By Dr Khushboo Shah Sawant
Allergy is one word we often hear and even use in case of any illness. But do we really know what an allergy is? How it creates a reaction in the human body and the effects it has on the body? So today, I shall try to keep it as less technical as possible to explain some basic information about allergy.
So starting with the first and basic question, what is an allergy? An allergy is a response of the human body from its immune system which is the defence system of the body, to normal harmless substances, or environment or other conditions which normally do not cause any harm or cause any reaction in other normal human beings. But to individuals who are prone to allergic, the exact same substances are identified as a `threat`™ causing their immune system to create a reaction which is known as an allergic reaction. As we already know, the immune system of our body is the natural defence mechanism, and when any kind of a threat is identifies whether it may be virus, bacteria or an allergen, the immune system creates a natural defence reaction and shows it in the form of various reactions in the body. These substances which cause an allergic reaction are known as allergens. The sources of allergen may be from pollen, dust, food articles, animal hair etc.
So what happens in an allergic reaction? When an allergic person is exposed to certain aggravating allergens, it causes the activation of certain type of white blood cells, which are usually activated after exposure to a disease producing germ. This in turn creates an inflammatory reaction in response to the allergen, and this is manifested differently according to the type of exposure and the part of the body which is exposed. For example, an allergic reaction in the nose may result in runny nose, sneezing etc or a bout of allergic sinusitis. Eyes could react by watering, itching in the eyes etc. The respiratory tract may react by sneezing, coughing, wheezing in the chest, an asthmatic reaction, etc. Skin may show rashes, and hives like eruption at the exposure of an allergen. Occasionally the allergic reactions may be very severe and sometimes even fatal in nature.
Allergens may be from various sources and it also depends on the individual. One may inherit allergy genetically from the family history as well. Allergens can also be of various types, some may result from food, insect stings, or even certain kinds of medications. Food allergens are very common. It could be from cow`™s milk, eggs, peanuts, and certain kinds of fishes. Their reaction may include abdominal symptoms like bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Likewise insect stings often lead to skin reactions like urticaria or hive like eruptions. And allergic reactions to medicines like aspirin, penicillin etc may sometimes give fatal reaction.
Diagnosis of allergies is usually confirmed my different tests like a blood test or a skin prick test where small quantities of common allergens may be inoculated into the skin and the causative allergen may give a reaction on the site of inoculation. Similarly a patch test can also be done to ascertain the reaction. Antihistamines or anti-allergic, or steroids may be administered to cure allergies. However, in cases of serious reactions, prompt hospitalization is definitely called for. As the axiom goes prevention is the best cure. It is advisable to stay away from substances which may cause allergic.