Allergies are a common occurrence and are a product of both hereditary and environmental factors.

The immune system of the body is an in built defense mechanism which protects the body against micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses among others, which have the potential to harm the body. One cannot totally prevent these organisms from entering the body. Though, one can take precautions to minimize this possibility. However, when some of these organisms do find their way into the body, they come up against the body’s natural defense system called the immune system, which tries its best to negate these organisms. This power of the immune system to nullify the micro-organisms depends on the “health” of the immune system. If it is weak, then the organisms will prevail. If it is strong then the organisms will be done away with.

However, in allergies, the strength of the immune system becomes immaterial. Here, what happens is that when harmless allergens enter the body, the immune system, somehow miscalculates their presence as being harmful to the body. A chemical called histamine is released to fight of the “harmful” allergens (whereas no such action is called for, since the allergen is not harmful to the body). This leads to swelling, itching, mucus production, rashes, hives, muscle spasms and other reactions which differ from person to person.

Allergies can be caused by:

•    Pet dander

•    Pollen

•    Dust

•    Mold

•    Food

•    Drugs

•    Cosmetics

•    Jewellery
•    Insect bites

•    Spices

•    Facial creams

•    Hot and cold temperatures

•    Sunlight

•    Smoke

•    Mist

•    Smog

•    Heavy weather

•    Rain

•    Genetic factors

Certain conditions such as eczema, asthma and sinus problems are aggravated with allergies.

General Allergy Symptoms:

•    Coughing

•    Conjunctivitis

•    Breathing problems

•    Burning or itchy eyes

•    Hives

•    Headache

•    Diarrhea

•    Skin problems

•    Vomiting

•    Itching of the mouth, throat, nose, skin or other areas

•    Cramps in the stomach

Symptoms depend on which part of the body plays host to the allergens:

•    Itchy and stuffy nose, wheezing, mucus production and cough are caused when the allergens enter through the nose.

•    Watery, red, itchy and swollen eyes would indicate that the allergens have contacted the eyes.

•    Vomiting, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, abdominal pain and others would point to eating something which you are allergic to.

•    When the skin plays host to the allergens then it may result in itching, rashes, hives, blisters, skin peeling and others.

•    Allergies due to drugs normally involve the whole body as it spreads through the blood and has a wide range of symptoms.

Treatment of Allergies:

There are many types of medications which help in the prevention and treatment of allergies. The medicine that is eventually recommended by your health care professional usually depends on the severity and type of allergic reactions, age and overall health condition.

Allergy medications are available in the following forms – eye drops, capsules and pills like allegra , nasal spray, injection and liquid.

Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications) are helpful for those with severe allergic reactions. These medications are available as eye drops, creams and ointment for the skin, lung inhalers and nasal sprays.

A stuffy nose can be relieved with a decongestant.

Mostly all allergies can be treated with medications. Children may outgrow some allergies particularly food allergies. However, it has been observed that once a trigger lodges itself on the receptor person, it normally remains faithful and obliges with an allergic reaction every time the trigger goes off.

Identify the triggers and avoid them to avoid allergies.