Allergies

Allergies result from an immune system reaction with a foreign substance, named allergen, which is generally harmless for most individuals. The causes of allergies include exposure to allergens found in medications, foods, insect stings, and the environment. These allergens create symptoms ranging from mild to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. Common allergens are mold, pet dander, dust mites, and specific foods, including shellfish and peanuts. Allergies are a common health problem, and millions of people suffer from these allergies worldwide.

They may cause digestive problems, skin rashes, respiratory issues, and other health issues. Although few allergies are situational or seasonal, others may be for a lifetime and need ongoing management. The symptoms of allergies can be reduced by accurate diagnosis and effective treatment approaches. Such as medications & lifestyle adjustments to enhance people’s quality of life suffered from allergies. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of allergies are different in individuals, depending on the type of allergen and intensity of reactions caused by allergen. Some people may experience mild and controllable symptoms while some may suffer from severe ones and need instant medical attention. 

Common Symptoms of allergies are given below:

• Sneezing and Nasal Congestion: One of the typical signs of allergies is sneezing, frequently accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose. Such symptoms appear if allergens irritate the nasal passages, resulting in inflammation and an attempt of the body to evacuate the irritant by sneezing.
• Itchy, Watery Eyes: Watery, red, and itchy eyes are the main characteristics of allergies, especially during allergy season. When allergens like pollen come into contact with the eyes, allergies develop and cause an immune response.
• Skin Rashes or Hives: Allergic reactions appear on the skin known as hives, which are itchy welts and raised. Hives are found in multiple shapes and sizes, and may suddenly occur when skin comes in contact with allergens such as specific foods, medications, or insect bites.
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat: Swelling also known as angioedema develops when allergens affect the immune system and lead to fluid buildup in tissues. A puffiness develops around the throat, face, or lips, and in serious cases, blocks the airway and needs urgent medical attention.
• Coughing or wheezing: Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms of allergic reactions, particularly when the airways or lungs are irritated. Due to this, inflammation occurs in the respiratory system that causes chest tightness or difficulty breathing, especially in asthma patients.
• Digestive issues: Specific food allergens can impact the gastrointestinal system, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting. These conditions result from the response of the immune system to proteins in food that it mistakes as harmful.
• Shortness of breath: Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can cause difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This is a life-threatening condition in which the airway swells or narrows, resulting in difficult breathing, and needs urgent medical attention.

When to See a Doctor

You must visit a doctor when you observe severe and persistent symptoms including severe congestion, recurring rashes, or difficulty breathing. It can not be cured with over-the-counter treatments, disturbing your life routine. Symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, or inflammation of the throat or face may represent severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis and require instant medical attention.

When you observe the spreading or worsening of your allergies, leading to more severe conditions, it is crucial to see a doctor to control or manage the symptoms efficiently. FitwellHub provides expert second opinion and care, assisting you in managing the symptoms and avoiding future reactions. It offers the services of specialized doctors who assess allergies comprehensively and treat them with personalized plans considering your specific needs.

Causes Of Allergies

Allergies occur if the immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance mistaken as a threat. Allergens are of different types based on the environments and individuals.

• Pollen: The most ordinary allergen is pollen, particularly in the summer and spring. When flowers, grasses, and trees release pollen into the air, it causes symptoms of hay fever including itchy eyes, runny nose, or sneezing in allergic individuals.
• Dust Mites: Dust mites spotted in dust from houses are microscopic organisms. They flourish in humid and warm environments and are responsible for indoor allergies. Breathing in dust mite particles can cause nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing.
• Pet Dander: Pet dander is made of tiny and even microscopic particles of skin peeled by dogs, cats, or other feathered or furred animals. In some people, these particles can activate allergic reactions, causing symptoms including watery eyes, itchy skin, and sneezing.
• Mold Spores: Molds release tiny airborne particles known as mold spores. They thrive in damp environments. When inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, nasal congestion, and wheezing.
• Specific Foods: Dairy, nuts, and shellfish are common food allergens. Sensitive people can lead to serious reactions, ranging from mild symptoms like hives or itching to a life-threatening condition.
• Insect stings or bites: Allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, especially from mosquitoes, bees, or wasps, can result in localized redness, swelling, or more severe conditions like anaphylaxis that need urgent medical care.
• Certain medications (e.g., penicillin): Some medicines like penicillin, can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms ranging from skin rashes to serious respiratory problems, depending on the individual’s sensitivity.

Risk Factors

Various risk factors can increase the chances of allergy development. Recognizing the risk factors of allergies is important for preventing and managing symptoms effectively.

• Family History
  Allergies are largely genetic. Children are more likely to develop allergies if one or both parents have them with a predisposition to specific allergens like pet dander, food, or pollen.
• Existing Allergic Conditions
  Having an allergic condition like asthma or eczema also increases the chances of having other allergies i.e. people with asthma feel more sensitivity towards environmental allergens, worsening their breathing problems.
• Age and Exposure
  Children have a high risk of allergy development, particularly when exposed to allergens at a young age. Due to changes in the functioning of the immune system and the environment, other allergies may also occur at any age.
• Environmental Factors
  Surroundings with large quantities of smoke, humidity, or pollution may heighten the chances of allergy development. Such factors make suitable conditions for thriving allergens like dust mites and molds, increasing the sensitization and exposure with time.

Complications

Allergies may result in various complications that may affect the quality of life and health if left untreated.

• Anaphylaxis: One of the most severe complications is Anaphylaxis which can suddenly occur, causing a drop in blood pressure, shock, and difficulty breathing, requiring instant medical attention.
• Asthma Attacks: Chronic allergies, especially respiratory issues, can exacerbate asthma, leading to more severe and recurrent asthma attacks that disturb the breathing and proper working of the respiratory system.
• Chronic Sinus Infections: Persistent sinus infection is common, resulting from ongoing swelling and nasal congestion. Skin issues such as eczema may be worsened because of persistent allergic reactions.
• Sleep Disturbances: Allergic symptoms include itching, coughing, and nasal congestion, resulting in decreased productivity and fatigue, thus creating sleeping issues.
• Skin Infections: Skin allergies may be caused by constant scratching due to allergic rashes like hives that cause skin breakouts, allowing bacteria to enter.
• Ear Infections: Due to allergies, fluid can accumulate and affect the throat, nose, and ear, causing ear infections like hearing loss and pain, mostly in children.

Prevention

Allergies can be prevented by decreasing allergen exposure applying lifestyle changes and reducing the chances of allergic problems.

1. Avoid Known Triggers
   Analyze and avoid materials by which allergic reactions can occur. For example, avoid certain foods, windows should be kept closed during seasons of high pollens, and hypoallergenic bedding can be used to decrease dust mites.
2. Maintain Cleanliness
   Clean your house frequently to minimize dust, mold, or pet dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and wash bedding and curtains more often.
3. Use Air Purifiers
   The use of air purifiers can assist in removing airborne allergens including mold spores, dust, and pollen.
4. Take Preventive Medications
   One can consider using prescribed or OTC (Over-the-counter) medicines like nasal sprays or antihistamines before worsening symptoms.
5. Wear Protective Gear
   If one can get allergic reactions from insect stings they should put on protective clothes and have some insect repellent while outside.

These preventive measures will greatly minimize the chances of allergic reactions and improve general well-being. Smart Clinic’s Lifestyle Program provides comprehensive guidance to prevent allergies and promote a healthier life. Their resources and services are available here.

Diagnosis

Allergies can be diagnosed by a comprehensive examination by a doctor such as assessing symptoms, performing specific tests, and checking medical history to detect allergic reactions. Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of disease. Various techniques used for diagnosing allergic reactions are discussed below:

Tests

• Skin Prick Test
  To analyze the sudden reactions of allergens, a sample of allergen is applied to the skin with the help of small needles.
• Blood Test
  Sensitivity towards allergens can be checked by analyzing the specific antibody levels in blood through blood tests.
• Patch Test
  A patch test is done by putting allergens on adhesive patches and then applying them to the skin’s surface. It is used to observe allergic reactions that take a few days to develop.
• Oral Food Challenge
  In an oral food challenge, an individual consumes allergenic food in gradually increasing doses every 20 minutes under the supervision of an allergist until an allergic reaction occurs.
• Elimination Diet
  In this diagnostic test, suspected food is removed from an individual’s diet and then reintroduced one at a time to look for allergic reactions. 

FitwellHub’s labs provide the facility to perform various tests to diagnose and effectively manage diseases such as allergies. To explore their diagnostic and testing services, visit here. 

Treatment

Allergies can be effectively managed using the treatments below, to reduce symptoms and limit allergen exposure. 

1- Antihistamines 

Antihistamines are usually used to alleviate allergic symptoms including runny nose, itching, and sneezing. These medicines block the chemicals responsible for allergic reactions such as histamines. Antihistamines are mostly over-the-counter medications and are available in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, and liquids.  

2- Decongestants

Decongestants help to cure nasal congestion and reduce the swelling in nasal passages, available in liquids, pills, and nasal sprays. They give relief from pressure and stiffness due to allergies and should be used as prescribed by a doctor because an overdose may cause rebound congestion.

3- Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy or Allergy shots is a long-term treatment, in which small quantities of allergens are regularly injected to increase the tolerance with time. It decreases the intensity of allergic reactions and results in long-lasting recovery. 

This treatment option is helpful for individuals whose severe and persistent allergies don’t respond well to other treatment approaches. FitwellHub provides tailored treatment based on the type and severity of allergies. For specific treatment choices and ongoing courses.

Medications

Allergies can be managed using different medications to alleviate the symptoms and ensure good quality of life.

1- Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a commonly used antihistamine that helps in relieving symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It is effective and causes a low risk of drowsiness hence it can be used daily.

2- Fluticasone

Nasal inflammation could be reduced by Fluticasone which is a nasal spray corticosteroid drug. The main purpose of it is to relieve allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose and eliminate inflammation induced by allergens.

3- Loratadine

Antihistamines such as loratadine are available for treating allergy symptoms without the major side effect of drowsiness. One would find it useful for managing watery eyes, sneezing, and itching that occur due to season or are everlasting among many individuals.

One can access these medications including others from FitwellHub’s pharmacy, which offers an extensive range of treatments to relieve your symptoms efficiently. Find their pharmacy services here.

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