ALLERGIES
What is an Allergies?
Allergies develop when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or food that normally causes no reaction in most people, such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander.
Antibodies are chemicals produced by your immune system. When you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly label a harmless allergen as hazardous. Your immune system’s reaction to the allergen can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive tract when you come into touch with it.
Allergies vary in severity from person to person and can range from moderate annoyance to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal emergency. While most allergies are incurable, there are therapies that can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Causes & Treatment
What causes of Allergies?
When your immune system misidentifies a typically harmless substance as a hazardous invader, an allergy develops. The immune system then creates antibodies that keep the body on the lookout for the allergen in question. When you’re exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies might produce a variety of immune system chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms, such as histamine.
The following are some of the most common allergy triggers:
Pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold are examples of airborne allergens.
Peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk are among the foods that should be avoided.
Stings from insects, such as bees or wasps
Medications, notably antibiotics containing penicillin or based on penicillin
Latex or other materials you come into contact with can trigger allergic skin reactions.
HOW TO PREVENT:
Prevention
The sort of allergy you have determines how to prevent allergic responses. The following are some general measures:
Stay away from recognized triggers. Try to avoid triggers even if you’re managing your allergy symptoms. If you’re sensitive to pollen, for example, stay indoors with the windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high. If you’re allergic to dust mites, make sure you dust, vacuum, and wash your bedding on a regular basis.
Keep a journal. Track your activities and what you consume, as well as when symptoms arise and what seems to assist, while trying to figure out what causes or worsens your allergy symptoms. This may assist you and your doctor in identifying potential triggers.
A medical alert bracelet should be worn at all times. A medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know if you’ve experienced a serious allergic reaction.
