In simple terms allergies are when your body reacts to a substance (foreign more commonly) which otherwise doesn’t cause a reaction in most people.

Your body as a protective mechanism produces chemicals called antibodies. These antibodies mark particular allergen as dangerous (even though it isn’t). When such allergens come in your contact, these antibodies will cause a reaction – allergic- and inflame your airways, sinuses and skin.

Allergies vary in severity from individual to individual and can range from very minor irritation to a potentially life-threatening condition i.e. anaphylaxis. Most allergies cannot be cured, however medications can help relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the organ and substance involved. Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itching of eyes, nose or inside the mouth
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes
• Swelling of the tongue, lips or throat
• Swelling (edema)
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough, tightness of chest, wheezing or breathlessness

Causes

Common allergy causing triggers include:

• Airborne – pollens, animal dander, mites and mold
• Foods –  Peanuts, Nuts, Wheat, Fish, Eggs, Shellfish and Milk
• Insect Stings, e.g. from wasp or honey bee
• Medicines – Penicillin or Sulpha group of drugs
• Substances you touch, Like latex, soap and detergents

Complications

Complication of allergy can be from mild discomfort to sinusitis to life threatening Anaphylaxis reaction to sever asthma.

Prevention

Preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy you have. General measures include the following:

• Maintain a diary. Keeping a record of your symptoms and recording the food or activity which led to it worsened the symptoms can help identify the allergens responsible.
• Avoid the allergens. Avoiding of known triggers is most important for prevention of allergic reaction. Even if under treatment for your allergy, it is important to avoid allergens as much as possible.

At Shishu Child Care Clinic – Dr. Ankit Agarwal (MD Paediatrics, New Born and Child Specialist) is working in this field for last more than 10 years. And has experience in management of Allergy and allergy symptoms. For more information or for appointment call 90935-90936