Allergy: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is an allergy?
• How does allergy occur?
• Who is prone to allergy?
• Symptoms of allergy
• Diagnosis of allergy
• Complications of an allergy
• Treatment for allergy

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What is an allergy?

Allergies are responses from the body and immune system against some common elements. An allergy occurs when the person comes into contact with these elements, which might include bee venom, pollen, pet dander, peanuts, and much more. A substance that causes the person to show an allergic reaction is termed as an allergen. The latter can be found in many drinks and foods.

Many people are not affected by these allergens. Generally, allergy is a response to harmless substances that are mistakenly deemed as hazardous by the patient’s body.

The most common types of allergies are:

• Respiratory allergies
• Food allergies
• Skin allergies
• Drug Allergies
• Eye Allergies
• Penicillin Allergy
• Anaphylaxis allergy

How does allergy occur?

An allergy occurs when the body mistakes a harmless element as a threat. The immune system immediately reacts and causes few symptoms of allergy. It is an inappropriate immune response that happens unnaturally.

Any allergy has five stages for development:

Stage 1: The allergen contacts the biological cells through air, touch, or food.

Stage 2: The immune system calls out plasma cells and creates antibodies called immunoglobulin E as a reaction to an allergen.

Stage 3: The IgE comes inside the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract and does nothing.

Stage 4: When the body gets exposed to the allergen again, the IgE gets bound to the allergen and reacts, considering the allergen to be an intruder.

Stage 5: This stage occurs after 24 hours of the previous stage. The cells of the immune system move closer to the affected area and release the chemicals.

Who is prone to allergy? 

You can get an allergic reaction if:

• You have asthma.
• You have the history of occurrence of asthma or allergies in your family.
• You are a child under 18.

What are the symptoms of allergy? How is allergy diagnosed?

Symptoms

The symptoms of allergy vary according to the different types, as follows:

Skin reactions:

• Itching
• Rashes
• Flaking
• Peeling
• Pollen and dust:
• A runny nose
• A cough
• Watery and swollen eyes
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Blocked nose

Food reactions:

• Swollen tongue
• Diarrhea
• Itchiness in the mouth
• Rectal bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling on face
• Tingling in the mouth
• Vomiting

Drug reactions:

• Itchiness
• Wheezing
• Possible anaphylaxis (the most harmful and severe allergic reaction)
• Swollen face, lips, and tongue
• Skin reactions

Diagnosis

At first, the doctors will ask you several questions and examine the symptoms observed. The doctors will also ask about your family history concerning allergies. Then, he or she will recommend several tests such as skin prick, patch, and blood test.

What are the complications of an allergy?

If an allergy is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause complications like:

• Asthma
• Infections of the lungs or ears or Sinusitis
• Anaphylaxis

What is the treatment for allergy?

Doctors will usually recommend medicines to get rid of the harmful effects of allergic reaction. Few types of medicines include decongestants, steroid sprays, antihistamines, and anti-leukotrienes. Another powerful treatment consists of immunotherapy that is used for the rehabilitation of the entire immune system. It stops the further expansion and production of IgE in the body.