Understanding Allergy Triggers and Symptoms
Allergies are an immune system reaction to harmless substances such as pollen, food, and dust. In allergic people, the body mistakenly identifies these substances as threats and tries to fight them.
Why do some people suffer from allergies?
Research has identified several risk factors that increase a person's chances of developing allergies:
• Genetics: Typically, a child has a one in five chance of developing an allergy. The risk of developing an allergy is doubled in children who have one parent with an allergy. If both parents have an allergy, there is a 60-80% chance that the child will also develop it.
• Other allergies: Having one type of allergy increases your chances of developing another.
What are the most common types of allergies?
Allergies are very common, affecting both adults and children. Around half of all allergy sufferers are children. The most common allergens include:
• Pollen from trees and grasses. This type of allergy is known as hay fever.
• Foods such as peanuts, milk, and eggs.
• Dust mites, specifically the proteins in their waste rather than the mites themselves.
• Furry animals such as dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, or some pig breeds.
• Wasp and bee stings.
• Medications, such as penicillin.
Why are allergies becoming more common?
Allergy cases are increasing by 5% annually, possibly due to:
• Environmental cleanliness: More people are developing allergies because their environment is so clean. Our immune system needs to come into contact with bacteria and microorganisms during childhood so that the body can respond appropriately to them later in life. If infants and young children are not exposed to animals, dirt, and dust, their bodies may not recognize these substances as harmless later in life.
• Dietary changes: Our diet today is very different from what people ate a few decades ago. Lower vitamin intake and an increase in processed foods may contribute to increased allergies.
What happens during an allergic reaction?
When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, his body reacts by releasing antibodies. When the allergen comes into contact with the antibodies, they release a chemical called histamine, which causes swelling, itching, and inflammation, leading to allergy symptoms.
What are the symptoms of allergy?
• Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Sinus pain.
• Swelling.
• Itching in the mouth, throat, eyes, and ears.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Some allergic reactions, like hay fever, are mild but others, such as peanut allergies, can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
How can allergies be treated?
There are various ways to manage allergies. The first step is to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis. If you're unsure about your allergy triggers, your doctor can help you figure it out. It can be helpful to keep a diary of when and where symptoms occur.
Once diagnosed, your doctor may recommend different treatment options. Avoiding allergens is one of the best ways to prevent reactions, but this is not always possible. In such cases, medications and allergy treatments can help reduce symptoms.
