ALLERGY ATTACK

ALLERGY ATTACK

·         Our body's immune system identifies enemies like bacteria, viruses, etc., and eliminates them, while ignoring generally useful substances like food and medication.

·         However, if it reacts to these useful substances, then the person is said to have developed an ‘allergy’ to them.

·         Such substances, which are called ‘allergens’, may be inhaled, swallowed or may come into contact with the skin.

·         Although allergies can develop at any stage, hereditary factors play a key role, and infancy, especially, is considered the main window period.

1. How do allergies develop?

·         A body’s immune system makes antibodies to fight off harmful foreign substances.

·         Millions of antibodies circulate in the bloodstream to fend off unwanted substances.

·         An antibody called lgE binds to receptors located on certain cells in the nasal lining that contain chemicals called histamines.

·         These attach to blood vessels nearby, causing them to widen, which results in swelling, redness and inflammation, thus leading to unpleasant symptoms like an itchy, stuffy or running nose.

·         Several lgE antibodies in the body indicate multiple allergies.

·         The more lgE antibodies there are to specific substances, the more pronounced the reaction is.

2. Conditions caused due to allergies and symptoms

·         Allergic conjunctivitis – itchy, red, watering eyes.

·         Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – sneezing, congestion, itching, dripping of the nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

·         Asthma (chronic lung disease) - coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.

·         Atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema) – itching, reddening and peeling or flaking of the skin.

·         Urticaria (hives or angioedema) – itchy, red bumps on the skin surface, mostly on palms, arms, legs, soles and trunk (hives, wheals, welts), or non-itchy swelling in the deeper skin layers.

·         Anaphylaxis (severe, sometimes fatal, systemic allergic reaction caused by substances that are injected or eaten, including some foods and medications, insect stings and latex) –  warmth, flushing, tingling in the mouth, red itchy rash, light-headedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, anxiety, stomach or uterine cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Factors that promote allergies

·         Outdoor allergens – mould, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc.

·         Occupational allergens – exposure to job-related substances, like wood dust, etc.

·         Triggering factors – air pollution, cold air, smoke, exercise, respiratory infections, food, insect venom, etc.

4. Factors that increase allergic diseases

·         Changes in lifestyle habits

·         Pollution (NO2, O3, SO2), Asian brown cloud

·         Modern housing, garbage disposal

5. Treatment and prevention of allergens

·         Dust mites

o        Reduce clutter, vacuum and dust weekly

o        Use dust mites powder on carpets and upholstery

o        Wash bed linens in hot water every week

o        Use mite-proof encasings for mattress and pillows

o        Hot-water wash or freeze stuffed toys weekly

o        Replace carpets with polished flooring

o        Replace upholstered furniture with wood, vinyl or leather

·         Mould and mildew fungi

o        Clean kitchen and bathroom with fungicide

o        Air-dry clothing and shoes before putting them away

o        Repair water leaks, rectify damp walls or leaks

o        Remove house plants from bedrooms

o        Discard mouldy furnishings

·         Pollens

o        Close windows during midday and afternoon.

o        Clear all weeds around the house

o        Wear anti-pollution masks outdoors

·         Smoke, sprays and odours

o        Leave a smoky environment and stop smoking

o        Avoid strong smells, perfumes and paints

o        Avoid using kerosene stoves and firewood

·         Cockroaches

o        Clean the kitchen, dining room and bathroom very well

o        Use airtight food storage bins

o        Use and replace bait traps every 2-3 months

o        Wrap pipes with insulation to lock out cockroaches

·         Mosquitoes

o        Do not use mosquito coils, mats or liquidators

o        Use netlon/mosquito nets and wash them regularly

o        Don’t let water stagnate in and around the house.

·         Pets

o        Wash hands after handling pets and bathe them weekly

o        Find a new home for your pets

6. Handling emergencies

·         Help the patient lie down on his back and elevate the feet higher than the head.

·         Loosen tight clothing and cover him with a blanket.

·         Keep the patient warm and comfortable with least movement.

·         Call for medical help immediately and don’t give anything to drink.

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