Different Types of Allergies

Allergy is one of the most common diseases nowadays, as data shows every fifth person on Earth shows clear
signs of allergy.
Allergy is our body’s response to specific, otherwise harmless substances. An allergic reaction begins in the
immune system. The main role of our immune system is to protect the human body against “foreign invaders”.
However, during the abnormal operation of the immune system, one might experience an allergic
(hypersensitivity) reaction to certain substances.

In case of allergy, a special defence mechanism begins in our body. During this defensive response, – or rather
overreaction – the otherwise harmless substances will cause painful, unpleasant, or even life-threatening
symptoms.

The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary. It means that allergies can be passed down through the
parents’ genes. However, just become either one or both of the parents are showing signs of allergic diseases
that does not necessarily meant that all of their kids will definitely get them, too.
However, children born into families where allergies already exist show a higher than average chance of
developing allergies themselves. Modern researches imply that over half of children from atopic - hereditary
tendency to developing allergic reactions - families will go on to build up an allergy.
Allergies that form and start during childhood are often outgrown, but evidently there are exceptions.

Allergies exist in many different forms. The most common allergies include:
Pollen – Many plants produce airborne pollens as part of their reproduction cycle. These tiny, invisible grains fill
the air every spring causing nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy eyes.
Pet dander – Our furry friends can cause serious problems to those allergic to pet dander. Although, opposite
to what people think, it’s the not fur itself, but rather the microscopic flecks of dead skin cells that can trigger
allergic reactions.
Dust mites – Millions of allergic people’s other microscopic enemies are dust mites. These invisibly tiny bugs
live in our homes and feed on the tiny flakes of skin people shed. Their waste products, the actual allergen, can
cause sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and red, itchy or teary eyes.
Food – Food allergy symptoms are most common with babies and children, but they can show at any age.
They can even be developed to foods you have eaten for years with no problems. Therefore it is one of the
most dangerous and problematic allergies.
Medicines – Unfortunately, adverse reactions to certain medicines are also very common and dangerous. It is
also risky, because most allergic reactions to drugs do not happen the first time you take a medication, but
rather after you’ve been exposed to the medicine once already.

Allergic reactions can be very different and vary by person. If the allergen – the substance recognised by the body
as ‘foreign’ and ‘dangerous’, causing an allergic reaction – is something that can be breathed in, the reaction will
most likely affect the nose and lungs. If the allergen is something that would be consumed, the symptoms are
most likely to occur in the mouth, stomach or intestines.
The most common symptoms of allergy include:
sneezing
shortness of breath
skin rashes
swelling of the lips, eyes and face
itching eyes, lips, throat or the roof of the mouth
wheezing
runny nose and eyes
coughing
nausea
abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
The most severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can also be life-threatening.

There are several allergy treatment options. Although, first, if you’ve never been diagnosed with allergy before,
but you are showing signs of allergy all year or the same time every year, the first step it to contact a professional.
Allergy testing can be done as skin tests or as blood tests, and are the most efficient way to diagnose any kind of
allergy.

The most common allergy treatments:
antihistamines and steroids
allergy shots
nasal sprays
lotions and creams – for skin reactions
immunotherapy – the aim of treatment is to help your body naturally get used to the allergen so it wouldn’t
react to it so severely
People with asthma or severe allergies need to see a doctor who is specialist in treating asthma and different
allergic reactions. Allergists are experts in that. They can give you proper and personalised advice on treating
your allergic symptoms.