Allergic reaction

Allergy is the body's immune system reaction to something that is considered dangerous even though it is actually not dangerous. This can be in the form of substances that enter or come into contact with the body's allergens or substances that trigger allergies only affect people who have these allergies.

Substances that can cause allergic reactions :

• Insect bite.
• Dust.
• Animal fur.
• Drugs.
• Certain foods.
• Pollen.

When the body first comes into contact with allergens, the body will produce antibodies because it thinks something is dangerous. If the body comes back in contact with the same allergen, the body will increase the amount of antibodies to that type of allergen. This is what triggers the release of chemical compounds in the body (histamine) and causes allergic symptoms.

The symptoms.

• Sneezing.
• Cough.
• Out of breath.
• Rashes on the skin.
• Runny nose.
• Swelling in body parts (face, mouth and tongue).
• Itching and redness of the eyes.
• Red and watery eyes.
• Stomach ache.
• Throw up.
• Diarrhea.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person, some have mild allergic reactions and some are severe to the point of fatal (anaphylaxis). If you experience anaphylaxis, emergency medical attention is needed.

How to prevent allergies is to avoid yourself from the trigger substance or allergens. Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear a few minutes after contact with an allergen. Symptoms can develop gradually in a few hours.

Allergy due to insect bites or stings ➡

• Swelling on the bitten part.
• Itching all over the body.
• Cough.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Out of breath.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Allergy due to air, dust, pollen ➡

• Sneezing.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Hard to breath.
• Itching on the nose.
• Red eyes, runny and swollen.

Food allergies ➡

• Itching in the mouth.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, throat or face.
• Itchy and red rashes on the skin.
• Nausea.
• Stomach ache.
• Diarrhea.

Allergy due to drugs ➡

• Skin rash.
• Swelling on the face.
• Hard to breath.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Inflammation of the skin (atopic dermatitis).

Atopic dermatitis causes symptoms :

• Itchy.
• Reddish rash.
• Scaly skin.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Some allergies can sometimes cause severe and fatal reactions, namely anaphylaxis. This reaction will occur throughout the body and spread very quickly.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis :

• Dizzy.
• Severe shortness of breath.
• Fainted due to drop in blood pressure.
• Nausea.
• Throw up.
• Rashes on the skin.
• The pulse is fast, but weak.
• Blue skin and lips.
• Loss of consciousness.

Anaphylaxis sufferers need emergency medical treatment. Anaphylactic reactions can be treated with injections or epinephrine drugs.

Risk factors for allergies :

• Genetic (history of allergic father or mother).
• Environment.

Diagnosis.

• Knowing the symptoms, frequency, time of occurrence and triggers of allergies.
• Examination of body parts affected by allergies.

If the allergen is not known, further tests will be carried out :

• Patch Test ➡ The test is quite safe and is not invasive. One type of allergen will be applied to the skin for two days while monitoring the skin's reaction. This test is used to evaluate contact dermatitis.
• Skin prick test ➡ the patient will be drops of allergen and then gently pricked with a needle to see the reaction. If the patient is allergic to the substance, red lumps and itching will appear on the skin within 15 minutes. The skin prick test is used to check for types of allergies in food, medicine, air and toxins from insects.
• Blood tests ➡ The type of blood test used is a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) which will measure the level of certain types of IgE in the blood.
• Elimination test ➡ this test is done by avoiding foods that are suspected to be allergens to see the different reactions of symptoms experienced. Then the same type of food is tried again after a few weeks to see the next reaction.

Treatment.

Antihistamines ➡ These drugs work to inhibit the effects of histamine compounds in allergies. Antihistamines are used in the form of tablets, creams, liquid, eye drops or nasal spray, depending on the area affected by the allergy. This type of antihistamine will cause drowsiness after consumption.

Corticosteroid spray ➡ This drug is effective for treating inflammation in allergic cases. Steroid drugs are used in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, creams, inhalers and tablets. Side effects caused less than corticosteroids in tablet form, because it only works in one particular area and a little is absorbed by the body.

Decongestants ➡ In addition to tablets and capsules, decongestants are also available in the form of drops or nasal sprays. Decongestants are useful to help relieve nasal congestion. This drug is only recommended for short-term use (less than one week).

Leukotriene inhibitors ➡ Leukotrienes are compounds that can cause swelling of the respiratory tract when an allergic reaction occurs. This drug serves to inhibit the effects of leukotrienes. This drug is used in tablet form.

If the allergy is severe or can not be cured with other drugs, allergen immunotherapy (desentilisastion) will be done. In this therapy, small amounts of allergen are given to the patient through injections, drops or tablets that are placed under the tongue. Giving allergens is done for several years. The goal is to familiarize the body with these allergens so they do not overreact. Although it does not cure completely, this will make the symptoms of allergies more mild.

Treatment for anaphylaxis.

• Allergy sufferers are advised to always carry epinephrine injections prescribed by a doctor and use these injections in an emergency.
• Use an allergy bracelet or necklace so that if anaphylaxis occurs, the people around will know the cause and act quickly. chemicals in the body (histamine) and cause allergic symptoms.