Introduction

Allergy or allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to any substance due to body’s immune response.

Types of allergies

There are different types of allergies. The most common are those in the air: due to pollen, mold, pet animals and dust. The allergic reaction maybe due to food like eggs, fish, peanuts and milk. There maybe allergic reaction due to insect bites especially due to the ants and bees. Many medicines also cause allergy.

Clinical features.

Allergy may manifest itself by itching, redness, hives or wheals. Sneezing and coughing is noticed in allergic rhinitis and allergic sinusitis (allergic inflammation of sinuses due to allergy). Food allergy can also cause nausea or vomitting. If allergy becomes severe it can lead to facial edema and swelling of lips (angioedema). If angioedema become severe resulting in throat swelling it can cause throat constriction or tightening and difficulty breathing. This medical condition is called anaphylaxis which is an emergency and requires urgent medical attention.

Prevention

First of all find out what is causing the allergy. It maybe difficult but not impossible. Take help of a doctor or an allergist to arrive at the answer by method of exclusion. If possible do an allergy testing. Once the allergen is found , avoid the allergen as much as possible. You would be astonished with the results.

Treatment

Mild allergy can be treated by topical creams of steroids and antihistaminic tablets like levocetirizine and hydralazine. If allergic reaction becomes severe leading to angioedema and anaphylaxis it requires emergent medical attention with administration of steroid injections and antihistaminic injections.