Introduction to Allergy & Anti Allergic Medications

When the body’s immune system becomes hypersensitive to foreign substances causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing is termed as a kind of Allergy. The substance called an allergen triggers an abnormal immune response that leads to the above-mentioned symptoms in the affected individual.

When a person with allergies comes into contact with an allergen through dust mites, animal dander, pollen, food, insect sting, medicine, etc. their immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response. This action triggers “Histamine” a chemical inside the body that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, swelling, or difficulty in breathing.

From toddlers to old age, allergies can affect any kind of age. Some allergies may be from birth while some may experience allergy symptoms with the growing age. It is very important to treat minor symptoms of allergy on time. If left untreated may lead to “Anaphylaxis” a life-threatening situation.

Let’s look at some common types of Allergies people from all over the world face.

• Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold can often be allergens to people causing Allergic symptoms.
• Food allergies: Generally, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, or wheat are some common food items known to cause allergies. However, a person may be allergic to food items not mentioned in the list.
• Insect sting allergies: Certain insects such as bees, wasps, or ants sting venom often causing itching or skin rashes.
•  Drug allergies: A person may be allergic to certain medical ingredients present in the medicines.
• Latex allergy: Gloves, condoms, balloons or elastic materials often include latex that may cause allergy.
• Contact dermatitis: When an allergic person comes in contact with an allergen through touch or not maintaining good hygiene may suffer Allergy. Plant such as poison ivy is a very good example that causes skin rashes and itchy red skin when touched.
• Occupational allergies: Exposure to certain chemicals, dust, or animal proteins may cause allergic reactions may.

How to diagnose allergy for being Anti Allergic person?

It is you who knows your body well. Hence the easy way to know what is allergic to your body is to recollect all the activity, food intake or environment you were in before noticing the symptoms of allergy.

Once these things are clear your doctor may perform the following test:

• Physical examination: If it’s rashes, or skin irritation such as red skin/red spots on the skin, hives, or swelling your doctor may perform a physical examination to termine the traces of foreign particles that may have to rise such situations.
• Skin prick test: Then he may prick the skin with that particular foreign body and wait to see if symptoms rise again.
• Blood test: If food or environmental factor is doubted to be the cause of allergy, the doctor may recommend a blood test. A small amount of blood sample is collected in order to measure the level of specific antibodies in your blood that your body produces in response to an allergen.
• Challenge test: In case of suspicion about the food item, your doctor may suggest the intake of a small amount of the suspected allergen under supervision to know what exactly is causing the allergy.
• Once the test is done and a recommendation of treatment is suggested, your doctor may carry out a final test known as the Patch test. After post-treatment your doctor may include that particular allergen in small quality in your body or over the skin to see if the symptoms of allergy are rising again after the treatment.

Ways to be Anti Allergic 

Allergy prevention can be difficult, but certain precautions can lower your chances of experiencing an allergic reaction. Here are some methods for avoiding allergies:

• Avoid allergens: If you are allergic to a specific material, such as pollen or pet dander avoid encounters.
• Keep your home clean: Cleaning your home on a regular basis will help minimize the number of allergens in your environment, such as dust and mold.
• Air purifiers: It can help lower the number of allergens in the air, particularly in rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as your bedroom.
•  Wash your hands: Regular hand washing can help lessen your chances of coming into touch with allergies.
• Wear a mask: If you are allergic to certain substances, such as pollen or dust, wearing a mask while outside or cleaning can help limit your exposure.
•  Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke: Because smoking and secondhand smoke can aggravate allergy symptoms, it’s better to avoid both.
• Manage stress: Because stress can weaken the immune system and exacerbate allergy symptoms, finding techniques to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, may be beneficial.
• Consider allergy shots: Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can help lessen your sensitivity to allergens over time, but they require a regular injection schedule.

Anti Allergic Medications

Medication depends on the type and cause of allergy. Some common medicines used to overcome symptoms of allergy are as follows:

• Antihistamines: These medications inhibit the action of histamine, a substance produced by the immune system that produces allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
• Decongestants: These drugs work by constricting the blood arteries in the nasal passages.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These drugs help reduce nasal inflammation by inhibiting the generation of certain molecules in the immune system.
• Leukotriene inhibitors: These drugs work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, which are substances that induce inflammation in the body and can cause asthma symptoms.
• Mast cell stabilizers: These drugs block mast cells from releasing histamine and other substances, which help alleviate allergy symptoms.
• Immunomodulators: These drugs can alter the immune system’s reaction to allergens, reducing the intensity of allergy symptoms.