Allergy is a very common problem. Children are more prone to allergies. However, as age increases, the symptoms can decrease. Again, even if some do not have allergy problems in their early childhood, they may develop allergies later. Following certain precautions can often help control allergies.

What are Common causes of allergies?

Our body's immune system protects us from harmful things. However, sometimes it mistakenly reacts to things that are not harmful. Allergic symptoms are seen in the body's immune response to these substances. For example: skin turning red and itching.

Common things that can trigger allergies include:

• Certain foods
• Pollen
• Hot or cold weather
• Sunlight
• House pets
• Dust mites
• Mold or mildew
• Various medicines
• Insecticides
• Detergents and various chemicals
• Latex or special rubber gloves and condoms
• Stress or mental pressure

Common food items that people are often allergic to include:

• Shrimp
• Eggplant
• Hilsa fish
• Beef
• Almonds

In addition, children may also be allergic to eggs and milk.

Different people can have allergies to different things or foods. So, it is necessary to be vigilant when exposed to different substances or when consuming food to detect any allergic symptoms. If identified, it becomes much easier to control allergies.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

After coming into contact with an allergenic substance, allergic reactions can be observed within a very short time. The symptoms of allergies include:

• Itchy, red, or rashy skin.
• Swelling or hives on different parts of the body, or skin peeling and itching.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, and mouth.
• Watery eyes, redness, and itching in the eyes.
• Dry cough, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and throat itching.
• Breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and making wheezing sounds while breathing.
• Feeling nauseous, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

When to see a doctor for allergies? 

In the following three cases, it is important to consult a doctor:

1. If symptoms persist even after taking medication.
2. If new symptoms appear after taking prescribed medication, or if the problem worsens.
3. In the case of severe allergic reactions.

What is the best treatment for allergies?

Adhering to certain dietary and lifestyle restrictions can often help control allergies to a great extent.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Avoid foods and medicines that cause allergies. Follow your doctor's advice if you have asthma or any other respiratory disease. Physical exercise, yoga and breathing exercises can be used to deal with stress.

Medication

In the treatment of allergies, primarily antihistamines are used. They can be taken as soon as allergy symptoms appear—even before symptoms appear. For example, if someone is allergic to dust and needs to clean his dust, antihistamines can be taken beforehand.

These medicines are available in different forms. For example: tablets, syrups and drops. Note that some allergy medications may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. So discuss with the doctor and choose the right medicine for you.

Nasal decongestant drops and sprays can be used as per doctor's prescription for nasal congestion problem. But do not use these drops and sprays for more than a week. Allergy symptoms may return with prolonged use.

In the case of skin allergies, various moisturizing creams and calamine lotion can be used. Calamine lotion with 1% menthol works well for itching. Additionally, applying a cold compress to the affected area can provide relief.

Steroids work well in severe allergies. Steroids are very powerful drugs with many side effects. Therefore, you should not buy these medicines yourself from the Internet or from the pharmacy. Such medicines should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for serious allergies. In this treatment, the patient is habituated to the presence of specific allergens for a long period of time. As a result, the affected person's body does not react as strongly to that allergen as before. As a result, it becomes much easier to control the symptoms.

How to prevent allergy on skin?

The best way to stay allergy-free is to avoid the substances that trigger your allergies. Here are some recommendations for allergy prevention:

1. Eliminate Trigger Foods: If you are allergic to specific foods, make sure to completely avoid them.

2. Manage Pets: If you have pet allergies, create an allergen-free space in your home, and keep your pets clean and groomed regularly.

3. Dust Mites: Dust mites are tiny insects that can trigger allergies. To prevent dust mite allergies, keep your home clean and maintain proper hygiene. Use dust-proof covers for your bedding and wash them regularly. Vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture frequently.

4. Use Allergen-Proof Covers: Encase your pillows, mattresses, and box springs in allergen-proof covers.

5. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and vacuum your home, especially areas prone to dust accumulation.

6. Minimize Carpeting: Reduce the use of carpets in your home as they can trap allergens. Opt for hard flooring like wood or tile.

7. Wash Bedding: Wash your bed linens, curtains, and blankets in hot water at least once a week.

8. Minimize Soft Furnishings: Reduce the number of stuffed animals, heavy curtains, and upholstered furniture in your home.

9. Proper Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in your home by using exhaust fans and opening windows.

10. Wear a Mask for Cleaning: When cleaning or dusting, especially if you have a dust mite allergy, wear a mask to reduce your exposure to allergens.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of allergic reactions and enjoy a healthier, allergy-free environment.

What are the Test and Diagnosis for Allergies?

To identify the cause of allergies, healthcare professionals conduct various questions and physical examinations on individuals who are affected. Additionally, they rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms to allergies. Key examinations for allergy diagnosis include:

Dietary Changes

People with allergies are often advised to eliminate the foods that commonly trigger allergies from their diets to see if their symptoms improve. Later, reintroducing those foods can help determine whether the allergy symptoms return.

Skin Testing

In skin testing, allergens (substances that cause allergies) are placed on a small, liquid-soaked area on the forearm. Then, the skin is gently pricked or scratched to allow the allergen to enter. If an allergy is present, the area typically becomes red and swollen within 15 minutes.

It's important to note that taking antihistamines before the test may affect its accuracy.

Blood Tests

Blood tests, such as RAST (radioallergosorbent test) or specific IgE tests, measure the levels of antibodies produced in response to specific allergens. These tests can help identify allergen-specific antibodies in the blood.

Patch Testing

Patch testing is used to diagnose contact dermatitis, a type of allergic skin reaction. Small amounts of common allergens are applied to patches, which are then placed on the skin. If contact dermatitis is present, a skin reaction will occur under the patches.

Challenge Testing

Challenge testing is performed in specific cases. It involves giving the patient a suspected allergenic substance in gradually increasing amounts to see if an allergic reaction occurs. Challenge tests should be conducted under medical supervision, as they carry the risk of triggering a severe allergic response.

Conclusion

Many times the problem of sensitivity and intolerance can initially be thought of as an allergy problem. Knowing the difference between allergies, sensitivities and intolerances will make it easier to avoid errors in treatment.

1. Allergy: An allergy is a reaction initiated by the body's defense mechanisms against substances that generally do not cause harm upon entry. For example, when dust particles enter the nose, it may trigger sneezing or coughing as an allergic response.

2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity refers to an exaggerated response to a substance, where the body reacts more strongly than usual. For example, consuming more caffeine than usual might cause increased heart rate and nervousness.

3. Intolerance: Intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting or processing a particular substance, leading to unpleasant symptoms. For instance, consuming dairy products might lead to diarrhea. Importantly, intolerance does not involve the body's immune system, unlike allergies.