What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an inappropriate immune response to normally harmless foreign materials [1]. These foreign agents are called allergens. This could be anything from dirt to food, pollens, feathers, smoke, pet dander, etc. Your immune system works by fighting harmful substances and keeping your body healthy. Your body gets adapted to the environment and your immune system gets accustomed to foreign substances and perceives them as harmless unless you are allergic to a certain substance such as pet dander. 

 

What are the Types of Allergies?

On the basis of allergen, the allergies are divided into the following types [2]:

• Food allergy
• Dust allergy
• Drug allergy
• Pollen allergy
• Insect allergy
• Latex allergy
• Mold allergy
• Pet allergy

 

What are the Symptoms of Allergy?

Symptoms of different allergies differ based on the type of allergy and severity of the disease. However, some of the symptoms are common for all types of allergies. A brief description of the symptoms associated with different allergies are listed here [3]:

          Food allergy: some people are allergic to certain food items such as nuts, eggs, wheat, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms after eating something, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

• Hives
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Fatigue

         Seasonal allergy: hay fever is commonly confused with a cold. But is a type of seasonal allergy. The symptoms are usually mild and go away after some time.

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Runny eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Swelling

        Severe allergy: it can lead to anaphylactic shock. It is a severe life-threatening reaction that needs immediate treatment. Following are the symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Loss of consciousness
• Lightheadedness
• Labored breathing

 

What Causes an Allergy?

The reason behind an unusual immune reaction to a harmless foreign substance is not exactly known. However, different researches are being conducted on this topic lately. Allergies also have a genetic disposition, they run in families. Parents can pass on the tendency to be allergic to certain substances to their children. Following are the common causes of allergy [4]:

• Foods items: Wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, egg, etc are the causes of food allergy.
• Insect stings: Certain insects including cockroaches, bees, wasps, and mosquitoes are responsible for insect bite allergy.
• Plants: Pollen grains from grass, weeds, and trees cause pollen allergy. Apart from pollens, resin from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak are also common allergens.
• Animal products: This category includes pet dander and dust mite waste.
• Mold: Airborne fungal spores can trigger an immune reaction.
• Drugs: Penicillin and some sulfa drugs commonly cause drug allergy.
• Other allergens. Latex gloves, condoms, and other products made of latex can cause an immune reaction in some people. Different metals like nickel are also common allergens.

 

 

Treatment Options:

Anti-allergic medications are the most commonly used treatment option for allergies. Some people opt for immunotherapy as it can boost your immune system preventing further allergy attacks [5]. Apart from medical treatment, some home remedies are also effective for allergies. 

 

 

 

 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545237/#:~:text=Allergy%20is%20a%20broad%20topic,immune%20response%20described%20as%20hypersensitivity.
2. https://www.aafa.org/types-of-allergies/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447112/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5406225/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545237/

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