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Allergies

Allergies relate to an abnormal immune response and occur when your body excessively reacts to a substance that is usually harmless. This can make you feel tired, itchy or upset in the tummy. Because there are many causes of allergies, treatment looks different for each person.

To help you feel better, let’s investigate what allergies are, their common triggers and effective treatments. Understanding your allergy is the best way to prevent allergies in the future.

What are Allergies?

Allergies are the result of an immune reaction.

They occur when the body comes into contact with a substance that, for most people, is harmless. This is in contrast to a person with the allergy, as their body perceives this same substance as a threat. Substances that trigger reactions are called allergens.

Upon contact with an allergen, the immune system releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These bind to mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators, like histamine. It’s the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. These may be mild, such as nasal congestion or itching. However, they can also be potentially life-threatening and trigger anaphylaxis in severe cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergies

Signs and symptoms of allergies vary depending on the type and severity of the allergic reaction. Here is a comprehensive list of common signs and symptoms associated with allergies:

Respiratory Symptoms

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Postnasal drip
  • Hayfever (allergic rhinitis)
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma)

Skin Symptoms

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Oral Symptoms

  • Itchy mouth or throat
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Tingling in the mouth

Systemic Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Malaise (general feeling of discomfort)

Anaphylaxis (severe, potentially life-threatening reaction)

  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Rapid or weak pulse
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Loss of consciousness

Causes of Allergies

Researchers are still investigating the causes of allergies. Understanding why one person reacts to a substance, when another doesn’t, is complex.

Thus far, it’s understood that allergies generally have a genetic component. This means that parents with an allergy often have children with an allergy. In saying this, the allergen itself often differs between parent and child. It’s the general susceptibility – not the specific allergy – that passes down generations.

Common allergens triggers:

  • Pollen from trees (e.g. oak), grasses (e.g. Bermuda grass), weeds (e.g. ragweed)
  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander (skin flakes, saliva, or urine)
  • Mould spores
  • Insect venom, such as from bees and wasps
  • Certain foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, corn
  • Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, certain painkillers
  • Latex, such as used in gloves and balloons
  • Chemicals, especially harsh ones found in detergents, cosmetics, fragrances or cleaning products.

What are Allergy treatments?

The best allergies treatments aim to:

  1. alleviate symptoms
  2. prevent allergic reactions
  3. improve quality of life.

If you visit your doctor, they may prescribe allergies medications. This could include:

  • Antihistamines: Block the effects of histamine, reducing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
  • Decongestants: Help relieve nasal congestion.
  • Nasal corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
  • Eye drops: Alleviate itchy or watery eyes.
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors: Used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

Your doctor may also discuss immunotherapy shots. This is when you receive regular injections of small amounts of allergens. The aim is to gradually desensitise the immune system over time. This can help reduce allergic reactions and symptoms in the long term. Sometimes, injections are replaced with allergy drops or tablets.

Natural remedies for Allergies

If you’re not keen on allergies medications, there are natural options. Practitioners who help treat allergies include:

  • Nutritionists: If you have a food allergy, a nutritionist can help you create enjoyable meal plans that exclude this food.
  • Naturopaths: Use diet, lifestyle, herbs and supplements to decrease symptoms. Concurrently, the cause of your allergy is investigated and subsequently treated as best as possible.
  • Ayurveda: An ancient Indian healing system that may help decrease allergy symptoms using herbs, nutrition and detox practices.
  • Homeopaths: Use homeopathic medicines to help decrease your predisposition to allergy symptoms.
  • Acupuncturists: May be especially useful for reducing respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Find health experts who treat allergies in your area

Preventing Allergies

Aiming to prevent allergies is the best treatment.

Allergen avoidance is the best way to do this. It involves identifying and avoiding specific allergens to minimise exposure. This may include making lifestyle changes, such as using allergen-proof bedding, keeping indoor environments clean and free of dust, and avoiding known food allergens. Keeping a diary of when your symptoms flare can help you identify your personal allergens.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Allergy testing can help you obtain a diagnosis for allergies. These may be conducted by a doctor, allergy specialist or immunologist. Common tests include:

  • Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin, usually on the forearm or back. Then, the area is gently pricked or scratched. If you are allergic, a small raised bump (wheal) surrounded by redness may appear.
  • Intradermal Test: Involves injecting a tiny amount of allergen solution under the skin to check for an allergic response. This test is more sensitive but may carry a higher risk of false positives.
  • Blood Tests: These measure the levels of specific antibodies, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE), in your blood. The results can indicate sensitisation to particular allergens.
  • Patch Test: Used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to patches and placed on the skin to observe any reaction.

Conclusion

In summary, allergies are a bothersome immune reaction that can make you feel unwell. Symptoms may be slightly uncomfortable, such as when you have a stuffy nose. Or, they may be extreme, like during an anaphylaxis reaction. If you suspect you have an allergy, it’s vital that you investigate it so you can discover your triggers. As there is no specific allergy cure, understanding your personal allergen and supporting overall wellbeing is the best way forward.

FAQs?

Is an allergy the same as a hypersensitivity reaction?

Yes, these are the same thing as an allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction.

What are common allergies medications?

In Australia, the most common allergy medications are:

  • Antihistamines, like Claratyne, Zyrtec, Telfast.
  • Nasal Corticosteroids, such as Nasonex, Rhinocort.
  • Decongestants, including Sudafed, Otrivin.

What are herbal natural remedies for allergies?

Natural antihistamine herbs, which are often prescribed by Naturopaths, include:

  • Butterbur
  • Stinging nettle
  • Fennel
  • Mullein (great for the lungs).