cause many reactions on the body like blocked nose, sinuses, skin rashes and disturbed digestive system. The degree of allergic reaction varies considerably from one person to another. For many people it can cause minor irritation but in rare cases it can cause anaphylaxis, a serious emergency condition. Allergy cannot be cured but the intensity of the symptoms can be managed.
Allergy Symptoms :
The symptoms of allergy vary with the part of the body that is affected. Allergic substances can invade your skin, nasal passage or even digestive system. Allergic symptoms range from mild to severe. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause sneezing, stuffy nose, swollen or red eyes and itching of nose or eyes. The tissues and soft mucus lining of the nose gets inflamed triggering sneezing and stuffy nose when exposed to dust mites or pollen.
Food allergy can trigger symptoms like swelling of lips, tingling sensation in your mouth, hives and in serious cases anaphylaxis. A sting or insect bite can produce symptoms like swelling in the site, itching, pain, shortness of breath or tightness in your chest if the poison is severe. Allergy produced by certain drugs can cause hives, severe itching, rashes, swelling of face, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Asthma can cause shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, breathing problem and wheezing. Allergic eyes or conjunctivitis can produce symptoms like watery eyes, redness of eyes, itchy eyes and swelling of eyes. The soft membranes of the eyes develop inflammation due to allergy causing the above symptoms. Hives or urticaria is a kind of skin allergy that causes red itchy welts on the body. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can cause severe itching, peeling of skin and raised itchy patches on the skin.
- Anaphylaxis :
It is a serious life threatening allergic reaction of the body caused by some allergens like poisonous foods, drugs and insect sting. It can cause symptoms like sudden loss of consciousness, reduced blood pressure, shortness of breath, severe skin rashes, weak pulse and nausea/vomiting.
Allergy Causes :
Allergy is the response produced by the immune system that senses any harmful substances. The immune system would produce antibodies and keeps the body in high alert for specific allergen and whenever the person gets in contact with the same allergen, antibodies are produced. Allergy can be caused by number of factors.
- Dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander and mold are some types of airborne allergies.
- For some people certain foods like milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, sesame oil and soy foods can cause allergy.
- Certain medications like penicillin and common drugs like Ibuprofen and aspirin can cause allergic reactions.
- Insect stings, bee venom and snake bite can cause allergy.
- Certain substances like latex and some kind of plants can cause skin allergy.
Who Are At Risk?
Allergy can occur to anyone. But some factors like having a family history of allergy or asthma, very young age or old age (weakened immunity) and having asthma increases the risk of developing allergy. In most of the cases allergy does not cause any complications. But in severe type it can cause anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition that needs emergency treatment.
Tests :
Your doctor would complete physical exam and look for the above symptoms. He may order for blood test to measure the antibodies IgE in the blood, skin test for checking any hives and any other tests necessary.