Synonyms for ALLERGIC REACTION – Thesaurus.net

What is another word for allergic reaction?

38 synonyms found

Pronunciation:

[ ɐlˈɜːd͡ʒɪk ɹɪˈakʃən], [ ɐlˈɜːd‍ʒɪk ɹɪˈakʃən], [ ɐ_l_ˈɜː_dʒ_ɪ_k ɹ_ɪ__ˈa_k_ʃ_ə_n]

An allergic reaction, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction, can range from mild to severe and can affect different parts of the body. A few synonyms for allergic reaction are sensitivity, intolerance, and allergy. These terms refer to an adverse reaction to a substance, food, or medication that the immune system perceives as a threat. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, swelling, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. Preventing exposure to the allergen is the most effective way to avoid allergic reactions. Treatment may include antihistamines, epinephrine, and corticosteroids in some cases. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe allergic reactions.

Related words: food allergies, allergic reaction to food, allergic reactions, allergies, allergic reaction symptoms, types of allergies

Related questions:

Table of Contents

Similar words for allergic reaction:

• allergy (noun)

• other relevant words (noun)

• state (noun)

• other synonyms

• other relevant words

• other relevant words (noun)

How to use “allergic reaction” in context?

Hyponyms for allergic reaction

Hypernyms for allergic reaction

• n.

  

  • allergy (noun)

  • hay fever,
  • sensitivities,
  • susceptibility,
  • hypersensitivity,
  • vulnerability,
  • Hypersensitivities,
  • Allergic Reactions,
  • aversion,
  • sensitivity.

  • Other relevant words: (noun)

  • hypersensitivity reaction,
  • allergy.

  • state (noun)

  • allergic reaction.

• Other synonyms:

  • Other relevant words:

  • pollinosis,
  • supersensitised,
  • roseola,
  • antipathy,
  • sensibility,
  • predisposition,
  • exposure,
  • heady,
  • susceptibleness,
  • efflorescence,
  • hypersensitised,
  • hypersensitive,
  • averting,
  • hypersensitized,
  • skin rash,
  • reckless,
  • distaste,
  • blizzard,
  • allergic,
  • sensitized,
  • sensitiveness,
  • supersensitized,
  • foolhardy,
  • sensitised,
  • supersensitive.

  • Other relevant words (noun):

  • rash.

An allergic reaction is a sudden, severe reaction to a substance that the person is sensitive to. Allergens come from different sources, such as foods, pollen, dust, animal dander, and mites. The body’s response to allergens is to produce an IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibody. When the person comes in contact with the allergen again, their body will release histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

After being exposed to a substance such as bee sting venom, the person’s immune system becomes sensitized to it. When the person is exposed to that allergen again, an allergic reaction may occur. Anaphylaxis happens quickly after the exposure. The condition is severe and involves the whole body.

Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances. This causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms.

Some drugs (morphine, x-ray dye, aspirin, and others) may cause an anaphylactic-like reaction (anaphylactoid reaction) when people are first exposed to them. These reactions are not the same as the immune system response that occurs with true anaphylaxis. But, the symptoms, risk of complications, and treatment are the same for both types of reactions.

Anaphylaxis can occur in response to any allergen. Common causes include:

• Drug allergies
• Food allergies
• Insect bites/stings

Pollen and other inhaled allergens rarely cause anaphylaxis. Some people have an anaphylactic reaction with no known cause.

Anaphylaxis is life threatening and can occur at any time. Risks include a history of any type of allergic reaction.

Symptoms develop quickly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include any of the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Feeling anxious
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or high-pitched breathing sounds
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hives, itchiness, redness of the skin
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Palpitations
• Slurred speech
• Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
• Unconsciousness

The health care provider will examine the person and ask about what might have caused the condition.

Tests for the allergen that caused anaphylaxis (if the cause is not obvious) may be done after treatment.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that needs medical attention right away. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.

Check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation, which are known as the ABC’s of Basic Life Support. A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

1. Call 911 or the local emergency number.
2. Calm and reassure the person.
3. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers. Squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
4. If the person has emergency allergy medicine on hand, help the person take or inject it. Do not give medicine through the mouth if the person is having difficulty breathing.
5. Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person’s feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters), and cover the person with a coat or blanket. Do not place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected, or if it causes discomfort.

DO NOT:

• Do not assume that any allergy shots the person has already received will provide complete protection.
• Do not place a pillow under the person’s head if they are having trouble breathing. This can block the airways.
• Do not give the person anything by mouth if they are having trouble breathing.

Paramedics or other providers may place a tube through the nose or mouth into the airways. Or emergency surgery will be done to place a tube directly into the trachea.

The person may receive medicines to further reduce symptoms.

Anaphylaxis can be life threatening without prompt treatment. Symptoms usually do get better with the right therapy, so it is important to act right away.

Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis may result in:

• Blocked airway
• Cardiac arrest (no effective heartbeat)
• Respiratory arrest (no breathing)
• Shock

Call 911 or the local emergency number if you or someone you know develops severe symptoms of anaphylaxis. Or, go to the nearest emergency room.

To prevent allergic reactions and anaphylaxis:

• Avoid triggers such as foods and medicines that have caused an allergic reaction in the past. Ask detailed questions about ingredients when you are eating away from home. Also carefully examine ingredient labels.
• If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so you can recognize an allergic reaction.
• People who know that they have had serious allergic reactions should wear a medical ID tag.
• If you have a history of serious allergic reactions, carry emergency medicines (such as a chewable antihistamine and injectable epinephrine or a bee sting kit) according to your provider’s instructions.
• Do not use your injectable epinephrine on anyone else. They may have a condition (such as a heart problem) that could be worsened by this drug.

Anaphylactic reaction; Anaphylactic shock; Shock – anaphylactic; Allergic reaction – anaphylaxis

• Shock
• Allergic reactions
• Anaphylaxis
• Hives
• Food allergies
• Insect stings and allergy
• Allergic reactions to medication
• Antibodies

Barksdale AN, Muelleman RL. Allergy, hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 109.

Dreskin SC, Stitt JM. Anaphylaxis. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O’Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 75.

Schwartz LB. Systemic anaphylaxis, food allergy, and insect sting allergy. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 238.

Shaker MS, Wallace DV, Golden DBK, et al. Anaphylaxis-a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(4):1082-1123. PMID: 32001253 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32001253/.

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Pollinosis (hay fever) – symptoms and treatment of allergy to flowering

Allergy

Any allergy is based on a special mechanism – an atopic reaction, or atopy. This is the tendency of the body to react hostilely to proteins (allergens) that are relatively harmless to humans.

One of the manifestations of allergy is rhinitis (runny nose). It develops when allergen particles get on the nasal mucosa. Quite often, inflammation also spreads to the eyes – in this case, they talk about allergic rhinoconjunctivitis .

In general, allergic rhinitis is often combined with other types of allergies, such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis, forming the so-called atopic triad.

With asthma due to contact with an allergen, edema develops and spasm of the bronchi occurs – the airways through which oxygen enters the lungs. During an asthmatic attack, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe and without medication, he can die.

Atopic dermatitis Allergic skin reaction. Its main symptoms are redness, itching, burning, drying and cracking of the skin. Dermatitis can significantly affect a person’s appearance and cause severe discomfort.

According to WHO, 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis have asthma and 90% of patients with asthma have allergic rhinitis.

What is pollinosis

Pollinosis (from the English pollen – “pollen”), or seasonal allergic rhinitis (rhinoconjunctivitis), doctors call allergy to pollen of wind-pollinated plants Wind pollinated plants : birch, poplar, alder, ash, oak, linden, rye, wheat, oats, barley, timothy grass, elm, wormwood, ragweed, quinoa. the outdated assumption that grass cuttings and hay cause an allergic reaction.

Pollinosis is characterized by all the properties of an allergic disease: it occurs upon direct contact with an irritant (pollen) and can cause other types of allergies. In addition, hay fever creates the risk of developing cross-food allergies, when a person with pollen intolerance becomes overly sensitive to certain vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries. This is due to the fact that certain allergenic proteins in their composition are similar. For this reason, for example, people allergic to birch pollen often have a reaction to apples, pears, soybeans, carrots, hazelnuts, or peanuts.

As a rule, signs of pollinosis appear only during the flowering period of wind-pollinated plants. It begins with warming: in late April and May, trees bloom in temperate latitudes, from late May to July, cereal plants, and from July to September, weeds.

The duration of pollinosis depends on which plants a person has a reaction to. If you are allergic to only one type of pollen, the symptoms last for several days. In the worst case – with sensitivity to several types of plants at once – hay fever can persist throughout the warm season, from spring to autumn.

Prevalence of hay fever

Allergy is one of the most common diseases of the XXI century. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with relevant diagnoses is growing every year.

In general, hypersensitivity (sensitization) to any allergens is observed in 40% of people worldwide. At the same time, from 10 to 30% of people suffer from allergic rhinitis.

The prevalence of allergy specifically to pollen depends on the region and on the number of plants that are part of the local flora. For example, according to the World Allergy Organization, approximately 12.3% of the population in Northern and Eastern Europe has pollinosis, and more than 21% in Western Europe. The highest rates are in North America and in the countries of Oceania: more than 33% and almost 40% of people, respectively, suffer from pollinosis there.

Hay fever in ICD-10

According to the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision, hay fever is assigned the code J30. 1 – “Allergic rhinitis caused by plant pollen.”

Causes of hay fever

The main cause of hay fever is the body’s reaction to contact with pollen.

Pollen is a powdery substance consisting of male germ cells of various plants. About 150 wind-pollinated trees, cereals and grasses are known, the pollen of which can cause allergies.

Pollen is scattered along with wind currents and can travel hundreds of kilometers from its source. During the flowering period, it is constantly in the air, settles on asphalt, cars, animal hair, clothes and people’s hair. If windows are open in the room, pollen can end up on curtains, as well as on any surfaces – on the floor, window sill and furniture.

As soon as the pollen gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth of a person predisposed to hay fever, he develops an allergy and the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Ragweed is a dangerous plant that often causes hay fever

Hay fever mechanism

To protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies. These are special proteins that can recognize, remember and destroy pathogens. When antibodies encounter a pathogen in the body, they provoke a whole cascade of biological processes – an immune reaction, during which the “intruders” must die.

Sometimes the immune system fails and, after the first contact with harmless proteins, “puts them on the list” of pathogens (allergens). This process is called sensitization – an increase in sensitivity to a protein that becomes an allergen. The exact reason why sensitization occurs has not yet been established. However, it is precisely because of it that the first antibodies responsible for allergies begin to be synthesized – immunoglobulins of the IgE class.

Upon subsequent contact with the allergen (in the case of hay fever, with pollen), immunity is activated and begins to actively release immunoglobulins into the blood. They react to an allergen and stimulate the production of special substances – mediators responsible for an immediate allergic reaction.

Allergy mediators make blood vessels more permeable, slow blood flow in capillaries, provoke inflammation of the mucous membranes, and in some cases cause spasms in the bronchi. All these processes lead to the appearance of typical allergy symptoms: edema, inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Factors affecting the development of hay fever

The exact cause of sensitization to allergens is still under investigation. However, experts identify a number of factors that may increase the risk of hay fever with some probability.

Factors that may influence the development of hay fever:

• genetics. According to some data, a predisposition to allergies can be inherited from parents to children. It is believed that there are a number of genes that determine the functioning of the immune system and may be responsible for the development of hay fever. However, they have not yet been identified;
• active and passive smoking. Inhalation of tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which can cause sensitization or increase the symptoms of hay fever;
• ecology. Industrial gases and fumes that a person inhales negatively affect the mucous membranes of the nose, bronchi and lungs;
• climate. In temperate and warm latitudes, more wind-pollinated plants grow. In addition, global warming increases the duration and intensity of flowering, which increases the risk of sensitization;
• standard of living and living conditions. Some researchers believe that exhaust fumes, as well as heating, air conditioning and high levels of indoor humidity, may be the cause of increased sensitivity to allergens. In support of this theory, a study was conducted that found that among children living in poor conditions, allergic rhinitis occurs almost twice as often as among children with a higher standard of living.

Types of hay fever

There is no generally accepted classification of types of hay fever. However, different types of allergic rhinitis have been identified – this is a broader concept that includes hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is distinguished by the course, severity and stage of the disease.

Downstream:

• intermittent – allergy symptoms bother a person less than 4 days a week or less than 4 weeks a year;
• persistent – symptoms are present for more than 4 days per week or more than 4 weeks per year.

Severity:

• mild – allergy symptoms are mild. They do not affect the daily life of a person and his well-being. Minor rhinitis (runny nose) may be present, rarely sneezing;
• medium degree – rhinitis is accompanied by nasal congestion, mucus secretion, sneezing. Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, may appear. Allergy symptoms prevent a person from leading a daily life, studying, working and sleeping;
• severe – symptoms greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Without treatment, he is unable to work and study, there are problems with sleep, sometimes he stops breathing during sleep. Constant itching in the nose and eyes makes a person irritable and can affect his mental state.

By disease stage:

• exacerbation – symptoms caused by contact with an allergen cause discomfort to the patient;
• remission – allergy symptoms temporarily do not appear due to the absence of an allergen or successful symptomatic therapy.

According to the period of exacerbation:

• seasonal;
• year-round.

Symptoms of hay fever

Symptoms of pollinosis occur only after contact of the mucous membranes with the pollen of wind-pollinated plants. The duration and severity of symptoms depends on the number of allergy sources and the concentration of allergens.

Main symptoms of hay fever:

• nasal congestion;
• rhinorrhea – a large amount of watery discharge from the nose;
• sneezing – often paroxysmal, occurring spontaneously;
• occurrence of snoring;
• severe itching in the nose or nasopharynx;
• itching of the tip of the nose;
• “allergic salute” – a characteristic way of scratching the nose with the palm from the bottom up, which leads to the formation of a transverse nasal wrinkle;
• violation of the sense of smell – up to its complete absence;
• swelling and redness of the nose and eyelids;
• redness of the whites of the eyes, increased tearing;
• cough, sometimes sore throat;
• headache;
• sleep disorders – frequent awakenings, prolonged falling asleep;
• decrease in overall activity and performance – weakness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness.

Patients during an exacerbation of pollinosis are characterized by increased nervousness and frequent mood swings – they are associated with poor health, sleep disturbance and annoying symptoms.

Itchy nose and sneezing are common symptoms of hay fever

Complications of hay fever

If pollinosis is not diagnosed in a timely manner, and its causes are not known and not treated, it can be complicated by bronchial asthma . According to WHO, 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis have it.

An asthma attack leads to spasm, swelling and narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi – the airways through which air enters the lungs. Because of this, the main symptoms appear – dry cough, shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest on inhalation and exhalation. A person during an attack cannot breathe normally if he does not take medicine. In severe cases, the level of oxygen in the blood decreases and the skin of the red border of the lips, the tip of the nose and fingers turns blue.

Without treatment, seizures can occur not only after contact with an allergen, but also spontaneously: for example, after physical exertion, emotional overstrain, or due to strong odors.

Also hay fever can cause allergic sinusitis . This is inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane or epithelium of the sinuses.

If mucus lingers in the sinuses due to swelling, there is pain and a feeling of fullness in the nose, in the area under the eyes or above the bridge of the nose. Sometimes an infection joins allergic sinusitis, which aggravates the symptoms and course of the disease.

In some cases, with prolonged allergies and constant irritation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses, polyps are formed – benign neoplasms consisting of epithelial tissue.

In addition to the respiratory tract, hay fever can cause inflammation of the middle or inner ear ( otitis media ) or the Eustachian tube ( eustachitis ), which communicates with the nasopharynx.

Otitis and eustachitis lead to pain, swelling and a feeling of fullness in the ears, as well as hearing loss.

Another dangerous allergic complication of hay fever is Quincke’s edema . With such a pathology, tissues of different localization can strongly swell: lips, eyelids, cheeks, tongue or mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, and sometimes all together. In severe cases, edema leads to squeezing of the larynx and does not allow a person to breathe. This condition requires emergency medical attention.

Breath holding during sleep for more than 10 seconds – sleep apnea – occur in some patients during an exacerbation of hay fever. Pathology occurs due to edema: the lumen of the nasopharynx narrows, which leads to impaired air permeability.

Most often, breath holding occurs in the supine position. In severe cases, sleep apnea occurs in any position during sleep and can last up to 3 minutes. The frequency of delays can vary from single episodes to dozens per night. Pathology poses a threat to life, since a person literally suffocates during an attack and does not notice this because of sleep.

In a severe course of the disease, oxygen starvation develops, which leads to cell damage in all organs and affects the brain.

Diagnosis of hay fever

An allergist deals with the diagnosis of hay fever.

There are many methods for detecting pollen allergy, but all of them are necessary for making a diagnosis, clarifying the source of the allergy and the specific protein that causes the reaction. In addition, a detailed diagnosis allows you to identify cross-allergy or predict the risk of its development.

During the examination, pollen allergy is not detected immediately, the diagnosis is made in stages. First, it is important for a doctor to distinguish pollinosis from infectious diseases, and then to identify the exact source of the allergy and the allergen itself.

The diagnosis of hay fever is made on the basis of the patient’s history and complaints, as well as the results of the examination, instrumental examination and a set of laboratory tests and tests.

Complaints and anamnesis

First of all, the doctor will take an anamnesis: ask the patient or his parents (if the patient is a child) about chronic and previous diseases, cases of allergies in the family – if any, specify what exactly and how they manifest themselves.

The specialist will then ask you to describe your symptoms. Tell about their duration, strength, frequency of manifestation.

It is also important to tell your doctor if your symptoms change if your allergy worsens (or worsens) under certain conditions, season or location. For example, during summer trips to the sea, some patients are less worried about allergies than in the region of residence.

Typical symptoms for the preliminary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis are congestion (runny nose), active secretion of mucus, sneezing or itching in the nasal cavity that manifests itself for more than an hour. As a rule, the presence of all signs at once is not necessary – only two are enough.

Most often, patients complain of difficulty breathing through the nose and a large amount of mucus (snot). Conjunctivitis may also be present – swelling of the eyelids, itching and redness of the eyes, increased tearing. These signs indicate the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, a common form of hay fever.

Pollinosis may cause conjunctivitis. It is manifested by swelling of the eyelids, itching and redness of the eyes, increased tearing

In addition to allergic symptoms, the patient may complain of headache and general poor health – weakness, malaise, sleep disturbance. Sometimes there is a sore throat, pain in the ears, a decrease in the sharpness of smell.

Inspection

After collecting an anamnesis and complaints, the doctor will examine the patient. First of all, he will note the external signs of rhinitis: inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and redness of the wings of the nose. If, with difficulty in nasal breathing, the patient breathes through the mouth, the doctor will also notice this.

In case of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, the specialist will also examine the eyes: the eyelids may be swollen, and the conjunctiva may be reddened.

Instrumental research

If allergic rhinitis is suspected, patients may be prescribed rhinoscopy – examination of the nasal cavity using a special mirror. The procedure will allow the doctor to assess the condition of the nasal mucosa, identify growth (polyps), inflammation and swelling, and determine its degree.

If allergic rhinitis is severe, patients undergo an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity using a special device. This allows you to better examine the mucous membranes, check the sinuses and identify possible anatomical abnormalities.

Nasal endoscopy is performed using an endoscope, a device with a lens or camera that allows you to view the inside of the nasal cavity

In the case of a bacterial infection attached to allergic rhinitis, an X-ray of the sinuses is recommended – it will reveal purulent complications.

Complaints of coughing, wheezing and wheezing in the chest, as well as difficulty in inhaling and exhaling – an indication for the study of the functions of external respiration, for example, spirometry. The test evaluates the ventilation capacity of the lungs, determines the volume of inhaled and exhaled air – this allows diagnosing impaired patency of the lower respiratory tract and bronchi, as well as suggesting bronchial asthma.

Laboratory research

If hay fever is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for tests. They will help assess the general condition of the body, as well as distinguish an allergic reaction from a bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory tract – an acute respiratory disease (ARI).

First of all, a detailed clinical blood test is prescribed. Its results will show possible inflammation and its severity, and markers of bacterial inflammation – leukocytes – will confirm or exclude acute respiratory infections.

Also, with allergies, the concentration of eosinophils increases. This is a special type of white blood cells that can also be produced in other pathologies (for example, in parasitic and autoimmune diseases). However, with characteristic symptoms, a high eosinophil count is one of the markers of an allergic reaction.

Clinical blood test with leukocyte formula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in case of pathological changes) (venous blood)

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For further diagnosis of allergic rhinosinusitis, patients are prescribed an analysis of nasal mucous membranes for eosinophils. These are special cells that are responsible for the formation of an allergic reaction.

An increase in eosinophil levels may indicate an exacerbation of allergies, but is not considered a clear indicator. This is due to the fact that other disorders also affect eosinophils – for example, parasitic and fungal infections.

Swab for eosinophils of the discharge of mucous membranes (smears from the nose, pharynx, ear, detachable eye)

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In some cases, experts recommend taking an analysis for the determination of IgE immunoglobulins in the blood. However, an increase in the level of antibodies does not always indicate an allergic reaction – this is important to consider when interpreting the results of the study.

Immunoglobulin IgE general

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Skin tests are relatively accurate in identifying the source of an allergy. This method consists in applying to the skin or introducing it under it (through a scratch or puncture) of alleged allergens.

The disadvantage of skin tests is that they can not be carried out by everyone and not always. So, the study is not performed during the period of exacerbation of an allergic reaction, as well as within a month after it.

Also, the patient should not take antihistamines and any other drugs for allergies – this may distort the result of the analysis.

In addition, skin testing is not performed in children under 3 years of age and in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions. For example, with Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock – a sharp drop in pressure due to the body’s reaction to an allergen. It can be life threatening.

A more accurate way to determine the allergen is to test venous blood for the presence of specific IgE antibodies. As a result of the analysis, the amount of immunoglobulins to certain substances will be indicated.

The advantage of such studies is that they are complex and do not require any manipulation of the skin – only one puncture for blood sampling. And since allergens are not introduced into the body during the study, there is no risk of developing an allergic reaction.

Allergy (107 food and respiratory allergens), IgE (Allergy-Q immunoblot)

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There are also more advanced and detailed studies – they are called allergy chips. The test requires a small amount of blood. According to it, in laboratory conditions, it is possible to detect a reaction to more than 300 different allergenic components, namely, to individual proteins in the composition of the allergy source.

The test can be performed on both adults and children – there is a capillary blood sampling option that is suitable even for infants.

The study allows you to accurately identify allergens, as well as predict cross-allergic reactions. The results of such a test are required for some treatments for hay fever.

Allergochip ALEX2 (300 allergocomponents) (vein. blood)

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Allergochip ALEX2 (300 allergocomponents) (capillary blood) 00 ₽

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Treatment of hay fever

Pollinosis is a chronic disease, it cannot be completely cured. All types of therapy are aimed only at controlling allergy symptoms and reducing the body’s response to an irritant.

Therapy of hay fever has a stepwise character. First of all, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. They relieve the symptoms of rhinitis: relieve itching in the nose, reduce inflammation and swelling.

Some antihistamines have a sedative (hypnotic) effect, but their properties, such as a drying effect, may be needed in some cases. If the side effect of such allergy medications is incompatible with lifestyle, another method of treatment should be discussed with the doctor, and he will select new generation medications – without sleeping pills.

For patients with moderate to severe hay fever, antihistamine and hormonal (corticosteroid) nasal sprays are recommended to relieve allergy symptoms. They are prescribed both together with tablets and separately. If conjunctivitis develops against the background of an allergy, the doctor will prescribe eye drops that relieve inflammation and itching.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists are another category of drugs that suppress inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose and bronchi. They are used both separately and as part of complex therapy.

Vasoconstrictor sprays are prescribed if the patient cannot breathe through the nose even while taking antiallergic drugs. They should be used strictly according to the instructions (usually up to 7 days), as addiction is possible: a gradual weakening of the effect, dryness and atrophy of the nasal mucosa.

Systemic glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs) are given when other drugs have failed.

In the period of hay fever remission, a specialist may recommend allergen-specific immune therapy (ASIT). This method of treatment can save the patient from the unpleasant symptoms of pollen allergy for several years, but requires careful preliminary diagnosis and determination of a specific allergen protein. For this purpose, the doctor may prescribe, for example, an ALEX 2 allergy chip.

Allergochip ALEX2 (300 allergocomponents) (vein. blood)

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Allergochip ALEX2 (300 allergocomponents) (capillary blood) 00 ₽

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If the patient has pathologies associated with a violation of the structure of the nasal cavity that make it difficult to breathe during an exacerbation of hay fever (for example, a deviated nasal septum), surgery may be required.

When the nasal septum is deviated, drugs do not always relieve allergic edema. In this case, surgery is needed (straight and deviated nasal septum)

If allergic rhinitis is combined with bronchial asthma, therapy is supplemented with a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which prevents spasms in the bronchi.

In case of severe allergic rhinitis and insufficient effectiveness of all the above stages of therapy, the doctor may prescribe a drug that reduces the concentration of IgE immunoglobulins.

Prognosis and prevention

There is no specific prevention of hay fever. However, it is possible to prevent the development of a severe form of the disease and complications. First of all, you should consult a doctor – he will help identify the allergen, make a diet to exclude cross-reaction, and also select drug therapy.

Since it is difficult to completely avoid contact with pollen, patients with hay fever are advised to monitor the flowering period of the allergen plant – for this, there are special calendars and pollination monitoring services on the Internet. Before flowering, you should purchase the preparations recommended by the doctor in advance, as well as respiratory protection equipment – masks or respirators.

During the spread of pollen, it is recommended to open windows less often, ventilate the room only in humid, rainy weather or at night, when there is less pollen in the air.

You should also take a shower, wash your hair and wash your outerwear after each exit to the street: pollen particles can settle on hair, skin and textiles.

Daily wet cleaning will help reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Additionally, you can buy an air purifier – it filters out dust and pollen, minimizing any contact with it in the room.

In case of cross-allergy, you should carefully monitor the diet, do not eat allergenic vegetables and fruits.

Sources

1. Pawankar R., Canonica G. W., Holgate S. T., Lockey R. F. WAO White Book on Allergy 2011-2012 Executive Summary. 2011.
2. Goryachkina L. A., Terekhova E. P., Sebekina O. V. Clinical Allergology. Selected lectures. Practical recommendations. M., 2017.
3. Allergic rhinitis: clinical guidelines / Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 2020.
4. Allergology and immunology: national guidelines / ed. R. M. Khaitova, N. I. Ilyina. M., 2009.
5. Brozek J. L., Bousquet J., Baena-Cagnani C. E., et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines: 2017 revision // J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2017. Vol. 140(4). P. 950–958. doi:10/1016/j/jaci.2017.03.050

Seasonal allergies – treatment

Contents

• Author of the article: Amyokhina Lyudmila Sergeevna General practitioner, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, reflexologist

Many are familiar with the situation when, with the advent of spring, nasal congestion, tears, and reddening of the skin suddenly appear. These symptoms most often indicate the development of hay fever – a seasonal allergic disease, which is a reaction to pollen from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes. Often this condition is called “hay fever”, allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis. However, regardless of the name, the symptoms are always the same, and exacerbation is observed in the spring and summer, when there is an active flowering of wind-pollinated plants.

Let’s find out what are the reasons for the appearance of such a pathology and whether it is possible to get rid of seasonal allergies once and for all.

What is seasonal allergy

Any allergy, including seasonal, is an inadequate response of the immune system to certain substances (allergens), which occurs directly upon contact with them. Hypersensitivity to such substances is a special immunopathological condition resulting from exposure to internal or external factors. The process is accompanied by the active production of antibodies in the body that come into contact with its own antigens. As a result, there is a violation of the structure and function of cells, there are disturbances in the work of tissues and organs of the body.

The mechanism of occurrence of such a pathology is associated with the effect on the mucous membranes of flowering or gymnosperms. It is wind-pollinated forms that pose the greatest danger, since at a certain period of the season their pollen actively fills the surrounding space. When air is inhaled, pollen enters the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx, as a result of which the immune reaction mechanism is triggered in the body.

During the initial contact with pollen, specific antibodies are formed, which are preserved by repeated inhalation of irritants. When exposed to certain factors, hypersensitivity is formed.

Lyudmila Sergeevna AmyokhinaTherapist, Cardiologist, Gastroenterologist, Reflexologist

Hay fever occurs in two phases: the first reaction occurs immediately after the first contact with pollen, the second – after 6-8 hours. Gradually, the reaction intensifies, severe symptoms appear.

There can be several reasons for increased sensitivity to pollen. These include the following:

• Hereditary predisposition. Pollinosis is often inherited. If both parents suffered from such a disease, then the probability of its development in a child is more than 50%. The risk of pathology is much higher if the mother had seasonal allergies.
• Ecological situation. Unfavorable ecology and environmental pollution with potential allergens also increase the risk of disease.
• Poor diet. Often, allergies are formed due to a monotonous diet with a predominance of allergenic foods. Also, a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet has a negative effect.
• Weakened immune system. The presence of autoimmune diseases or frequent respiratory diseases adversely affect health and can cause seasonal hay fever.

Pollinosis is often observed in women and children. Exacerbation of the pathology occurs during pregnancy, which is associated with an increased immune load on the body.

For competent treatment of allergies that occur in an adult or a child in the spring, it will be necessary to identify the possible causes of the development of an inadequate reaction from the immune system. This is required due to the fact that the situation is often complicated by concomitant pathologies that act as causes of hay fever and require treatment.

Of course, it is not always possible to accurately determine the causes of the condition, since there are several theories about the origin of allergies. In addition, even in people with a predisposition, pollinosis may not manifest itself for a long time. All this complicates the diagnostic process. And patients are pulling with an appeal to the doctor, as they consider the problem to be temporary.

The first symptoms

The symptom complex of the disease is quite extensive, but most often there is the so-called rhinoconjunctival syndrome, which covers the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. In rare cases, skin and nerve reactions may occur. If we talk about the first symptoms of spring allergies, then note the following:

• From the side of the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is observed, which is manifested by sensitivity to light, severe lacrimation, redness of the eyes, as well as itching and swelling.
• From the respiratory system. Allergic rhinitis is observed, which is accompanied by itching in the nose and nasopharynx, frequent sneezing, copious discharge from the nose of a transparent color, cough, and pain in the maxillary sinuses. It is also possible the appearance of congestion in the ears, cod when chewing and discomfort in the parotid area.
• From the side of the nervous system. Headache, drowsiness, or irritability may occur.
• Skin side. In rare cases, atopic dermatitis, diathesis or urticaria are observed.

But most often, especially at the initial stages of pathology, there is a combination of symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis. There is a so-called rhinoconjunctivitis, that is, a form of oftamonasal allergy. In rare cases, the patient’s body temperature rises, general weakness and appetite disorders appear.

In hot and dry weather, the symptoms are aggravated, as the air contains the maximum concentration of pollen. But after the rain, when the pollen settles, there may be an improvement in well-being.

Treatment of seasonal allergies is required not only in spring, but throughout the year. Timely initiation of therapy can prevent the appearance of characteristic symptoms and improve the patient’s well-being. As a rule, treatment takes into account the existing set of symptoms. Depending on this, several main forms of clinical manifestations are distinguished:

• with rhinoconjunctival syndrome;
• with the development of an asthmatic component;
• with the appearance of a skin reaction.

Several forms of pathology can also be distinguished, taking into account the severity of its course. Allocate light, medium (moderate) and heavy form. In the case of mild allergies, the patient can lead a normal life and does not need drug therapy, but in the case of severe forms, complex treatment is required to eliminate the reaction from the immune system.

Bronchial asthma is often mentioned as a possible complication of the disease. Without proper treatment, the patient has a deep lesion of the respiratory tract, sinusitis and Quincke’s edema begin. In rare cases, the formation of polyps in the nasopharynx is possible.

When does it start

Experts note 3 peaks in the spread of seasonal allergies, which are associated with the flowering time of the main allergenic plants. These are:

• April-May (or March-April in the southern regions). Allergic rhinitis occurs due to the flowering of wind-pollinated trees, including oak, ash, alder, birch, pine, and willow.
• June-Aug. During this period, cereals actively bloom, often an allergic reaction occurs to oats, rye, corn, etc.
• August-September. “Weed” grass actively manifests itself: wormwood, quinoa, sunflower.

In addition, do not forget that the treatment of pollinosis of the nose may be required in winter. For example, symptoms of a disease occur after visiting a greenhouse or buying certain house flowers.

Years become a difficult period when the onset of spring is delayed, and then warming comes sharply. As a result, a large concentration of pollen accumulates in the air, which leads to a strong reaction. In addition, there is an effect of monological allergic memory, that is, with a high probability, the allergy will recur next year.

Possible allergens

We have already listed the possible plants and trees that most often act as allergens. Depending on this, allergy symptoms can appear both in spring and summer. It is also possible to combine an allergic reaction to several plants. Let’s list the main allergens:

• Birch. The most common cause of seasonal allergies is due to the highly volatile tree pollen. An allergic reaction can begin as early as March-April, but it all depends on how snowy and cold the winter was. In windy weather, birch pollen spreads for tens of kilometers. The difficulty is that such an allergen is almost impossible to exclude from life, since there are a lot of birches in our country.
• Alder. It is the second most common allergen. The plant is very easy to confuse with a hazel (until the leaves appear), which is why many do not pay attention to the presence of an alder nearby. As a result, this leads to an acute allergic reaction.
• Cereal and meadow grasses. This category includes wheat, rye, bluegrass, buckwheat, fescue, wheatgrass, etc. Many people do not know exactly what these plants look like, so they may not always recognize them near their home or work.
• Weeds. The cause of allergies is dandelion, wormwood, nettle, quinoa and much more. Dandelions are especially dangerous, as they have heavy pollen – however, close contact with it will be required for allergies to start.

Many patients also complain of allergies to poplar down. But this is nothing more than a reaction to cereal pollen. In almost 95%, poplar seeds act only as a carrier of such allergens.

So-called cross-allergy is also possible. It consists in a complication of an allergic reaction when using products that are cross-allergic with an allergy to plants and fungi-microorganisms. That is, a person can use such products in everyday life, but not during the dusting of plants.

Why seasonal allergies are dangerous

The most severe complication of allergies is anaphylactic shock, which is an overactive reaction of the immune system to the repeated introduction of foreign proteins. In this case, severe swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract occurs, bronchospasm and laryngospasm are observed, which is accompanied by severe attacks of suffocation. There may be a decrease in blood pressure, dizziness and fainting. This condition requires urgent medical attention, as it can cause acute respiratory and cardiovascular failure. And this is a serious risk of coma.

How is the diagnosis made?

The allergist-immunologist is responsible for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the patient. It is such a specialist who can identify a list of allergens and select a competent therapy that takes into account concomitant diseases and symptoms of a person.

Lyudmila Sergeevna AmyokhinaTherapist, Cardiologist, Gastroenterologist, Reflexologist

The first stage of diagnosis involves taking an anamnesis and identifying the fact of sensitization of the body. The doctor carefully listens to the person, clarifies the possible heredity of the condition, the frequency of symptoms, the presence of allergic reactions in the past. Further, the symptoms are compared with the time of year and the flowering period of plants. This allows you to narrow the circle of allergens and assign a more accurate diagnosis.

At the second stage, the diagnosis is confirmed and the composition of allergens is clarified. For this purpose, local and provocative tests can be performed, and various laboratory tests are also carried out.

Possible topical and provocative tests include a skin test. This is a blitz test that allows you to check the body’s sensitivity to a panel of allergens. Up to 15 substances are checked at a time. A test is performed in the forearm area, where special drops with a control liquid and exoallergens are applied. Further, the integrity of the skin is violated by scarifiers. After 15 minutes, the doctor can evaluate the results, as a skin reaction to allergens appears.

If all skin tests are negative, intradermal tests may be performed. In this case, possible irritants are injected intradermally with a thin needle. The results are also checked after 15–20 minutes.

Patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis may have a nasal test. It involves instilling a few drops of a control hypoallergenic liquid into the nostril. If a reaction occurs, the test is considered a false positive. If there is no reaction, then after 15 minutes a liquid with an allergen is instilled (the minimum concentration is used). If after 15 minutes the irritant does not appear, then the dose is increased. A positive test result is determined by the appearance of itching in the nose, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge and sneezing.

If the patient may have allergic conjunctivitis, an appropriate conjunctival test is performed. In this case, a control fluid is dripped under the eyelid (in the conjunctival sac). Further testing is performed if there is no response. Next, a few drops of the allergen in a certain concentration are instilled into the other eye.

A separate test may be ordered if pollen asthma is suspected. In this case, a spirogram is preliminarily performed to determine the volume of the lungs. Next, the patient must inhale the test control. After 20 minutes, the volume of the lungs is checked and their general condition is assessed. If no changes are noticed, then diagnostics “under load” occurs. In this case, a person is allowed to inhale air with a low concentration of pollen irritants for a certain time. The procedure is interrupted when the first noticeable symptoms of an allergic reaction appear. The patient’s condition is constantly checked for half an hour. Based on the data, the coefficient of bronchospasm is calculated. If the volume of inhaled air does not change, then the dose of the allergen is increased. If the bronchospasm is more than 20%, then the test results are considered positive.

It should be understood that such studies are acceptable during remission. The acute stage of allergy is the main contraindication for the methods, as there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock.

As for the methods of laboratory diagnostics, they involve the study of venous blood. Most often, if hay fever is suspected, the patient is prescribed the following tests:

• complete blood count;
• immunogram;
• specific IgE.

In our West-East clinic, the basis of diagnostics is a unique vegetative test that allows you to accurately determine the cause of seasonal allergies. The technique is performed using a special probe that produces cold. During the procedure, the doctor examines certain acupuncture points on the auricle with the device, which allows you to determine the source of the problem. Such diagnostics have confirmed their accuracy and safety during many years of use. And, as practice shows, a vegetative test allows you to choose a further treatment regimen much faster. As a result, it is possible to avoid complications and eliminate symptoms at the initial stages of development.

The third stage of diagnosis is carried out after the end of treatment. This is required to control the results. In most cases, only a doctor’s consultation is carried out; a repeated vegetative test is not required.

Lyudmila Sergeevna AmyokhinaTherapist, Cardiologist, Gastroenterologist, Reflexologist

Features of treatment

Medications form the basis of symptomatic treatment of allergies in the spring. Depending on the symptoms and individual characteristics of the patient, the following drugs may be prescribed:

• Antihistamines – necessary to eliminate the inflammatory process.
• Vasoconstrictors – help eliminate swelling.
• Cromoglycic acid preparations – serve to stabilize cellular functions.
• Beta-agonists are adrenergic stimulants that relieve bronchial spasm.
• Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs – help relieve a severe reaction.

Steroid medications (including ointments, nasal sprays and tablets) may be prescribed if antihistamines are not effective enough. However, such funds are a last resort – they can not be taken for a long time.

All drugs must be administered individually. You should not take medicines on your own, as there is always a risk of serious side effects. Many antihistamines affect the nervous system and lead to disturbances in the functioning of the organs and systems of the body. Therefore, do not self-medicate!

In most cases, especially if the patient went to the doctor immediately after the onset of symptoms, it is possible to refuse medical treatment of spring hay fever. In this case, alternative medicine procedures are more effective and sparing.

There are two types of allergy treatment most commonly used in our clinic. Among them:

• Acupuncture.

This procedure is based on the method of ancient Chinese acupuncture. Acupuncture is considered one of the most effective ways to restore the immune system and eliminate inadequate hypersensitivity to external stimuli. In the process of such treatment of hay fever in adults and children, there is no need to use certain medicinal substances. The technique has a beneficial effect on the entire body and helps to eliminate the symptoms of seasonal allergies. General well-being improves, the work of internal organs and systems normalizes. During the procedure, needles are placed at certain acupuncture points. This provokes the production of its own hormones and helps to strengthen the immune system. Biologically active points on the patient’s body are determined individually, taking into account the existing symptoms and identified allergens. A course of treatment is carried out – on average, about 10-15 acupuncture sessions are required to achieve a long-term remission.

• Laser therapy.

Another effective treatment for “hay fever”, which is based on the effect of a low-energy laser beam on acupuncture points on the body. With the help of this procedure, you can get rid of various manifestations of allergies, including bronchial asthma, dermatitis or allergic rhinitis.

Treatment is carried out on the innovative equipment “Matrix”, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening effect. The procedure has a minimum of contraindications, therefore it is suitable for most patients with hay fever. During laser exposure, cell renewal occurs, their normal vital activity is restored. Homeostasis is normalized, tissue inflammation is relieved, metabolism is stabilized. There are also a number of positive changes in the functioning of the immune system, which makes it possible to eliminate an inadequate response to plant pollen.

Recommendations for prevention

Of course, in most cases it is better to avoid hay fever than to treat it later. The main measure of prevention is the exclusion of a meeting with the allergen. For example, you should limit your stay outside during the flowering period. At home, you need to carry out wet cleaning more often, and the installation of air filtration systems will also be an ideal solution.

After returning from the street, it is recommended to rinse your eyes and nose, rinse your throat. You should also wash your clothes more often to avoid the accumulation of pollen on the fabric.

If you have to be outdoors often, use special nasal filters, sunglasses and masks. Try to walk in rainy weather or in the evening – the concentration of pollen in the air during these periods will be less.

Additional preventive measures:

• Moderate exercise. You can include cardio workouts or evening walks.
• Breathing exercises. It helps to strengthen the broncho-pulmonary system and prevents the development of infectious diseases.
• Vitamin therapy.