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Allergy

Jul 06, 2024
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Your body might aggressively respond to certain substances found in the environment that are harmless to most people. When your body reacts to substances it usually shouldn’t, you get rash or hives, itchiness, runny nose, and watery/red eyes. You might also sneeze, cough, wheeze, and go breathless. This condition is called allergy.  

How are allergies and allergens connected?  

Allergy is the body’s way of reacting to substances that it considers harmful. Your body considers such substances as invaders. The immune system, which is the body’s defense mechanism, responds to the invaders. The substances or invaders which challenge the immune system to react are called allergens. It is found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, molds, food, and some medications.

What is an immune system?

Your immune system protects you from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and all other invading foreign substances. It is a vast network of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues that constantly keeps a watch on invaders. The immune system can distinguish your tissue from foreign tissue. It can tell self from non-self. Once it spots an enemy, a complex mission is launched to attack and destroy the invader. It also clears dead and faulty cells. However, the immune system is highly complicated and absolutely vital for your survival.

What is an allergic reaction?

It is the way your body responds to the allergen. A chain of events takes place in the body that results in an allergic reaction.

How does the body react to allergens? 

When an allergen enters the body, the immune system triggers the release of chemicals called IgE antibodies. The body tries to remove the allergen by releasing chemicals like histamine, which causes swelling and inflammation, resulting in familiar symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.

Which parts of the body are affected?

  • Nose, eyes, sinuses, and throat
  • Lungs and chest
  • Stomach and bowel
  • Skin

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the allergy and which part of the body is affected. It also involves reduced exposure to the allergen. Medications include antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS), combination therapies (INCS and antihistamine), medicated eye drops, adrenaline (epinephrine), and non-medicated treatments such as saline sprays and allergen immunotherapy are used to control allergy.

Consult your doctor at Amrita Hospitals for a detailed medical examination and treatment. 

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