Allergy is a common chronic disease in the world. More than 50 million people in the UK suffer from allergies each year. Allergies are a top cause of chronic illness, missed work and school days, and trips to the doctor.
There are many different allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and food additives. Some people are allergic to more than one type of allergen.
Allergies can cause various symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and skin rash. Some people experience more extreme reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, and dizziness.
Here are some tips to help you manage your allergy.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are a bodily response to a substance that your body perceives as an "invader." For example, If you have allergies, coming into contact with normally harmless substances like pollen can cause your immune system to overreact. Substances that lead to allergic reactions are termed allergens.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
The term "allergic reaction" refers to how your body reacts to the allergen. An allergic response is a chain of events that eventually causes an allergy.
If you are susceptible to allergies, when your body is first exposed to a particular allergen, it responds by producing allergic (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies aim to locate the allergens and aid in their removal from your body. As a result, a chemical called histamine causes allergy symptoms.
Types of Allergies and How are They Treated?
Various substances can cause allergies – pollen, animal dander, mold, and dust mites.
- Pollen
Hay fever, and allergic rhinitis, is an immune system reactions to pollen. Your nose and eye's conjunctiva- a tissue that protects your eyes- swell up when exposed to hay fever, causing pollen.
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
Treatment:
To lower your exposure to pollen, stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high. Keep windows and doors closed and use an AC. If you must go outside, wear a dust mask. Ask your UK online pharmacy about over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and eye drops that can help relieve your symptoms.
- Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny animals that thrive in humid environments. They are a leading cause of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Dust mites live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment:
Use special covers for your mattress and pillows to reduce your exposure to dust mites—Wash bedding in hot water (above 130 degrees Fahrenheit) weekly. Keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent. Vacuum regularly and use a damp mop on hard floors. If you must go outside, wear a dust mask.
- Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi with spores that may be dispersed in the air like pollen. Allergies can be triggered by mold. Mold can be seen in the home in places like the basement, kitchen, and bathroom and outdoors on grass, leaf heaps, hay, mulch, or under mushrooms. The number of mold spores exponentially increases during hot, humid weather.
Treatment:
Medications can help reduce your nasal, eye, and chest symptoms. However, if your condition is not adequately controlled with avoidance and medications, immunotherapy might be advised as a treatment option.
- Animal Dander
Proteins can cause allergic reactions in an animal's sweat, which is shed as dander, and proteins in saliva. Therefore, avoidance tactics don't work as well as simply removing the animal from your house. However, because many people are hesitant to do this, other alternatives include:
- Keeping your pet out of your bedroom.
- Using air cleaners with HEPA filtration.
- Washing your pet (cat or dog) frequently.
Treatment:
Medications are sometimes used to treat nasal/eye and chest discomfort. Immunotherapy may be advised if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance strategies and medicines.
- Latex
Latex is a natural rubber in many products, including gloves, condoms, and balloons. However, it can induce an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with the skin, mucous membranes, or the bloodstream.
Symptoms :
- Skin redness and itching
- Hives
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Nasal stuffiness and sneezing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Treatment:
If you react to latex, the first step is removing the source of the problem – that is, whatever item contains latex. It's critical for anybody with a latex allergy to wear a Medic Alert bracelet and carry an emergency epinephrine kit. All procedures should be conducted in a "latex-safe" manner. There is no cure for latex allergy. Therefore the best treatment is prevention and avoidance.
- Certain Food
You can have an allergic reaction to just about any food, but eight foods account for most reactions: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish. Just because you are allergic to one type of food doesn't mean you're automatically allergic to others. For example, someone allergic to milk may also be allergic to soy.
Symptoms:
- Itching
- Hives
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulties in Breathing
- Swelling around your Mouth
Treatment:
It is critical to avoid foods that trigger allergic reactions. If you have a food allergy, your doctor may prescribe injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) for you to carry at all times. This is required since accidental food allergies are possible.
- Insect Stings
When stung by a bee, it's normal to feel pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. A large reaction to a sting results in swelling that goes beyond where the stinger punctured the skin. For example, if you are stung on the ankle, you might notice increased leg swelling.
Symptoms:
- Difficult breathing
- Hives that appear as a red, itching rash that spreads to other regions of the body are known as generalized hives
- Swelling of your face, throat, or mouth tissue
- Wheezing and difficulty swallowing
- Restlessness and worry are common symptoms
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or a sudden drop in your blood pressure
Treatment:
If you have had an allergic reaction to bee stings, epinephrine (adrenaline) is the medication used to treat it. To confirm your allergy to bee venom, see a board-certified allergy/immunologist for skin and blood tests. Immunotherapy is recommended to lessen the likelihood that a future sting will lead to a severe reaction if you have a confirmed venom allergy.
Read here to know: Do not let Seasonal Allergies Stop you From Working Outdoors.
The Bottom Line
Allergies are a common occurrence in many people's lives. But, there are ways to control and treat them, so they do not have to impact your life severely. If you consider you may have an allergy, it is best to consult with a doctor or allergist to get proper testing and treatment. With the correct precautions, you can still enjoy life despite your allergies. Online chemist has a wide range of products that can help you with your allergies.
