Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — that doesn't cause a reaction in most people.
Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. Some antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause infection.
Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and can involve the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, may cause:
• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
A food allergy may cause:
• Tingling mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy may cause:
• A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over your body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy may cause:
• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, may cause skin to:
• Itch
• Redden
• Flake or peel
Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, have the potential to trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, this reaction can cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
• Loss of consciousness
• A drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Lightheadedness
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
Include
• Signs and symptoms
• Physical exam
• Review a detailed diary of symptoms and possible triggers
For food allergy, doctor may:
• Ask you to keep a detailed diary of the foods you eat
• Have you eliminate a food from your diet (elimination diet) — and then have you eat the food in question again to see if it causes a reaction
Other Tests:
• Skin test. Skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in potential allergens. If you're allergic, you'll likely develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin.
• Blood test. A blood test that's sometimes called the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) can measure your immune system's response to a specific allergen by measuring the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies
Allergy shots can be used to control symptoms triggered by:
• Seasonal allergies
• Indoor allergens
• Insect stings.
Allergy treatments include:
• Allergen avoidance. Doctor at Aadil Hospital will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers.
• Medications to reduce symptoms. Depending on your allergy, allergy medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms.
• Immunotherapy. For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment, doctor may recommend allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years.
• Emergency epinephrine. If you have a severe allergy, your doctor may give you an emergency epinephrine shot to carry with you at all times.
Consult at Aadil hospital for Allergy shots and medical treatment.
