Allergy

Allergies are reactions of the human immune system (immune system) to certain substances that should not be harmful . These reactions can cause various symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy skin rashes, or even shortness of breath.

Substances that can trigger an allergic response are called allergens. In most people, allergens do not cause a reaction in the body. However, in people who have allergies to allergens, the immune system will react, because it considers the substance dangerous to the body.

Allergic reactions that appear in each person are different, ranging from mild reactions, such as sneezing, to severe reactions, namely anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions that appear also depend on the type of allergen.

Allergies are common in children and usually subside as they get older. However, in some people, allergies persist even after they reach adulthood.

Causes and Symptoms of Allergies

The substances that cause allergies can be different for each person. Some examples of allergens are dust, pet dander, nuts, insect bites, medicines, latex materials, and sweat .

Allergy symptoms that arise in each person can also vary, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, or skin rashes .

Allergy Treatment and Prevention

The main treatment for allergies is to avoid the triggering substance (allergen). To relieve symptoms, doctors can prescribe anti-allergy drugs , such as antihistamines and corticosteroids . If the allergic reaction is severe, the sufferer needs to be given an epinephrine injection by a doctor.

Causes of Allergies

The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the triggers. However, there are other ways that can be done if the triggers are difficult to avoid, such as wearing closed clothing, not wearing perfumes that can attract insects, and cleaning the house regularly.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a certain substance that does not cause a reaction in other people.

Normally, the immune system will react to substances or objects that are harmful to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. This reaction will occur in everyone who does not have an immune system disorder.

However, in allergy sufferers, the immune system not only reacts to harmful substances or objects, but also reacts to certain substances that do not cause any reaction in other people. Substances that trigger this reaction are called allergens.

The immune system will consider the allergen as a dangerous substance. As a result, the body will react, by releasing histamine which causes an allergic reaction.

Several types of allergens that can cause allergies are:

• Insect bites or stings, such as bee stings
• Foods, such as shellfish, nuts, seafood, or milk
• Airborne particles, for example animal dander, dust mites or pollen
• Medications, for example the antibiotic penicillin
• Substances that come into direct contact with the skin, such as chemicals in perfume, soap, shampoo, or latex materials.

Allergy Risk Factors

Children are more at risk of developing allergies. In addition, there are a number of other factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing an allergic reaction, namely:

• Having a family member who is allergic to certain substances
• Living in an environment with high levels of pollution
• Smoking or being a passive smoker
• Suffering from an infectious disease
• Have a weak immune system

Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear a few minutes after the sufferer comes into contact with the allergen. These symptoms can also develop gradually over several hours.

The symptoms that appear due to allergies depend on the type of allergen and how the sufferer comes into contact with the allergen. However, some allergy symptoms that often appear are:

• Sneezing, itchy , runny and stuffy nose
• The skin is red and itchy
• Dry and cracked skin
• Red, itchy, and watery eyes
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and eyelids (angioedema)
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath

In addition to the general symptoms above, specific symptoms may also appear, depending on the triggering factor, namely:

1. Allergy due to insect bites or stings

An allergic reaction to insect bites can cause swelling in the bitten part, itching all over the body, coughing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

2. Allergies due to particles in the air

Allergies to substances in the air, such as dust, pollen, or mites, are usually marked by sneezing. The symptoms can develop into a runny nose, congestion, and shortness of breath.

3. Allergies due to food

Food allergies can cause itching in the mouth followed by swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, throat, or face. In addition, this allergy can also cause a red rash on the skin, nausea, stomach ache, and diarrhea.

4. Allergy due to medicine

Allergies to medicines can cause symptoms in the form of skin itching, rash, facial swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis.

When to go to the doctor

Check with a doctor if you or your child experiences the symptoms mentioned above. Symptoms of allergies can be similar to other diseases. Therefore, an early examination is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

As previously explained, allergies can cause severe and fatal reactions, namely anaphylaxis. This reaction will generally occur throughout the body and spread very quickly. Anaphylactic reactions can also lower blood pressure.

Immediately take to the IGD of the nearest hospital if people around you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:

• Dizziness
• Heart pounding
• Shortness of breath
• Blue skin and lips
• Decreased consciousness

Allergy Diagnosis

To diagnose allergies and their triggers (allergens), the doctor will ask about the symptoms that appear, the activities carried out before the symptoms appeared, and the patient’s medical history. After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination.

After that, the doctor can do some allergy tests , such as:

• Patch test In this test
  the allergen will be placed in a special container. After that, the allergen will be attached to the skin for 2 days while monitoring the skin reaction.
• Skin prick test
  In this test, the patient’s skin will be dripped with a common allergen liquid and then pricked with a needle to see the reaction. If a red, itchy bump appears, the patient is declared positive for allergies.
• Blood test
  This test is done by taking a blood sample. The blood sample will be used to measure the levels of antibodies produced by the immune system (IgE antibodies) in the blood that play a role in allergic reactions.
• Elimination test
  This test is done by avoiding the type of food suspected to be an allergen. After a few weeks, the same food is eaten again to see what reaction occurs.

In addition to seeing a doctor, sufferers can also evaluate the triggers for their allergies by paying attention to the types of food consumed and the allergic reactions they cause.

Allergy Treatment

The first step that must be taken by allergy sufferers is to avoid the triggers. This step can be done after the type of allergen is confirmed by the doctor.

However, if the allergen cannot be avoided, or the allergic reaction has already occurred, the patient can take certain medications. Types of medications for allergies are:

The first step that must be taken by allergy sufferers is to avoid the triggers. This step can be done after the type of allergen is confirmed by the doctor.

However, if the allergen cannot be avoided, or the allergic reaction has already occurred, the patient can take certain medications. Types of medications for allergies are:

• Antihistamines
  Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of compounds in the body (histamine) that cause allergic reactions. Antihistamines can be given in the form of tablets, creams, liquids, eye drops, or nasal sprays, depending on the area affected by the allergy.
• Corticosteroids
  Corticosteroids are effective in treating inflammation caused by allergies. These drugs can be obtained in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, creams, inhalers, or tablets. An example of a corticosteroid that is taken orally is betamethasone , while one that is sprayed is fluticasone. To treat allergy symptoms on the skin, the drugs used are topical corticosteroids . An example is diflucortolone .
• Decongestants
  Decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion. They are only recommended for short-term use (less than one week). In addition to tablets and capsules, they are also available as nasal drops or sprays.
• Leukotriene inhibitors
  Leukotrienes are compounds that can cause swelling in the respiratory tract during an allergic reaction. Leukotriene inhibitor drugs work by inhibiting the effects of leukotrienes. This drug is available in tablet form.

Other Methods

If the allergy is severe or cannot be cured with medication, the doctor will recommend the patient to undergo allergen immunotherapy. In this therapy, the patient will be given allergens in small doses through injections, drops , or tablets placed under the tongue.

Allergen immunotherapy is done for several years to accustom the body to the allergen so that there is no excessive reaction. Although it cannot cure completely, this therapy will make allergy symptoms lighter.

If symptoms of anaphylaxis due to an allergic reaction appear, the patient must be immediately taken to the nearest emergency room (IGD) to be treated by a doctor. The doctor will give an epinephrine injection to relieve the anaphylaxis. After that, the patient will be treated in the hospital until fully recovered.

Allergic Complications

If left untreated, allergies can cause some of the following complications:

If left untreated, allergies can cause some of the following complications:

• Anaphylaxis
  Anaphylaxis occurs when a person experiences a severe allergic reaction. This condition generally arises as a result of allergies to food, medicines, and insect stings.
• Asthma
  Asthma occurs as a result of an allergic reaction that affects the respiratory tract. Generally, this complication occurs due to allergies to particles in the air, such as dust and animal hair. Asthma sufferers usually experience symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath.
• Sinusitis
  Allergies can cause inflammation in the lining of the sinuses (sinusitis). This condition causes the sinus cavity to produce a lot of mucus until it accumulates and clogs the nasal passage.
• Ear infections
  Ear infections can occur if allergies cause blockages in the nasal passages, sinuses, and the connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose (eustachian tube).
• Lung infection
  Although very rare, allergies can cause lung infection . Allergies can cause inflammation in the airways and lungs. As a result, there is a build-up of white blood cells that can cause damage to the lungs.
• Malnutrition
  Generally, malnutrition or malnutrition is experienced by children who are allergic to food, such as milk products. Food allergies can limit children in consuming certain foods. As a result, children can suffer from certain nutritional deficiencies.

Allergy Prevention

How to prevent allergies depends on the type of allergen. The most effective effort is to avoid the trigger. However, not all sources of allergies can be easily avoided, such as dust, pet dander, or food.

Some of the following ways you can do to help prevent allergies:

• Wear closed clothing or apply insect repellent lotion when traveling
• Avoiding the use of perfume that can attract the attention of insects
• Use a mask when leaving the house
• Cleaning the house routinely, especially rooms that are used frequently, such as bedrooms and family rooms
• Avoid the use of kecomeng, because it can spread allergens
• Clean the furniture with a clean cloth moistened with water or cleaning fluid, or a vacuum cleaner
• Open a window or door, so that the air circulates more smoothly
• Placing pets outside the house or in a special room
• Bathing pets and cleaning their cages routinely
• Write down foods that can trigger an allergic reaction so that they can be avoided
• Read food packaging labels to find out the ingredients before consuming them
• Clean the kitchen to avoid moss, especially where you wash dishes or wash clothes
• Do not dry clothes in the house
• Maintain personal hygiene by washing your hands , showering, and brushing your teeth regularly

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