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About Allergy

An allergy is a medical condition in which the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. The substance that causes the allergy is called an allergen.

Allergic diseases have been rapidly increasing since the last few decades affecting 20% to 30% of the total population in India. The common allergic disorders in India comprises of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, anaphylaxis, drug, food, insect allergy, and urticaria.

Causes of Allergy

Interaction of Genetic and environmental factors leads to the development of the allergy

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental Factors: A broad range of allergen has been found in India owing to climatic variation, diverse vegetation, and different food habits
   • Exposure to allergens or irritants may trigger the allergic reaction
     • Dust mite droppings
     • Animal dander
     • Pollens grains
     • Fungal spores
     • Insect sting/bites
     • Latex (natural rubber)
   • Diet
   • Medications
   • Pollutant
     • Tobacco smoke
     • Exhaust fumes
   • Exposure to microorganism [bacteria and viruses] during childhood

The major routes of allergen exposure in India are

• Inhalation (airborne pollen grains triggers asthma)
• Contact (contact dermatitis)
• Ingestion (food allergy)

Symptoms of Allergy

The degree of an allergic reaction may vary from mild to severe. The body reacts differently to different allergens

Common symptoms experienced in an allergic reaction are:

• Itchy skin, rash, hives (urticaria)
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of body parts exposed to the allergen
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

Anaphylaxis (swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, fainting) is an extreme form of allergy, which needs immediate medical attention.

Types of Allergies

Food Allergy

It is an allergic reaction to food or substance in food. Common foods found to cause allergy are Legumes (Kidney beans, Black gram), seafood (prawns), eggplant, milk, egg.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergy

Skin Allergy

• Eczema (Atopic dermatitis): Itchy dry red skin due to exposure to allergens and food
• Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction due to contact of skin with an irritant or an allergen may cause a red rash, blisters, itching, cracking, scaling and burning
• Hives (urticaria): Raised, itchy bumps on the skin due to food, insect bite, medications
• Angioedema: Swelling in deep layers of skin due to allergic reactions to food, medications, insect bites

Dust allergy

Allergy due to dust mite, pollen grains, animal dander or fungal spore.

Insect Allergy

Allergy due to insect stings (bees, wasps) and bites (Mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas).

Drug Allergy

Allergic reaction due to intake of liquid, pill or injectable form of medication.

Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)

Seasonal (during pollen season) or Perennial ( throughout the year) allergic rhinitis occurs due to airborne pollen grains, dust mites, animal fur, fungal spores.

Management of Allergy

The 3 main tests for allergy are the skin prick test, blood test, and patch test.

Treatment of Allergy

The ideal solution is to stay away from the allergen that you know you are allergic to. However this is not always possible and treatment includes anti-allergic drugs like antihistaminics, decongestants, and steroids.

It is important to know about your allergies before you get affected. If you are not sure, or the symptoms are not subsiding then consult a doctor online to discuss your problems.

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