Allergy

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to substances (allergens) that are normally harmless. When an allergic person encounters an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine, leading to allergic symptoms.

Common Allergens

1. Environmental Allergens:

   • Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds).
   • Dust mites.
   • Mold spores.
   • Animal dander (skin flakes, saliva, urine).

2. Food Allergens:

   • Common triggers: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish.

3. Medications:

   • Examples: Penicillin, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

4. Insect Venoms:

   • Bee, wasp, hornet, or ant stings.

5. Other Allergens:

   • Latex.
   • Certain cosmetics, fragrances, or chemicals.

Types of Allergic Reactions

1. Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever): Reaction to pollen.
2. Food Allergy: Reaction to specific foods.
3. Skin Allergy: Contact dermatitis, hives, or eczema.
4. Drug Allergy: Reaction to medications.
5. Insect Allergy: Reaction to bites or stings.

Symptoms of Allergy

Symptoms depend on the type of allergen and the body part involved.

Respiratory Symptoms:

• Sneezing.
• Runny or congested nose.
• Itchy or watery eyes.
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath (asthma-like symptoms).

Skin Symptoms:

• Hives (raised, itchy red spots).
• Swelling (angioedema), often around the eyes, lips, or face.
• Itchy rash or eczema.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms (in food allergies):

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps.

Severe Reaction (Anaphylaxis):

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the throat or tongue.
• Rapid pulse or low blood pressure.
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
• Medical Emergency: Requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.

Diagnosis

1. Medical History and Symptom Review.
2. Skin Prick Test:
   • Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin to test for a reaction.
3. Blood Tests:
   • Measures levels of specific IgE antibodies to allergens.
4. Elimination Diet (for food allergies):
   • Gradually removes and reintroduces foods to identify triggers.

Treatment

1. Avoidance

• Identify and avoid known allergens.
• Use protective measures (e.g., air purifiers, allergen-proof bedding, or wearing masks outdoors during high pollen seasons).

2. Medications

• Scope of Homoeopathy in all allergic disorders is very high. It is harmless in any conditions at any stages. Any type of Allergy can be treated successfully with Homoeopathic medicines. None of the Homoeopathic medicines have been banned or caused any side effects till date.

Home Remedies and Management

• Rinse nasal passages with saline to clear allergens.
• Use cool compresses to soothe itchy or swollen skin.
• Keep indoor air clean with HEPA filters and regular cleaning.
• Avoid smoking or exposure to smoke, as it can worsen allergies.

Complications

• Sinus infections or ear infections (from nasal congestion).
• Asthma or worsening of asthma symptoms.
• Severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis in certain cases.

Prognosis

With proper management, most allergic reactions can be controlled, improving quality of life.