Allergies are the immune system's inappropriate response to a substance foreign to our body. It is a reaction of the body to a harmless substance. The reaction of the body causes discomfort.

Substances that cause allergies are called allergens.

Upon contact with an allergen, there may be a number of allergic symptoms that can be experienced. They include itchy, watery nose and eyes, asthma, wheezing and coughing or hives.


Common types of allergens
The most common of allergens are pollen and dust mites. Although, there can be a wide range of substances that can trigger an allergic response.

• Dust mites
  These microscopic insects live on the tiny skin flakes that we shed every day. They are found just about everywhere humans live, especially in the carpeting, on mattresses, pillows, bed covers, and upholstered furniture. Something in the mite's faeces is the main substances in dust that causes sneezing and wheezing. House dust in general contains a group of allergenic substances including fibres from different fabrics, dander from animals, cockroach faeces, bacteria, moulds, fungus spores and breakdown products from human skin.
  
  
• Pollen
  Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is the allergic response to pollen. Typically it irritates the sensitive epithelium of the nose causing inflammation and swelling, as well as the protective tissue of the eyes (conjunctiva).
  
  
• Moulds
  These are parasitic, microscopic fungi with spores that float in the air like pollen. Mould can be found in damp areas of the house, especially the basement or bathroom, as well as in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay, or under mushrooms.
  
  
• Animal proteins
  Proteins produced by glands in an animal's skin and saliva can cause allergic reactions in some people.
  
  
• Food
  Allergies to certain foods, most notably, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, and wheat, induce intestinal disturbances and occur frequently in children who often outgrow it after age three.

Treatment:

The plan of treatment depends on the severity and type of symptom.

Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as sneezing and running nose. However, Epinephrine/adrenaline may be used in life-threatening situations to reduce acute swelling of the airways. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, however, can cause drowsiness.

Broncodilators (theophylline and beta-agonists e.g. salbutamol) are used to relieve coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. They work by opening up the bronchial tubes so that more air can flow through.

Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisolone may be prescribed to reduce symptoms. They work to reduce the immune response. However, caution must be taken when the medication is discontinued.

The best long-term treatment plan is to avoid the allergens.

Doctor On Duty
The Apollo Clinic Bangalore Koramangala
www.koraclinic.com