What’s your allergy?

Our body reacts differently in different situations. One of the reactions could be an allergy. In simple terms an allergy is an abnormal reaction by a person’s immune system to a particular substance which may or may not be harmful. When a person is allergic to a substance and their body encounters it, a chemical is released in the body.

How do you know?

Allergy symptoms are of three kinds depending on their severity. Mild allergies could be represented by rashes, itchy or watery eyes and congestion while Moderate allergy symptoms include itchiness and difficult breathing. Severe allergies are life threatening ones and may affect the whole body. They are represented by symptoms such as a swelling that can make breathing difficult and can also cause abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.

“Allergies can affect different parts of the body, they could be nasal, bronchial, ocular, gastro-intestinal or skin allergies,” mentions Dr Aftab Ahmed, senior consultant physician, Apollo Hospital, Secunderabad. “Mixed allergies have also been seen where people have more than one allergy,” he adds.

The types

People can be allergic to various things such as dust, food, animals and even moulds. It is thus important to understand what the person is allergic to in order to take the right precautions and right cure.

“It is difficult to immediately know what one is allergic to but can be realised over a period of time,” mentions Dr Pramati Reddy, senior consultant for internal medicine, Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills. “Try to remember when the symptoms started like perhaps after you have eaten something or gone out for a walk in the garden,” Dr Aftab adds.

Food allergies:

A food allergy in simple terms is an abnormal response to food that is triggered by a specific reaction in the immune system to a food type. Although food allergies are mild in some case they can be fatal. According to a study by Mayo Clinic, approximately two per cent of adults and six per cent of minors suffer some form of food allergy.

Some common food allergies include

Milk

Milk allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in children but may affect adults too. In lactose intolerance the body cannot digest milk. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhoea and usually occurs immediately after having milk or milk products,” says Dr Pramati. In such a situation she suggests that you should stop drinking milk to see if it gets better. Those who cannot have milk can have soy milk or lactose-free milk she suggests.

 

Eggs

People may be allergic to the yolk, albumen or in some cases both. It usually occurs in children who may or may not outgrow the allergy. The symptoms include skin reactions like hives or eczema, Allergic conjunctivitis, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea, wheezing, coughing, or runny nose and even swelling of lips, tongue, or face.

 

Seafood

Seafood allergies like allergies to nuts are quite common and have symptoms such as breathing problems, sinus pain, light headedness and swelling. In some cases the vapours from seafood can also trigger an allergy.

 

Nuts

“Allergies to nuts are very common, people who are allergic to nuts are also allergic to their oil,” mentions Dr Pramati. Its symptoms include swelling of lips, lowering of BP, dizziness, hoarseness of the voice and in extreme cases even death.

 

Soy

Although soy allergy is more common among children it is also seen in adults. Some of the symptoms for soy allergy include itching, hives, eczema, tingling or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea and dizziness. In a severe case anaphylaxis can occur. Soy exists in various processed foods so care must be taken.

 

Wheat

Wheat allergies occur due to an abnormal immune system response to a protein in wheat. Some symptoms include breathing difficulties, nausea, hives, bloated stomach, watery eyes and an inability to focus. In some cases it may result in a life-threatening allergic response.

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Tags: allergy, causes, milk, nuts, sea food, soy, wheat

Category: Health, Health News