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Although the reasons allergies develop are not known, there are some
substances that commonly cause an allergic reaction. People who have allergies
are typically allergic to one or more of the following: pet dander, bee stings or
bites from other insects, certain foods, certain medications such as penicillin
or aspirin, certain plants and pollen.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe. If a person
is exposed to an allergen for the first time, the symptoms may get worse if he
is repeatedly exposed to the allergen. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction
can include: hives, itching, nasal congestion (rhinitis), a rash, watery or itchy
eyes etc. Severe allergic reactions can cause other symptoms such as abdominal
cramp or pain; tightness in the chest; diarrhoea; difficulty in swallowing;
dizziness or anxiety; flushing of the face; heart palpitations; swelling of
the face, eyes or tongue; weakness; wheezing; difficulty in breathing;
unconsciousness etc.
Common Allergies – Signs,
Symptoms & Medication
The word Allergy means an exaggerated
response of the immune system, often
to common substances called allergens. A
substance that is foreign to the body and
causes a reaction is called an allergen.These
reactions are acquired, predictable and
rapid. Allergies can develop at any age and
there is a greater risk of developing allergic
conditions if a person has a family history
of allergy, especially in parents or siblings.
An allergy develops when the body’s
immune system reacts to an allergen as
though it is harmful, like it would an
infection. It produces a type of antibody
called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), to fight
off the allergen. When the body comes
into contact with the allergen again, IgE
antibodies are released, causing chemicals
like histamine to be produced. Together
these cause the symptoms of an allergic
reaction.
~ Dr Abhijit Bora
Dehing T.E.
JANUARY 2015 47 46 JANUARY 2015
“ Health is like money, we never have a true idea
of its value until we lose it.” ~ Josh Billings
Types of Allergies
Medication
Sl No. Affected Organs Symptoms
1 Nose Swelling of the nasal mucosa (allergic
rhinitis), runny nose, sneezing
2 Sinuses Allergic Sinusitis
3 Eyes Redness and itching of the conjunctiva
4 Airways Sneezing, coughing, broncho-constriction,
wheezing and dyspnea, sometimes outright
attacks of asthma, in severe cases the airway
constricts due to swelling known as
laryngeal edema
5 Ears Feeling of fullness, possibly pain and
impaired hearing due to the lack of
Eustachian tube drainage
6 Skin Rashes, such as eczema and hives (Urticaria)
7 Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting,
Tract diarrhoea
 Food Allergy – Food allergy is an
immune system reaction that occurs
soon after eating a certain food. A wide
variety of foods can cause allergic
reactions. 90% of allergic responses to
foods are caused by cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat,
peanuts, fish and shellfish.
 Contact Allergy – Contact allergy is also called
allergic contact dermatitis. Here patients develop
allergic reactions on the skin when it comes in direct
contact with what they are allergic to and their skin
becomes itchy and red with blister formations at the
point of contact. Examples of contact allergy are –
nickel allergy present in jewellery, buttons or
clothing; gold; Balsam of Peru – a fragrance used in
perfumes; Neomycin Sulfate – a topical
antibiotic common in first aid creams
and ointments and Formaldehyde – a
preservative found in household
cleaners, cosmetic products and fabric
finishes.
 Environment Allergy – Environment
allergy refers to an allergy to pollen,
dust mite deposits, mould, proteins or
animal dander. Allergic rhinitis,
asthma and atopic dermatitis are
common types of reactions to these allergens.
 Insect Venom Allergies – Some
people are allergic to the venom
injected into the skin during an
insect bite or sting. The more
severe and potentially life–
threatening insect allergies
include reactions to bee, hornet and wasp stings.
 Allergic Rhinitis – Allergic rhinitis is inflammation,
swelling, excessive secretions and itching within the
nose and sinusitis. Allergic
rhinitis is the result of inhaled
allergy triggers, including
dust, mould, pollen, and dog,
cat or other animal dander.
 Anaphylaxis – Anaphylaxis is a dramatic and
dangerous response by the immune system to specific
allergens. In anaphylaxis
abrupt changes affect
the person’s nervous system,
cardiovascular system and
the breathing mechanism.
Anaphylaxis can lead to
death if immediate medical
attention is not given to
counteract the reaction.
Antihistamine – treats allergies by blocking the action
of the chemical histamine, which the body releases
when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen.
Decongestants – help to relieve a blocked nose,
which is often caused by hay fever, a dust allergy or a
pet allergy.
Leukotriene reception antagonists – tablets that block
the effects of leukotriene, which are chemicals released
during an allergic reaction and cause the airways to
become inflamed (swell).
Steroid sprays – corticosteroid sprays designed to act
on the nasal lining and airways are effective in
suppressing the inflammation.
Immunotherapy – this is a course of vaccines that
lasts for three years. It may be an option for a small
number of people who are unable to effectively
control their systems by avoiding the allergen or using
medication.
The environment is changing, technology is advancing, and our food and living habits are evolving – not always for the better.
All these changes may bring new allergens into our lives.