Normal reaction
The immune system under normal conditions protects the body from bacteria, viruses, toxins and even cancer cells. The first contact with one of the harmful agents (antigen) causes the production of antibodies that recognize and destroy antigens at each subsequent contact. This mechanism is known as the antigen-antibody reaction.
Allergic reaction
With an allergic reaction, similar processes occur:
- first contact (sensitization) with an allergen (antigen), for example pollen;
- production of antibodies;
- activation of mast cells with histamine release;
- The histamine-induced inflammatory reaction with the development of allergy symptoms.
Atopy
Sometimes it is not possible to establish the exact cause of an allergic reaction. In some people, an allergy can be associated with a variety of pathological conditions. In this case, talk about atony, associated with a hereditary predisposition. In addition to a multitude of allergic reactions, atopics often suffer from bronchial asthma and / or eczema. As an allergen can act pollen plants, dust, food and medicine, animal hair, insect bites, cosmetics and sunlight. Ways of penetration of the allergen: inhalation, ingestion, direct exposure to the skin or the surface of the eye. Symptoms depend on the affected part of the body.
Types of allergies
Inhalation allergy caused by the inhalation of pollen or dust causes nasal congestion and itching, sneezing and coughing. Food allergy causes colic in the abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea, which can resemble food poisoning. Drug allergy manifests itself in a number of symptoms; most often there are pain in the stomach, diarrhea and skin rash. Direct contact of the allergen with the skin can lead to the instant appearance of urticaria (some plants) or a later eczematous reaction (clothing items and accessories from nickel). Severe life-threatening reaction - anaphylactic shock - is accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of tissues, especially the face, lips and tongue. The condition may end in collapse. Anamnesis of development and allergy symptoms is a fundamental moment in diagnosis. The key to determining the cause of an allergic reaction is to identify the relationship of allergies to factors such as:
- season;
- Pets;
- nature of nutrition;
- family allergic anamnesis.
To distinguish food allergy from food poisoning, having similar symptoms, specific tests will help.
Allergic tests
Allergic reaction can be indicated by high levels of antibodies in the blood. It is very informative to conduct skin tests. A load test involves injecting a small amount of a suspected substance into the body and observing the reaction. The most effective way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid contact with the allergen. However, this is not always possible, especially in the case of pollen allergies. When establishing an allergic agent, the following recommendations should be adhered to:
- if possible, avoid contact with the allergen;
- with hay fever, follow the calendar of flowering plants and take timely preventive measures;
- always have a medicine with you in case of unexpected contact with the allergen;
- Use the achievements of modern medicine in the treatment of allergies.
Treatment of allergies, as a rule, is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and preventing further reactions. In terms of long-term prophylaxis, it is optimal to avoid contact with the allergen, in particular food and medicine, which, however, is not always possible.
Treatment options
There is a wide range of medicines for treatment. Antihistamines block the production of histamine. Steroids inhibit the immune response, which makes them indispensable for the prevention and reduction of the severity of allergic asthma. Steroid ointments are used to treat skin reactions. With initial signs of anaphylactic shock, the patient is immediately injected with adrenaline. In the course of desensitizing therapy, the patient is given small doses of the allergen for some time. This method is currently used rarely due to the duration of the process and possible complications, including anaphylaxis. Allergy to a substance can persist for life, and its symptoms - intensify. In rare cases, the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen over time. Now we know what kinds of allergies a person can have.