Handling your Allergies

An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system is hypersensitive to foreign substances. The substance that causes allergies is called an allergen. Food, pollen, medication, and pollen venom are common allergens.

Antibodies are produced by your immune system to protect us. When you are allergic to something your immune system mistakes the allergen as an invader. The symptoms of an allergic symptom can range from mild to severe. While allergies cannot be cured, treatment to relieve symptoms is available.

Symptoms
Allergic reactions usually trigger symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of stomach, or skin. An asthma attack can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction. In more serious cases allergies can have a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis to occur.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the most common allergic disease. It shows nasal symptoms due to aeroallergens (allergens in the air). Hay fever can be throughout the year or seasonal.

Common symptoms of hay fever are:-
• Sneezing
• Itching of nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Water, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

Symptoms for food allergies are:-
• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat.
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis.

Insect allergies show the following symptoms are:-
• Swelling or edema at the sting site
• Itching and hives throughout the body
• Cough, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath (wheezing)
• Anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of drug allergy are:-
• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Face swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an allergic skin condition. Symptoms of eczema are:-
• Itching
• Redding of skin
• Flake or peel

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency. Signs and symptoms of are:-
• Loss of consciousness
• Drop-in blood pressure
• Severe shortness in breath
• Skin rash
• Lightheaded
• Rapid and weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting

Book a physician in Patna if you think you have symptoms caused by an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical attention.

Causes
An allergic reaction starts when your immune system reacts to produce antibodies for allergens. Your body produces histamine that can cause allergic symptoms. Allergies can develop at any age but most allergies begin in childhood. Environmental allergies can develop at any time. Allergies can be genetic or in your family history. Children born via Caesarean section are at a higher risk of developing allergies.

Common allergens can be classified into:-
• Airborne allergens – pollen, animal dander, dust mites, etc
• Certain food – peanut, shellfish, soy, eggs, milk, etc
• Insect sting- bee or wasp
• Medication – penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
• Latex or substances you touch.

Diagnosis
The best physician in Patna will perform a detailed physical examination. It will be helpful if you have listed your symptoms with possible triggers. The best doctor in Patna may recommend the following tests:-
• Skin test – During the test the doctor or nurse will prick your skin with a small amount of the potential allergen. If your skin develops hives you may be allergic.
• Blood tests at home – Specific IgE (sIgE) blood test is commonly used to diagnose allergic reactions.

Treatment
The best physician in Patna will help you identify the allergy triggers. You can avoid the triggers. Avoiding the triggers will help you prevent symptoms associated with allergies. They may prescribe medication to ease symptoms. For very severe symptoms the physician near me may recommend immunotherapy. If you have very severe reactions you may need to carry an EpiPen to reduce symptoms until you can get emergency treatment.