What are the main types of allergies. How do food allergies differ from other allergic reactions. What are the most common food allergens. How can you manage and prevent allergic reactions.

The Basics of Allergies: What You Need to Know

Allergies are a common health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a typically harmless substance, known as an allergen. This overreaction can lead to various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Understanding the different types of allergies is crucial for proper management and treatment.

What causes allergies?

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to substances that are generally harmless to most people. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamine, which cause allergy symptoms.

Food Allergies: A Growing Concern

Food allergies are a significant type of allergy that affects more than 20 million American adults and children. Unlike food intolerances, food allergies involve the immune system and can be potentially life-threatening.

What are the most common food allergens?

In the United States, the nine most common food allergens are:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Sesame
• Fish
• Shellfish (crustaceans)

These foods account for the majority of allergic reactions, but it’s important to note that a person can be allergic to any food.

How do food allergies differ from food intolerances?

Food allergies involve the immune system, while food intolerances do not. Common food intolerances include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and sulfite sensitivity. While intolerances can cause discomfort, they are generally not life-threatening like some food allergies can be.

Types of Allergic Reactions to Food

There are two main types of allergic reactions to food:

IgE-mediated reactions

These reactions involve the production of IgE antibodies by the immune system. When these antibodies encounter the specific allergen, they trigger the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. IgE-mediated reactions can range from mild to severe and can occur quickly after exposure to the allergen.

Non-IgE-mediated reactions

These reactions involve other parts of the immune system and do not produce IgE antibodies. Non-IgE-mediated reactions typically have a delayed onset and can cause symptoms hours or even days after consuming the allergen. Some individuals may experience both IgE and non-IgE-mediated reactions.

Managing Food Allergies: Key Principles

Effective management of food allergies involves three basic principles:

1. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis
2. Preventing allergic reactions
3. Being prepared to treat severe reactions

How can you get an accurate food allergy diagnosis?

To get an accurate diagnosis, it’s crucial to consult a board-certified allergist. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• A physical examination
• A detailed medical history
• Allergy tests (such as skin prick tests or blood tests)

An accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management and to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Preventing Food Allergic Reactions

The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen completely. This requires vigilance and careful planning.

How can you avoid food allergens?

To avoid food allergens effectively:

• Learn to read food labels carefully
• Be aware of alternative names for allergens
• Avoid cross-contact during food preparation
• Use recipe substitutions for safe meal preparation
• Communicate your allergies clearly when dining out

It’s important to read every label, every time, as food manufacturers may change ingredients without notice.

Can food allergies be prevented in infants?

Recent studies have shown that early introduction of peanuts to infants may significantly reduce their risk of developing a peanut allergy. However, this should be done under medical supervision, especially for infants at high risk of allergies.

Treating Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.

What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It comes in portable auto-injector devices that can be easily carried and used in emergencies. If you have a food allergy, it’s crucial to carry epinephrine with you at all times.

How should you prepare for potential anaphylaxis?

To be prepared for anaphylaxis:

• Always carry epinephrine auto-injectors
• Create an anaphylaxis action plan with your doctor
• Learn to recognize the signs of a severe allergic reaction
• Educate family, friends, and colleagues about your allergy and how to use the auto-injector

Living with Food Allergies: Practical Tips

While food allergies can be challenging, with proper management, individuals can lead full and active lives.

How can you maintain a balanced diet with food allergies?

To maintain a balanced diet:

• Work with a registered dietitian to ensure nutritional needs are met
• Explore alternative foods that are safe for your diet
• Learn to cook and bake with allergy-friendly ingredients
• Join support groups or online communities for recipe ideas and tips

What resources are available for people with food allergies?

There are numerous resources available, including:

• Allergy-friendly recipe collections
• Support groups and online forums
• Educational materials from reputable allergy organizations
• Smartphone apps for label reading and restaurant recommendations

Organizations like Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) offer valuable information and support for individuals and families managing food allergies.

Other Common Types of Allergies

While food allergies are a significant concern, there are many other types of allergies that affect millions of people worldwide.

What are some other common types of allergies?

Other common types of allergies include:

• Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
• Pet allergies
• Dust mite allergies
• Mold allergies
• Insect sting allergies
• Latex allergies
• Drug allergies

How do symptoms differ between various types of allergies?

Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy and the individual. Some common symptoms include:

• Sneezing and runny nose (common in seasonal allergies)
• Itchy, watery eyes (often seen in pet and pollen allergies)
• Skin rashes or hives (can occur with food, drug, or latex allergies)
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing (may indicate a severe reaction)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (more common in food allergies)

It’s important to note that symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some allergies can trigger anaphylaxis.

Diagnosing and Treating Non-Food Allergies

The process of diagnosing and treating non-food allergies is similar in many ways to food allergies, but there are some key differences.

How are non-food allergies diagnosed?

Non-food allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination
• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests for specific IgE antibodies
• In some cases, provocation tests (under medical supervision)

What treatment options are available for non-food allergies?

Treatment options for non-food allergies may include:

• Avoidance of allergens (e.g., using air purifiers, dust-proof bedding)
• Medications (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, eye drops)
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)
• Emergency medications for severe reactions (e.g., epinephrine for insect sting allergies)

The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the allergy.

The Future of Allergy Treatment and Prevention

Research in the field of allergies is ongoing, with promising developments on the horizon.

What new treatments are being developed for allergies?

Some emerging treatments and areas of research include:

• Oral immunotherapy for food allergies
• Biologics targeting specific immune pathways
• Patch immunotherapy for peanut allergies
• Gene therapy approaches
• Microbiome-based interventions

How might allergy prevention strategies change in the future?

Future prevention strategies may focus on:

• Early introduction of potential allergens in infancy
• Modifying the gut microbiome to promote tolerance
• Identifying and addressing environmental factors that contribute to allergy development
• Personalized risk assessment and prevention plans based on genetic and environmental factors

While these areas show promise, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals and follow current guidelines for allergy management and prevention.

Living Confidently with Allergies

Despite the challenges that allergies can present, it’s possible to live a full and active life with proper management and support.

How can individuals with allergies maintain a positive outlook?

To maintain a positive outlook while living with allergies:

• Educate yourself about your specific allergies and management strategies
• Connect with support groups or online communities
• Focus on what you can eat or do, rather than restrictions
• Advocate for yourself and raise awareness about allergies
• Celebrate small victories in managing your allergies

What role does ongoing education play in allergy management?

Ongoing education is crucial for effective allergy management. This includes:

• Staying informed about new research and treatment options
• Regularly reviewing and updating your emergency action plan
• Learning about hidden sources of allergens
• Educating others in your social and professional circles about your allergies
• Attending workshops or seminars on allergy management

By staying informed and proactive, individuals with allergies can navigate daily life with greater confidence and safety.

Food Allergies | AAFA.org

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by causing allergic symptoms. Foods that cause allergic reactions are allergens.

More than 20 million American adults and children have food allergies.^1,2 We commonly hear about children with food allergies. But people can develop a food allergy at any age. Many adults develop food allergies even without a prior history of allergies.

There is no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food you are allergic to. The good news is with the right steps, you can manage your food allergies and live a full life.

There are different types of allergic reactions to foods:

• Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated. The body’s immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies react with a certain food and cause symptoms. In the U.S., the most common causes of food allergy are these nine foods:
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Peanut
  • Tree Nuts
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Sesame
  • Fish
  • Shellfish (crustaceans)
• Non-IgE mediated.  Other parts of the body’s immune system react to a certain food. This reaction causes symptoms but does not involve an IgE antibody. Someone can have both IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated food allergies.

Not all people who react to a certain food have an allergy. They may have a food intolerance. Examples are lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance or sulfite sensitivity. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system.

There are three basic principles to managing food allergies.

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1. See an allergist to confirm your food allergy.

A food allergy can affect your quality of life. A limited diet can be challenging and stressful. And if you have multiple food allergies, you may also need to make sure you are getting the right nutrition. This is why it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis if you think you have a food allergy.

If you think you have a food allergy, see a board-certified allergist if possible. They will do a physical exam, ask you about your medical history, and do allergy tests.

2. Take steps to prevent allergic reactions.

Once you confirm your diagnosis, your next step is to prevent allergic reactions. The only way to do this is to avoid your food allergen.

To avoid your food allergen, learn how to read labels to find your allergen. If you are allergic to one of the major food allergens in the U.S., the food will be listed in plain language. Sometimes foods are listed under other names (like on restaurant menus). We have created ingredient lists for many of the most common food allergens to help you recognize these foods on labels. Companies may change ingredients at any time. This is why it is important to read every label, every time.

When you prepare food, you’ll need to take care with cross-contact. Cross-contact occurs when a food allergen comes in contact with food or an item not intended to contain that allergen. This can happen in places such as home kitchens, restaurants, and on food manufacturing lines.

Recipe substitutions can help you prepare safe versions of foods you enjoy. You can also find many recipes in Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) Safe Eats® allergy-friendly recipe collection. Search nearly 1,500 recipes that are free of many of the most common food allergens. (KFA is the food allergy division of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.)

If you have an infant, you can take steps that may prevent a peanut allergy. Studies have shown that introducing peanuts to a child at an early age greatly reduces their risk of developing peanut allergy.

3. Be prepared to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, at all times

When you have a food allergy, you can be at risk for a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis]. This type of allergic reaction can happen quickly, and you may need to go to the emergency room. Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine comes in portable, easy-to-use devices such as an auto-injector. If you have a food allergy, keep epinephrine with you at all times. Don’t leave it in the car, at home, or in a separate building.

Work with your doctor to create an anaphylaxis action plan. This plan helps you identify severe symptoms and tells you when and how to use epinephrine.

With careful planning and resources, you can successfully manage your food allergies.

Visit our food allergy division – Kids with Food Allergies:

• Learn more about food allergies
• Find allergy-friendly recipes
• Connect with parents managing their children’s food allergies
• Get information about managing food allergies in schools

Medical Review: December 2022 by Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc

References​

1. Ng, A.E. & Boersma, P. (2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 460: Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809

2. Zablotsky, B., Black, L.I., & Akinbami, L.J.(2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 459: Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0-17 years: United States, 2021.  National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:123250

Drug Allergy | AAFA.org

Many people may use the term “medicine allergy or “drug allergy.” The majority of reactions caused by medications are more correctly termed “adverse reactions to drugs.”

True drug allergies are rare and caused by the immune system.

An allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the immune system to a normally harmless substance. The job of the immune system is to find foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, and get rid of them. Normally, this response protects us from dangerous diseases. People with a drug allergy have an over-sensitive immune system. Their immune system reacts to the drug as if it were an invader.

The body’s immune system makes antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These IgE antibodies react with substances and cause allergy symptoms.

What Causes an Adverse Reaction to Drugs?

There are two broad categories of adverse reactions to drugs:

1. True allergic reactions involving the immune system and IgE
   (This occurs in a small percentage of people. )
2. Non-allergic reactions
   (These reactions do not involve allergy or immune reaction to the drug.)

How Does a Doctor Diagnose a Drug Allergy?

If you think you may be allergic to a medicine, tell your doctor. They may recommend that you see an allergist (a doctor who specializes in allergy).

Allergists often make a diagnosis based only upon the patient’s history and the symptoms involved. This is what we call a “clinical diagnosis.”

In many instances, patients may have a reaction while taking several drugs at the same time. In these instances, unless the allergist can identify an allergy to one of the drugs, there is no way to tell which drug is responsible. The doctor then may recommend stopping the suspicious drug or drugs.

Allergy tests can only be useful when the reaction is a true allergic reaction. For specific medications, testing is available to check for IgE. The doctor will consider your medical history, your symptoms and any test results to make a diagnosis.

Tests are only available for a small number of drugs that cause these reactions. One of the most reliable tests we have is the test for penicillin allergy.

Sometimes the allergist will do a drug challenge. A drug challenge is a test where the allergist gives you a small amount of a drug in gradual doses while observing you to watch for a reaction.

If you have a true allergy or a suspected allergy to a drug, stop taking the drug.

What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction Due to Drug Allergy?

True allergy to drugs occurs only in a small percentage of people. Other types of immune responses to drugs may also occur.

Classic Allergic Reactions
These reactions occur like other types of allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever. What is different is that the drug gains access to the whole body rather than just the respiratory tract. Thus, it produces an allergic reaction throughout the body. The classical symptoms of this type of reaction are:

Skin reactions: The most common form of this is hives.

Generalized reaction: This kind of reaction can involve many body systems. This is a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis (anna-fih-LACK-sis). Hives are usually present. But, the symptoms also may include:

• Wheezing (a whistling, squeaky sound when you breathe)
• Shortness of breath
• Throat and mouth swelling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cramping abdominal pain
• Fall in blood pressure
• Fainting

Anaphylaxis is the most severe acute form of a drug reaction.

Other Immunologic Type Responses

There are other ways (that are not a classic allergic reaction) the immune system may react to a drug. For example, antibodies to certain drugs can destroy red blood cells. This destruction of red blood cells can cause anemia. The most common type of immune drug reactions are skin rashes (other than hives). These are normally what we call “drug rashes.” In these skin reactions, the skin becomes red, irritated, and bumps may be present. Other types of skin reaction can occur due to drugs. For example, bruises and ulcers can occur as well.

Other Drug Reactions – Adverse Reactions Unrelated to Allergy

There are different types of adverse reactions to drugs that are not a true allergy, including:

• Overdosing: An overdose is taking more than the recommended or prescribed dose. Reactions due to overdosing can be harmful without a person realizing that it’s happening. One of the classical examples of this is overdosing due to acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Overdosing can affect the liver. Often, the patient does not know that they are reacting to an overdose until the condition becomes severe and can cause irreversible damage.
• Expected side effects: Many drugs have known side effects. A classic example is some antihistamines cause drowsiness in a large percentage of patients who take them.
• Indirect effects: A good example of an indirect effect is when antibiotics cause loss of normal bacteria in the bowel. The bacteria loss results in the person developing diarrhea.
• Drug interactions: Drug interactions happen when a person has side effects when taking two drugs together. This commonly occurs when the two drugs metabolize through the same pathway in the liver. For example, the liver metabolizes erythromycin and theophylline through the same pathway. When given together, the metabolism of theophylline slows. The theophylline can reach toxic levels.
• Worsening of a known condition: An example of this is when a person with asthma takes a beta-blocker drug. Beta blockers often worsen asthma.
• Idiosyncratic reactions: Some drugs have a tendency to cause unusual reactions for reasons we do not understand. An example of this is tendon rupture in a patient taking a quinolone antibiotic such as levofloxacin. Quinolone antibiotics have a tendency to cause tendon ruptures. But we don’t know why some individuals are prone to this side effect or how the rupture happens.

Medical Review: October 2015

symptoms, causes and types of allergies

This disease is treated by an Allergist-Immunologist

Allergy is a disease characterized by an increased sensitivity of the body to certain environmental influences, the so-called allergens, and is manifested by the response of the immune system in the form of various symptoms of the disease.

An allergic reaction refers to a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction that develops in response to an ingestion of a pathogen. In this case, the production of antibodies – immunoglobulins E for specific proteins. The reaction that develops during the production of immunoglobulins is called allergic, and manifests itself only when the body is hypersensitized.

Because sensitivity to different immunoglobulins manifests itself in different degrees, the disease can manifest itself with mild symptoms, or have serious consequences for the whole organism.

Causes of allergies

Allergic diseases can develop in people regardless of age and gender, manifesting as temporary symptoms that will disappear after the pathogen disappears, or manifesting itself in an acute form. Since the main causes of the development of allergies can be considered – allergens, let’s talk about them in more detail.

Although all people are susceptible to allergic reactions, some suffer from them much more than others. This is due to the fact that the sensitivity of the body is affected not only by immunoglobulins, but also by genetic predisposition. So, in many cases, when diagnosing, GMS Clinic specialists consider a family history to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Recently, doctors are increasingly noticing that allergic reactions are due to excessive hygiene. The immune system does not receive the necessary load, the body’s resistance decreases, and, as a result, sensitivity to the most common factors increases. In addition, an increase in the manifestation of the disease can cause frequent consumption of chemical products.

Allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms can manifest themselves both with the initial exposure to allergens, and with prolonged exposure to the body and reaching a critical concentration. The first most often occurs in children whose body is poorly adapted to environmental factors and is sensitive to any unusual influences. The second type is more common in adults, and the more stable the immune system is, the longer it will take to develop a response to the action of the allergen.

Like any other disease, all allergy symptoms can be divided into several types. The first type includes typical symptoms that patients most often call allergies:

• urticaria;
• cough;
• sneezing;
• edema;
• pain in the eyes;
• nasal congestion.

Atypical symptoms include anaphylactic shock, loss of consciousness, disorientation, and others. They appear much less frequently than typical ones, and only in cases of hypersensitization of the body or with the constant action of an allergen.

Signs of allergy

In addition, all allergic symptoms and signs can be classified in another way – depending on the organ system from which the reaction occurs.

• On the part of the respiratory system – most often the symptoms that accompany respiratory allergies: attacks of dry cough, bronchospasm, irritation of the mucous surface. A distinctive feature of mucosal irritation is the inability to inhale – that is, when you try to inhale, the mucosa is irritated so much that a spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi and trachea occurs;
• Gastrointestinal tract symptoms consistent with food and drug allergies: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration. Symptoms disappear within a few hours after the elimination of the allergen;
• On the part of the circulatory system: changes in the blood picture are possible, which are caused by the reaction of the immune system to the allergen. Most often, changes relate to the number and shape of leukocytes, because it is these blood cells that are responsible for the body’s immune response;
• Skin reactions to an allergen are known to almost everyone: redness, urticaria, rashes, eczema in more severe cases – all this indicates pathogenic processes in the body. Most often, it is the skin symptoms that appear first, and only then the disease affects other organs.

It should be borne in mind that typical symptoms may be signs of another disease, and in this case, antihistamines will not only help cure the disease, but simply get rid of the symptoms. In this case, it is necessary to undergo diagnostic tests that will give an accurate answer, what is the cause of the symptoms. The GMS Clinic laboratory is ready to provide all the necessary conditions for undergoing diagnostics in the shortest possible time.

In young children, the body is susceptible to all types of allergies, and symptoms can appear even when exposed to seemingly ordinary factors. If the frequent occurrence of symptoms continues as the child grows up, consult a doctor, this will help to avoid serious problems with allergies in the future.

Allergies

• Food allergy is an immunologically determined intolerance to food proteins;
• Drug allergy – hypersensitivity to the components of modern drugs;
• Respiratory allergy – hypersensitivity to environmental aeroallergens.

Food allergy

90% of people have some type of food intolerance, but only about 10% are true food allergies, when taking a certain food, even in the smallest amount, causes a severe allergic reaction.

The formation of food allergies most often manifests itself at an early age, but sometimes the first appearance of symptoms associated with the intake of certain foods is possible in adults, including the elderly. Clinical manifestations can be widely varied and include respiratory, skin symptoms, gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, stool disorders, abdominal pain), migraine, etc.

Skin tests and food diaries are used for diagnosis, as well as various types of laboratory diagnostics.

Food allergy drug therapy is used very rarely and only to relieve symptoms. An effective method of struggle can only be considered a complete exclusion from the diet of allergens and the selection of a special diet.

Drug allergy

Increasingly, the response to the introduction of various groups of drugs occurs in children. Most often, it develops in conjunction with food allergies, forming cross-reactions in the pathogenesis to various combinations of foods and drugs.

The clinical picture and symptoms vary depending on the strength of the allergen: from urticaria, nausea and small changes in the blood picture to anaphylactic shock.

Treatment is symptomatic when the body reacts, and in the future, the ingress of the allergen into the body is avoided. As a preventive measure, GMS Clinic experts advise carefully justifying this or that medication intake, avoiding the abuse of drugs that can cause allergic reactions.

Respiratory allergy

This type of allergy is called a reaction to dust, animal hair and epidermis, mold, various types of pollen. Symptoms appear exclusively in the respiratory system. The severity of symptoms depends on the sensitivity of the respiratory organs, as well as the amount of the allergen and the time of its exposure.

The clinical picture of respiratory allergy includes the so-called “pre-asthma” conditions: rhinitis, laryngitis, rhinosinusitis, tracheitis. Together with the constant exposure to the allergen, they can give impetus to the development and severe course of bronchial asthma.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a thorough study of the clinical picture of the disease, the study of family history, the determination of allergenic factors at home. During the period of exacerbation, clinical diagnosis of causally significant allergens is carried out to further limit their influence.

Why do you need an allergy test

If you or someone in your family has noticed possible allergy symptoms, contact GMS Clinic for testing and further laboratory diagnosis. Depending on the symptoms manifested, specialists will select the most informative tests that can determine the type of allergy and the cause of the development of the immune response.

After receiving the results, GMS Clinic specialists will be able to choose the most optimal diet, drug support for immunity and give recommendations on how to avoid a recurrence of an allergic reaction.

We know how to quickly cope with the disease and have been helping our patients to return to a normal life without allergies for a long time. If you are tired of the constant manifestation of symptoms, come to GMS Clinic, we know how to help.

On our website you can learn more about the principles of allergy treatment, read about how to get rid of hives and cure allergies in children, as well as learn how to overcome the most common type of disease – food allergies.

Admission fees

Prices for the most requested services are indicated. You can be served under a VHI policy, pay separately for each visit, conclude an agreement for an annual medical program or make a deposit and receive services at a discount. On weekends and holidays, the clinic reserves the right to charge an additional fee according to the current price list. Services are provided on the basis of a concluded agreement.*

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Doctors

• Togoev Oleg Olegovich

  Medical director of the GMS group, leading specialist. Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician

• Sidorovich Olga Igorevna

  Allergist-immunologist

• Usacheva Anna Yurievna

  Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician

Similar diseases

• Allergic rhinitis

Symptoms, signs and treatment of allergies | Polyclinic Medical Complex

An allergy is an atypical reaction of the body’s immune system to irritants, bacteria, and viruses. The immune system maintains the constancy of the composition of the body at the cellular and macromolecular levels, preventing the entry of foreign bodies.

Harmful substances can not only penetrate the body from the outside, but also form independently inside due to various pathologies. With them, the immune system fights on its own.

What is the immune system? If we simplify its structure for understanding, then it looks like this:

• organs of the immune system: spleen and thymus;
• lymph nodes;
• blood cells – lymphocytes and antibodies – special cells produced by the immune system to fight foreign bacteria.

How the immune system works

When harmful substances (antigens) enter the body, the immune system studies their structure and creates special antibodies (immunoglobulins) to eliminate these substances. For each bacterium and virus, a separate antibody is created. The production of such “defenders” is carried out by B-lymphocytes located in the lymph nodes. There is a second type – T-lymphocytes. They destroy their own cells that have already been infected with antigens.

Immunoglobulin, aimed at protecting against allergens – the bodies that cause allergies – is in every body. In people prone to allergies, the content of such immunoglobulin is higher than normal.

How it happens – reaction to stimuli

• The allergen enters the body. It can be anything from flower pollen to dust from cosmetics.
• A large amount of IgE immunoglobulin is released to neutralize foreign elements. Moreover, each type of allergen will have its own antibody.
• IgE then binds to mast cells or basophils. An immunoglobulin-allergen-basophil (or mast cell) alliance is formed.
• Connections with basophils calmly move through the body along with the bloodstream, and with mast cells remain in place. So the immune system reads the structure of the allergen and prepares a counteraction.
• The next time an allergen enters the body, these compounds will release a special protection – histamine. The substance causes spasm of the muscles of the intestines, bronchus, stomach, lowering blood pressure due to the expansion of capillaries, swelling. This is how the body reacts to the presence of an allergen in it.

What are the causes of allergies?

What causes an allergy? Let’s start with the fact that this issue has not been fully studied. But, as we have already found out, an allergy is a response of the body to certain substances.

Most often it is called:

• flower pollen;
• pet hair;
• dust;
• fungal and mold spores;
• household chemicals;
• medical preparations;
• insect bites;
• synthetic substances.

Do not forget that there is an innate predisposition to allergies. If one of the parents has it, the child is 30% more susceptible to the disease than others. If both parents are exposed to allergens – by 70%.

Acquired allergy appears in the case of frequent and intense contact with an allergen, for example, chocolate as a result of eating it in large quantities.

Allergic symptoms. How to recognize allergies

How the reaction manifests itself on the body depends on the place of contact with the allergen. If the latter has passed through the skin, then the body will show it with a rash, red spots, skin itching, blisters. If the allergen has entered the respiratory tract, it may be shortness of breath, lack of air, cough, heaviness in the chest. Often lips, neck, tongue swell, eyes swell and redden. Itching may also appear in the nose. The most severe manifestation is nausea and vomiting. Possible diarrhea.

But none of the above compares to anaphylactic shock. This type of rapid reaction of the body is accompanied by a copious release of a large amount of histamine. There is a violation of blood flow: first peripheral, and then central. The skin becomes cold and damp. Due to a decrease in blood flow, anxiety, internal tension appear, urination is disturbed, and shortness of breath appears.

Anaphylactic shock is often accompanied by dizziness and loss of consciousness. As a rule, such a reaction of the body occurs after insect bites or subcutaneous injections. Shock begins with severe pain at the site of contact, accompanied by severe itching, and blood pressure drops. With food poisoning, it all starts with pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea can go, the larynx and oral cavity swell.

Anaphylactic shock is a rather dangerous phenomenon that can lead to death without timely medical attention.

How to “catch” the allergen? Allergy diagnostics

The first thing to do for sure is to see a doctor. If you have a suspicion of an allergy, but you do not know what caused it, do not postpone a visit to the hospital until later.

You need to understand how the allergen got into your body. There are a number of measures for this. Skin tests are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way.

If you are unable to do this, or skin tests fail, a blood test is used to determine the amount of IgE immunoglobulin. There is a general analysis – measures the total number of antibodies in the blood – and a special analysis that detects the amount of specific IgE. The second method is more often used to detect allergic reactions to certain types of food.

Another way is skin application. Suitable for skin reactions such as dermatitis or eczema. Special metal plates no more than one centimeter in circumference adhere to the allergen and are applied to the back of the subject for two days. If after this period no reactions are detected, then the person is again sent for two days of research without plates to exclude a delayed reaction of the body. With this method, you can not take a bath or shower – the study area on the skin must be dry all the time.

If nothing helps or the results do not give any specific data, they resort to the help of provocative tests. Such tests are carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital and include the use of foods that could cause an allergic reaction. An allergen is introduced into the body, and if the body responds again, the study is stopped and doctors begin treatment.

Allergy First Aid

If you feel burning or itching on the skin, sudden nasal congestion or signs of a sore throat, you often sneeze and there is a possible allergic reaction, do the following procedures:

• Rinse with warm water the suspected allergen contact site on the skin, nose or mouth.
• If you have been bitten by an insect and the sting remains at the site of the bite, remove it.
• Get rid of the allergen if it is nearby: flowers, pets – move them to another room or limit your contact with them.
• Cover the skin with a dressing soaked in cold water.
• Take an allergy medicine.
• If you do not feel better or if your condition worsens, call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself if you can.

If the symptoms indicate a serious allergic reaction with severe consequences – redness of a large area or the entire body, vomiting, shortness of breath or heavy breathing, hoarseness or difficulty speaking – immediately call an ambulance.

Remove the patient from clothing that interferes with breathing. Give the person anti-allergy medications if they can take them. Wait for the ambulance without leaving the patient and monitor his condition.

Types of allergic reactions

Types of allergies are divided depending on the place of contact and the manifestation of the reaction:

• food – the body’s reaction to products: eggs, milk, chicken, fish, rye. Symptoms: itching, eczema, redness of the skin, abdominal pain, vomiting and other signs;
• urticaria – allergic dermatitis, manifested by the appearance of pale pink blisters, as after a nettle burn;
• Pollinosis is a reaction of the immune system to plant pollen. Symptoms: impaired sense of smell, suffocation, bronchitis and other symptoms;
• Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pollinosis that affects the eyes: inflammation occurs in the conjunctiva – the upper part that covers the white layer of the eye. Symptoms: tearing, itching, swelling of the eyes;
• Allergic rhinitis is a reaction of the nasal mucosa to allergens. Manifestations: itching, repeated sneezing, swelling of the mucosa;
• atopic dermatitis – chronic allergic dermatitis. Characteristic for individuals with a genetic predisposition to atopy.

If we divide the reactions of the body according to the effect on human organs, the following types can be distinguished:

1. Dermal – contact with chemicals, medicines, certain foods and plant pollen.
2. Respiratory – all allergens passing through the respiratory tract: pollen, dust, pet hair, aerosols and sprays.
3. Food – everything related to food – usually protein, berries, sugar, fruits.
4. Infectious – intestinal parasites and infectious microorganisms.
5. Ultraviolet – to sunlight. The reaction manifests itself on the skin in the form of itching, redness, blisters, dryness of the upper layer of the skin.

Types of allergic reactions

The types of allergies are divided into:

1. Anaphylactic – an instant reaction of the body. It goes even faster in children. It manifests itself in the form of urticaria, rhinitis, asthma and anaphylactic shock. Characterized by extensive release of histamine to prevent re-attack of the allergen. Accompanied by vasodilation, mucosal edema and muscle contraction;
2. Cytolytic – the body’s reaction is aimed at destroying its own cells. It is most often caused by medications;
3. Immunocomplex – appears after a few hours. This is due to the fact that immunoglobulins interact with allergens and in such a bundle settle on the walls of blood vessels, narrowing blood flow and causing dermatitis, conjunctivitis, arthritis and many other diseases;
4. Hypersensitization – the reaction of the body occurs in about a day and is not caused by the allergen, but by the substances formed as a result of contact with it. Symptoms: inflammation of the nasal mucosa, rhinitis, various types of dermatitis, asthma and other types of reactions.

How and how to treat allergies? Allergy prevention

If you know you are allergic to certain substances, avoid contact with them. The repeated invasion of the allergen into the body each time will be worse and worse on the immune system and general well-being.

Medications are aimed at reducing the effect of an allergic reaction or getting rid of the symptoms that led to an allergy. Before taking antihistamines, you should consult with your doctor: find out the doses acceptable for you, the possibility of use and compatibility with others.

To relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion, decongestants are prescribed – special drugs that act on the nasal mucosa. The reduction in edema occurs due to vasoconstriction. The use of such drugs is not recommended for children under 12 years of age and nursing mothers. Do not continue to use more than 5-7 days – there is a possibility of an opposite effect and complications of allergy symptoms.

Steroid sprays can be used for the same results. They have low absorption and almost no side effects. Unless it can bleed in the nose in case of a very long use.

Hyposensitization is a method of treatment in which increasing doses of the allergen are introduced into the body each time to reduce the body’s sensitivity to it. This type of treatment is used in case of a complex type of allergy or insect bite. Treatment takes place in a hospital under the supervision of attending physicians.

If we take a closer look at the causes of allergies, we will see that the danger lies in the space around us. With the growth of industrial technologies and equipment, enterprises and factories, there are more allergens in the air, products have a synthetic flavor, and climatic conditions in many regions are very sad. Finding a remedy that helps with allergies becomes difficult and stretches for a long time.

In order not to fall into the trap of your own body, you should take care of the absence of possible allergens in advance.