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.