Allergies Introduction
Allergies are a common complaint, suffered in some capacity by around 5% of the population in developed countries. Although many are minor, producing only slight symptoms, some allergies are much more serious and require quick treatment after exposure to prevent death. In basic terms, an allergy can be described as the response to a normally harmless substance or allergen. These allergens can be in the air, touched or even eaten to produce the allergic reaction.
Common Allergies and Treatments
Mild allergies like hay fever and eczema produce only mild symptoms, such as sneezing, watering eyes and, in the case of the latter, itching of the skin. All of these, while annoying and inconvenient, are not life-threatening and can often be treated with over-the-counter medicines called antihistamines. Much rarer are allergic reactions that cause anaphylactic shock, such as an allergy to peanuts or bee stings. Anaphylactic shock can cause comas and even death. Exposure to the allergen in these cases causes multiple system failures, including the respiratory system. Patients diagnosed with such serious allergies often have to carry a special device with them at all times to administer the drugs they need in case of a reaction. It is possible to test for certain allergies, especially an intolerance for certain foodstuffs, and some doctors maintain it is possible to stop an allergic reaction by using immunotherapy, exposing the patient to the allergen that affects them in order to steadily desensitize them over time.
On the Increase
In all western countries, allergies are on the increase, especially among young children. There are many theories as to why this is happening; most are based around the notion that children these days are not exposed to as many diseases as in the past, meaning that their immune system is under-used and becomes stimulated by natural substances such as pollen and dust, provoking an allergic reaction. The good news is that many children grow out of their allergic reactions by the time they have reached their teens. Allergies are more common in developed or industrialized nations, and more common again within urban populations in these countries. This fits with the “hygiene theory” mentioned before, as children in agricultural communities will be more exposed to dirt and diseases, making their immune systems stronger and less likely to respond to stimulation with an allergic reaction.
What Are You Allergic To?
The most common allergies are to pollen, household dust and pet hair. You can often suffer from these allergies mildly and not even realize it, while for others summer is one long season of sneezes. Many people have mild allergies to certain types of food, such as shellfish, peanuts or dairy products. Peanut allergies can be more serious, as can an allergy to the latex found in certain types of rubber gloves, both potentially triggering anaphylactic shock. Often the only sure way of stopping yourself from suffering an allergic reaction is to completely avoid the allergens which affect you.