Allergies are something that affect countless people. And the number of individuals who have to go to the doctor each year with them is growing all the time.
In this context, it’s worth knowing a bit more about allergies and how they actually work.
Allergies Are Immune Responses
Interestingly, allergies aren’t what you might think of as a conventional illness or disease. Instead, they’re a response to when your immune system overreacts to something (usually an allergen in the environment), and that’s what produces the symptoms.
Common Allergens Are Everywhere
These allergens are actually everywhere and vary from season to season and from one environment to another. For example, pollen is in the air most of the time from various trees and grasses, and can interfere with the respiratory system.
Pet dander is another allergen. Pets can cause skin flaking, especially from cats and dogs.
Then there are food-based allergens. These tend to be the most dangerous, with common culprits being peanuts, shellfish, and milk.
Mold and medications may also play a role. Detecting these requires special tests so you know what to avoid.
Symptoms Vary A Lot
Given how complex the immune system is, symptoms vary considerably. Allergen and exposure levels can change outcomes, but an allergy doctor can tell you more.
Most people experience some form of sneezing or a runny nose. Some people get post-nasal drip or congestion, making it harder to breathe through the nose and leading to more mouth breathing.
Skin conditions can also erupt. Rashes, hives, and eczema are more common in those with allergies than those without them.
The most dangerous side effect is anaphylaxis, which is where the airways narrow and breathing becomes more challenging.
Allergies Can Develop At Any Time
Many people think that allergies develop in childhood and then people have them for the rest of their lives. However, allergies can actually develop at any age, and it is sometimes unpredictable to determine when they will come about.
Sometimes, allergies are the result of stress. People are in challenging situations and it makes an allergy worse. Allergies can also develop in response to certain foods or environmental factors, which is why taking care of your surroundings is so critical.
Diagnosis Is Critical
If you have an allergy, getting a proper diagnosis is essential. Most doctors will now do testing panels on you to see if your blood responds to common allergens, letting you know how you’re doing on a global level. Then, they will usually recommend some sort of behavior modification, like washing your sheets to get rid of the bed bugs or changing the foods you eat.
Cures Aren’t Available
Finally, you can’t always cure allergies. Doctors prefer to use the term “manage.”
Most doctors prescribe things like antihistamines and nasal sprays. These reduce inflammation in some cases, but not all.
Immunotherapy is also an option. The idea here is to train your immune system not to respond to whatever it is that is causing the allergy in the first place.