Allergy

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When your body mistakes harmless substances in the environment for threats, it becomes hypersensitive and launches an immune response, leading to allergic reactions. The substances that trigger these reactions are called allergens, most of which are proteins found in the environment or in food.

The immune system produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that recognize and bind to allergens. These IgE-allergen complexes then attach to allergy cells, triggering the release of substances such as histamine and other chemicals, which cause allergic symptoms. In some cases, allergic reactions can occur through mechanisms that do not involve IgE.

Allergic reactions are often mild and localized, causing symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy or swollen eyes, a scratchy throat, wheezing, eczema, hives, or an upset stomach. However, in some cases, allergic reactions can be severe or even life-threatening. These severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, may involve throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, or multiple systems reacting at once. Anaphylaxis is more commonly associated with food allergies, bee stings, or certain medications.

Below listed some common allergic diseases:

When you visit an allergist for an allergic condition, they may perform allergy tests based on your medical history, which is the most important factor in interpreting test results. This is because test results may be positive but not clinically relevant. Skin tests and blood tests are commonly used to detect IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

Treatment for allergies includes allergen avoidance and medication. Commonly used medications include:

Antihistamines and decongestants (taken orally or as nasal sprays) to reduce symptoms.
Corticosteroids (taken orally, as nasal sprays, or applied to the skin) to suppress the overactive immune response.
Epinephrine (administered as an intramuscular injection) as a life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.

For patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and / or allergic asthma that does not respond adequately to medication, or for those who have experienced systemic reactions to insect stings, allergen immunotherapy can be used to desensitize the body’s response.