How to understand what an allergy is. How can you find out what you are allergic to? How to recognize allergies
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- This is an increased sensitivity of the body to any substance. This substance could be a chemical ingredient, product, wool, dust, pollen or microbe.Today it is precisely established that allergens can be substances formed inside the body. They are called endoallergens, or autoallergens. They are natural - proteins of unchanged tissues, isolated from the system responsible for immunity. And acquired - proteins that acquire foreign properties from thermal, radiation, chemical, bacterial, viral and other factors. For example, an allergic reaction develops with glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, arthritis, hypothyroidism.
Allergies can rightfully be given the second name “Disease of the Century”, since at present, more than 85% of the entire population of our planet suffers from this disease, or rather its variety. An allergy is an inadequate reaction of the human body to contact or exposure to an allergen. Most often, allergies are not treated; all so-called treatment comes down to identifying the immediate allergen and its complete isolation; in this case, prevention is more important than the treatment itself. First of all, in order for preventive actions to be successful, it is necessary to draw correct conclusions about the very causes of the disease. In order to recognize an allergic reaction of the body in time, it is necessary to know its allergic symptoms, so that medical care can be provided to the allergic person in a timely and correct manner.
Allergy is an individual disease. Some are allergic to pollen, others are allergic to dust, and others are allergic to cats. Allergies underlie diseases such as bronchial asthma, urticaria, and dermatitis. The development of some infectious diseases may be accompanied by allergies. In this case, the allergy is called an infectious allergy. In addition, the same allergens can cause different allergy symptoms in different people and at different times.
In recent decades, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of allergies. There are various theories that explain this phenomenon: Hygiene Influence Theory - this theory states that maintaining hygiene standards deprives the body of contact with many antigens, which causes poor development of the immune system (especially in children). Increasing consumption of chemical industry products - many chemical products can act both as allergens and create preconditions for the development of allergic reactions by disrupting the function of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Allergy symptoms
There are truly just a huge number of different forms of allergies, therefore, the symptoms of allergies are also different. Allergic symptoms are very easy to confuse, which are similar in symptoms, which happens every day in medical practice.
Respiratory allergies appears after an allergen enters the body during breathing. These allergens are most often various types of gases, pollen or very fine dust, such allergens are called aeroallergens. This may include respiratory allergies. This allergy manifests itself as:
Itchy nose
Runny nose (or just watery nasal discharge)
Possible severe cough
Wheezing in the lungs
In some cases, suffocation
The main manifestations of this type of allergy can still be considered allergic rhinitis.
Dermatosis is accompanied by various rashes and irritations on the skin. It can be caused by various types of allergens, such as food, aeroallergens, cosmetics, household chemicals, and medications.
This kind of allergy usually manifests itself in the form of:
Peeling
Dryness
Blisters
Severe swelling
Allergic conjunctivitis. There is also a manifestation of allergies that affects the organs of vision - called allergic. Appears as:
Severe burning sensation in the eyes
Increased tear production
Swelling of the skin around the eyes
Enteropathy. Quite often you can find a type of allergy such as enteropathy, which begins to manifest itself as a result of the use of any foods or medications; this reaction occurs due to an allergic reaction of the gastrointestinal tract. This type of allergy manifests itself as:
Swelling of the lips, tongue (quinque's edema)
Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous type of allergy. It can occur in just a few seconds or it can take up to five hours for its onset, after the allergen enters the body, it can be triggered by an insect bite (it should be noted that this happens quite often) or medications. Anaphylactic shock can be recognized by the following signs:
Loss of consciousness
The appearance of a rash all over the body
Involuntary urination
Defecation
If a person has the above symptoms, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance and provide assistance. In case of anaphylactic shock, you cannot hesitate, as this can lead to death.
The manifestation of allergies is often confused with the symptoms of colds. The difference between a common cold and an allergy lies, firstly, in the fact that the body temperature, as a rule, does not rise, and nasal discharge remains liquid and transparent, similar to water. Sneezing with allergies can happen in whole, long series in a row, and most importantly, with a cold, all the symptoms usually go away quite quickly, but with allergies they last much longer.
Causes of allergies
Allergies are most often caused by poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. For example, excessive consumption or foods filled with chemicals and additives. Allergies can also be caused by simple emotional or psychological stress.
An allergy can be recognized by a sudden runny nose, sneezing or watery eyes. Redness and itching of the skin can also indicate an allergy. Most often, an allergic reaction occurs when a person comes into contact with certain substances called allergens. The body reacts to it as if it were a pathogen and tries to defend itself. Allergens include both substances that have a direct allergenic effect and substances that can enhance the effect of other allergens.
The reaction of people to different groups of allergens depends on the genetic characteristics of the immune system. Numerous data indicate the existence of a hereditary predisposition to allergies. Parents with allergies are at greater risk of having a child with the same pathology than healthy couples.
Allergies may be caused by:
Foreign proteins contained in donor plasma and vaccines
Dust (street, home or book dust)
Plant pollen
Fungal or mold spores
Certain medications (penicillin)
Food (usually: eggs, milk, wheat, soy, seafood, nuts, fruit)
Insect/arthropod bites
Animal fur
House tick secretions
Chemical cleaning products
Consequences of allergies
Most people mistakenly believe that allergies are a safe disease and occur without consequences. An allergic reaction causes unpleasant symptoms, accompanied by fatigue, increased irritability, and decreased immunity. But this is not all the consequences of allergies. The disease often provokes eczema, hemolytic, serum sickness, and bronchial asthma.
The most serious complication is difficulty breathing, developing to anaphylactic shock with convulsions, loss of consciousness, and a dangerous decrease in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock occurs after the administration of certain drugs, due to insect bites and the presence of an irritating factor in food. The most common signs of allergies are nasal congestion and frequent sneezing.
The main difference between an allergy and a cold is that the above symptoms last much longer than with a regular acute respiratory infection. Allergic dermatosis or atopic dermatitis, also the consequences of allergies, develop quickly and in advanced cases are long and difficult to treat. Dermatitis is expressed by blisters, itching, peeling, redness.
Another, more severe consequence of allergies is anaphylactic shock. This disease occurs less frequently, but it is very dangerous and develops rapidly. The consequences of allergies are difficult to predict. This disease always takes you by surprise, and if the immune system functions normally, the person recovers quickly. But it also happens that the symptoms intensify too quickly and then it is necessary to quickly take antihistamines. This group includes “Diphenhydramine”, “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”. These medications should always be in your home medicine cabinet, but they are taken only after consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary treatment, this allows you to avoid the consequences of allergies.
Risk factors
Some types of allergies lead to the development of serious diseases. For example, in some cases, bronchial asthma, which causes difficulty breathing, is allergic in nature. This is a common disease that often occurs in children. Allergies are a common cause of skin conditions called eczema.
Loss of consciousness accompanying the above symptoms.
1. If you find the above symptoms, you need to immediately call a medical team.
2. If a person is in a conscious state, he should be given antiallergic drugs: Clemastine (Tavegil), Fexofenadine (Telfast), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), Chloropyramine (Suprastin) (by injection using similar drugs in injectable form or in tablets).
3. You should lay him down, freeing him from clothes that impede free breathing.
4. When vomiting, it is important to place the person on their side so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract, thereby causing additional harm.
5. If breathing or heartbeat stops, it is important to perform resuscitation actions: chest compressions and artificial respiration (of course, only if you know how to do this). It is important to continue the activities until the functions of the lungs and heart are fully restored and a medical team arrives.
To prevent the development of complications or deterioration of a person’s condition, it is best to immediately seek specialized medical help (especially when it comes to children).
When treating allergies, it is first necessary to eliminate contact with allergens from the environment. If you are allergic and know which allergens can lead to an undesirable reaction, protect yourself as much as possible from any contact with them, even the slightest (the property of allergies is to provoke reactions of increasing severity upon repeated contact with the allergen).
Medication treatment is a treatment aimed at reducing the risk of developing an allergic reaction, as well as eliminating the symptoms caused by the allergy.
Antihistamines. Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Telfast), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Chloropyramine (Suprastin), Clemastine (Tavegil) - the listed drugs represent the first group and are among the first prescribed when it comes to the treatment of allergic reactions. The moment an allergen enters the body, the human immune system produces a special substance called histamine.
Histamine causes most of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. The presented group of drugs either helps to reduce the amount of histamine released, or completely blocks its release. Despite this, they cannot completely eliminate allergy symptoms.
It is known that, like all medications, antihistamines can cause side effects, including: drowsiness and dry mouth, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, anxiety and nervousness, difficulty urinating. Most often, side effects are caused by first-generation antihistamines (for example, Chloropyramine (Suprastin) or Clemastine (Tavegil). Before you start taking antihistamines, consult with your doctor, who will clarify the doses required individually for you, and also tell you about the possibility of using antihistamines together together with other drugs.
Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine, Xylometazoline, Oxymetazoline) – these drugs are most often used to relieve the problem of nasal congestion. The medicines are marketed as drops or sprays and are prescribed for colds, pollen allergies (hay fever) or any allergic reaction, the main symptoms of which are flu, stuffy nose and sinusitis.
It is known that the inner surface of the nose is covered with a whole network of tiny vessels. If an antigen or allergen enters the nasal cavity, the vessels of the mucous membrane dilate and blood flow increases - this is a kind of immune defense system. If the blood flow is high, the mucous membrane swells and provokes a strong secretion of mucus. Since decongestants act on the walls of mucosal vessels, thereby causing them to narrow, blood flow decreases and swelling, accordingly, decreases.
It is not recommended to take these drugs for children under twelve years of age, as well as for nursing mothers and people with hypertension. You should not use them for more than five or seven days, because long-term use causes a backlash in the form of swelling of the nasal mucosa.
Side effects caused by this drug include dry mouth, headaches and general weakness. In extremely rare cases, medications can cause hallucinations or an anaphylactic reaction.
Before you start using these medications, consult your doctor.
Leukotriene inhibitors(Montelukast (Singulair) are chemical substances that block reactions caused by leukotrienes. These substances are released by the body during an allergic reaction and cause inflammation of the airways and swelling (used most often in the treatment of bronchial diseases). Due to the absence of interactions with other drugs, inhibitors leukotrienes can be used together with other medications.In rare cases, adverse reactions occur in the form of a headache, earache or sore throat.
Steroid sprays.(Beclomethasone (Bekonas, Beklazon), fluticasone (Nazarel, Flixonase, Avamis), Mometasone (Momat, Nasonex, Asmanex)) - in essence, these drugs are hormonal drugs. Their action is aimed at reducing inflammatory processes in the nasal passages (due to the reduction in symptoms of allergic reactions, nasal congestion goes away).
Since the absorption of the drugs is minimal, the occurrence of possible adverse reactions is completely excluded. However, it is worth remembering that long-term use of the drugs listed above can lead to a sore throat or bleeding. Before using this or that drug, you must visit your doctor and consult with him.
Hyposensitization. Another treatment method used along with drug treatment is immunotherapy. The essence of this method is this: an increasing number of allergens are gradually introduced into your body, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the body's sensitivity to a single allergen.
During the procedure described above, small doses of the allergen are administered as a subcutaneous injection. At the initial stage, you will be given injections every week (or even less frequently), while the dose of the allergen is constantly increasing.
The described regimen will be followed until a “maintenance dose” is reached (with the introduction of such a dose there will be a pronounced effect of reducing the usual reaction to the allergen). It is worth noting, however, that once this “maintenance dose” is reached, it will be necessary to administer it weekly for at least another two years. Most often, this method is prescribed if:
a person has been diagnosed with a severe form of allergy that does not respond well to conventional treatment;
a certain type of allergy has been detected, such as the body’s reaction to a bee or wasp sting.
Due to the fact that treatment can cause a severe allergic reaction, it is carried out exclusively in a medical facility under the supervision of a group of specialists.
Allergy prevention is based on preventing contact with the allergen. To prevent allergies, it is recommended to avoid contact with the allergen or reduce contact with it to a minimum. Of course, controlling allergy symptoms is difficult and very burdensome, so not everyone can handle it. After all, it is clear that if a person suffers, for example, from an allergy to pollen, then he should not go outside during the flowering season, especially in the middle of the day, when the air temperature reaches its maximum. And people with food allergies have to give preference to foods they don’t really like, following the advice of allergists and nutritionists.
It is not easy for those who are allergic to any pharmaceutical drugs; it is difficult to choose a safe medicine when treating any other diseases. The best prevention for most allergy sufferers is diet and hygiene. Important preventive measures against allergies are cleanliness of the premises, getting rid of woolen and down blankets, feather pillows, they can be replaced with products made from synthetic fabrics.
It is advisable to exclude contact with animals and eliminate mold in homes. The use of special insecticidal agents will eliminate mites living in upholstered furniture. If you are allergic to cosmetic preparations, it is advisable to carry out testing before choosing them and, if they are not suitable, stop using them.
Medicines that have expired should be thrown away. Allergy prevention includes ways to prevent initial manifestations and prevent relapses if it is known which allergen causes the disease. Taking care of your health is the primary task of every person; if you are susceptible to such a disease, it is recommended that you carefully observe all the conditions that prevent its development.
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
The head of the Clinic of Dermatovenereology and Allergology-Immunology answers your questions.
dermatovenerologist, candidate of medical sciences
My personal, more than 15 years of medical experience is complemented by the invaluable experience of my patients who have experienced the disease themselves. Therefore, I decided to build advice and recommendations aimed at treating and preventing the most common diseases within my competence in the form of answers to questions that my patients most often ask.
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
Various ailments that arise after contact with environmental factors (food, pollen, pets and dust, chemical compounds, sun and cold air, essentially everything that surrounds us) have been known since ancient times. Hippocrates also described the appearance of skin rashes and itching after drinking milk. Such conditions are called allergies.
However, there is also a scientific definition of allergies. This is a state of increased sensitivity of the body to various environmental factors, which develops with disorders of the immune system.
The prevalence of this disease is extremely high. According to the World Health Organization, at least one case of an allergic reaction has been registered in more than 85% of the world's population!
WHAT CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGY?
Foods can cause two different conditions: food allergies and food intolerances;
Medicines: most often - aspirin, antibiotics, sulfonamides and cardiovascular drugs;
Inhalation allergens: plant pollen, fungal spores, secretions, saliva and animal hair, house dust and micro mites, aerosols and volatile chemical compounds;
Stress and increased psycho-emotional stress;
Physical factors: friction, compression, vibration, low and high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, water and much more.
What is the difference between “FOOD ALLERGY” and “FOOD INTOLERANCE”?
With food intolerance, unlike food allergies, there are no changes in the immune system, and the reasons for the development of intolerance reactions are often associated with the presence of various concomitant diseases in a person, in particular, gastrointestinal, liver, nervous and endocrine systems. In addition, food allergies persist throughout a person’s life, and food intolerance may disappear after the causes that caused it are eliminated.
WHAT SYMPTOMS ARE CHARACTERISTIC OF ALLERGIES?
Manifestations of allergies vary in form, location, severity and prognosis. The most severe manifestation of allergies is anaphylactic shock, which can develop in a few minutes and manifests itself in the form of a sharp drop in blood pressure, suffocation, convulsions, swelling, and loss of consciousness.
Allergies can also manifest as respiratory symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
A large number of allergy manifestations are caused by the skin, starting from a very early age. Constant diaper rash in infants, even with the most careful care, rashes and itching of the skin in later life, constant or seasonal cracks and peeling on the palms and soles, swelling and “sticking” on the lips, dry skin and mucous membranes, persistent stomatitis.
Allergies often manifest themselves as symptoms of the stomach and intestines, which patients mistake for “food poisoning” - vomiting, colic, lack of appetite, constipation or, on the contrary, frequent loose stools, flatulence, itching in the mouth or throat.
WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THE FORMATION OF ALLERGIES?
Hereditary predisposition;
Malnutrition of the mother during pregnancy and lactation, abuse of certain products with pronounced allergenic activity: caviar, seafood, nuts, milk, chocolate and coffee;
Early transfer of the child to artificial feeding;
Irregular and irrational nutrition, abuse of canned and fermented foods;
Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics, especially penicillin;
Cold wet climate;
Constant contact with fungi-microorganisms, mold, dust;
Work in hazardous production.
WHAT PRODUCTS MOST COMMONLY CAUSE FOOD ALLERGIES?
Food allergies can develop after ingesting almost any food product, but there are food products that have more pronounced activity. These products include: fish, especially seafood, seafood (oysters, crustaceans, shellfish), nuts (especially hazelnuts and peanuts), eggs, milk, stone fruits (apricots, cherries, red apples), nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes), some food grains (wheat, oats). Often the cause of allergies is not the product itself, but various chemical additives - flavor enhancers and substitutes, as well as preservatives that ensure shelf life. The most common food colorings include tartrazine, which provides an orange-yellow color to the product, for example in ketchups; sodium nitrite, which preserves the rich red color of meat products, sausages and sausages. Food additives also include enzymes, thickeners, bacteriostatic substances, and antioxidants.
In addition, an allergic reaction can develop after eating foods rich in the biologically active substances histamine and tyramine: Roquefort, Camembert, Dor Blue and the like cheeses, spinach and sauerkraut, dried sausage, liver, avocado and caviar.
WHAT TREATMENT METHODS ARE USED FOR ALLERGIES?
To treat true ALLERGY, specific and nonspecific methods of therapy are used. Nonspecific methods are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of a developed disease and preventing exacerbations. Due to the critical role of the inflammatory mediator HISTAMINE in the development of an allergic reaction, a special place in the treatment of the disease is given to antihistamines. Every year, immune methods for the treatment and prevention of allergies, aimed not at eliminating symptoms, but at interrupting the immune mechanisms of predisposition and the development of allergic reactions, are becoming increasingly important.
Specific methods include elimination (elimination) of the allergen and specific desensitization, the so-called “allergy vaccination”. This method consists of introducing into the patient’s body in the form of subcutaneous injections and sublingual (under the tongue) drops of increasing doses of causative allergens with the formation of “strong immunity” to them. More than 20 years of experience in using this method has significantly improved the quality of life of many patients suffering from allergies.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET RID OF ALLERGIES COMPLETELY?
Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot yet offer a reliable and safe method of completely getting rid of allergies. However, correct and timely examination and treatment can significantly reduce the manifestations of this disease, as well as prevent its transition to a more severe form.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A PREDISPOSITION TO ALLERGIES?
It's very simple. It is enough to take a blood test. No special preparation is required for this study. The main thing during this period is not to take medications aimed at suppressing immune reactions: antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids, antibacterial and sedative drugs. If a blood test shows the doctor that you have an increase in certain immune parameters and specific sensitization, you need to be examined further. To do this, “skin tests” are carried out - introducing microdoses of the most common allergens into the upper layers of the skin. It is also necessary to conduct spirography - a special breathing test to identify signs of allergic bronchitis and asthma.
IS IT POSSIBLE DURING AN EXAMINATION TO IDENTIFY ALL FACTORS CAUSING ALLEGRY?
While it is quite easy to establish a predisposition to allergies, identifying all the triggering factors is sometimes quite difficult. When conducting a blood test, sensitization (sensitivity) to a number of food and inhalation factors can be detected. Skin tests can further expand the list of allergens. Next, a search for “cross allergens” is carried out. Cross-allergic reactions occur when consuming foods that have similar chemical structures to plants, microorganisms or household substances. For example, if you are allergic to fungal microorganisms (household mold), an allergic reaction may develop when consuming kefir, kvass, champagne, sauerkraut or fresh yeast bread, since all these products have common antigenic structures characteristic of fungi. However, it should be remembered that being allergic to a substance belonging to a particular family does not mean that you will develop an allergy to all components of that family. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will help determine the presence of allergies to specific substances.
The situation is more complicated with physical allergy factors, which cause solar or cold urticaria, asthma, dermographism, vibrational forms of allergy and others. Often, specific examinations are carried out to identify such forms of allergies.
Thus, to understand whether you have an allergy, you need to know all its manifestations. However, we should not forget that only a qualified doctor can make a final diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Allergies can be considered as a set of various disorders in the body that combine into a single pathology.
Sensitivity to allergens can occur due to heredity or mental state - factors leading to the development of many diseases.
The number of people susceptible to hypersensitivity to allergens is increasing every year.
Almost every third person has at least once experienced an allergic reaction to a particular substance. You will learn how to determine allergies using modern diagnostic methods in this article. Allergic reactions are directly related to the human immune system. In response to the introduction of foreign agents, the body produces immunoglobulins, which stop the action of microorganisms.
However, with increased activity of the immune system, antibodies can be produced to completely harmless substances. As a result, the person suffers from a runny nose, conjunctivitis or itchy skin. Allergies can be different - food (eggs, chocolate), seasonal (pollen bloom), household (dust), etc.
Potential allergens include chemicals, food, animal dander, and many other elements that people encounter every day. Normally, the skin and mucous membranes of the body are a barrier to the penetration of allergens.
Therefore, the immunopathological process must necessarily be caused by certain factors, as a result of which the irritating effect of the substance occurs. Therefore, when wondering how to determine an allergy, you must first identify the cause that results in an allergic reaction.
Factors contributing to the occurrence of an immunopathological reaction:
- Hereditary predisposition. Thanks to modern research, genes have been identified that are responsible for enhancing the body's immune response. According to statistics, if one parent suffers from an allergic reaction, the risk of allergies in the child increases. If both mother and father suffer from the pathology, then allergies in their children can be predicted by approximately eighty percent.
- Professional activity or everyday life. If a person is in contact for a long time with substances that can be potentially dangerous, then after a while a pronounced response of the body may occur. For example, a person working with chemicals, medications, etc. is at risk of developing allergic dermatitis. At home, dust can become an allergen if the premises are rarely wet cleaned.
- Bad habits. When inhaling cigarette smoke, the integrity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract is disrupted, as a result of which various foreign agents penetrate the protective barrier, causing a corresponding reaction in the body. Alcohol, in turn, poisons the body with toxins, which can result in autoallergy, in which cells of the immune system destroy the body’s own cells.
- Infections. If a person often suffers from colds, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, then pathogenic microorganisms are constantly present in his body. This situation forces the immune system to work in an enhanced mode, which ultimately leads to disruption of its functions. Particularly dangerous in this regard is hemolytic streptococcus, which has a structure similar to the cells of some human organs. The fight of immune cells with this microorganism ultimately turns into autoallergy.
- Low-quality cosmetics and household chemicals. Some cleaning or body care products may contain harsh chemicals that, when penetrating the skin, can trigger an immune response in the body. This can be either harmless dermatitis or a more serious reaction - Quincke's edema.
- Products. A number of products contain substances that, if consumed regularly, can provoke an immunopathological process. The most common allergies are to seafood, eggs, and citrus fruits. But products and supplements containing synthetic substances are more dangerous.
- Vaccination. Failure to comply with the timing of administration and exceeding doses of vaccines can lead to a severe allergic reaction caused by a powerful immune response of the body.
The most common symptoms of an immune response to allergens include a runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. The latter is expressed in the formation of a rash on the skin in the form of itchy blisters. In infants, allergies can be observed in the form of prickly heat.
The most dangerous manifestations of allergies are bronchial asthma, anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema. Bronchial asthma is expressed in attacks of suffocation, and Quincke's edema is characterized by rapidly increasing swelling of the mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue. Anaphylactic shock is manifested by nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and cardiac depression.
Why are allergen tests so necessary?
The immunopathological process must be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, since further contact with the allergen can cause serious consequences for the body. Allergen tests are necessary for reasons such as:
- Confirmation of the diagnosis, because allergy symptoms are similar to other diseases of infectious etiology.
- Identification of allergens in order to exclude contact with it in the future, which will stop the allergic reaction.
- Identification of factors that provoke the development of an immune response to an allergen.
Diagnosis of allergic diseases: review of research methods
In the treatment of allergies, it is important to identify triggering substances. For this purpose, various diagnostic measures are carried out.
Tests to identify allergens are carried out in the allergology department of clinics. There are different methods for diagnosing allergic diseases.
Which one to choose is determined by the doctor after examining the patient. Allergens are identified by examining skin reactions or blood tests.
Samples are divided into types:
- Provocation. The patient is given a small dose of the allergen and the body's reaction is observed.
- Direct research. Allergens are detected using skin tests without the introduction of an allergen.
- Indirect sample. The allergen is injected under the skin, and then a blood sample is taken and tested.
If a person is sensitive to a certain substance, the skin will become inflamed upon contact with the allergen. Thus, you can find out which of the supposed substances provokes allergic reactions.
Several types of skin tests are performed:
- Scarification (cuts, scratches). It is performed on the forearm area, where allergens (no more than fifteen) are applied, and then small incisions are made in these places. If the skin near one or more incisions becomes swollen, it means that these substances provoke an immune response.
- Application. Strips with allergens are applied to the skin of the hand and secured with a band-aid. The reaction to the substances is observed over the course of two days. If it manifests itself within a few hours, then we can talk about an immunocomplex type of reaction, and if after a day or more, it can be said to be a slow reaction.
- Injection. Substances are injected under the skin and the body’s reaction is observed.
With any immune response, specific antibodies are released into the blood. To identify allergies, blood is examined for the presence of IgE antibodies. In this case, the suspected allergens are not introduced into the patient’s body; all studies are carried out after blood sampling.
Blood for the test is taken from a vein. Next, the serum is separated from it and the material is placed in test tubes with allergens. If there are antibodies to the substance, they interact. If the answer is positive, the person’s allergic status is confirmed.
There are two research methods:
- Multiple allergy sorbent test. A fluorescent dye is added to the materials under study, which produces a luminescent glow. The result is determined by a photograph of the material.
- Radioallergosorbent test. A radioactive isotope is added to the test tubes. The result is determined in a special apparatus.
The results are interpreted based on the level of IgE antibodies. If it is within normal limits, then there is no allergy. A slight excess of indicators indicates the presence of an immunopathological process. If the antibody level is very high, this indicates a severe allergic reaction. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment: prescribes antihistamines and talks about preventive measures.
Today I would like to talk about what types of allergic reactions there are, how to recognize them, as well as methods of dealing with allergies. So. First of all, I would like to clarify that an allergy is an inadequate reaction of the body when exposed to certain substances called allergens. At the moment, an allergic reaction is a very common thing, and experts have not yet found a way to get rid of it forever. Also, allergies can worry a person who has a weak immune system - in this case, the body is not able to fight allergens on its own, and a reaction such as a rash, swelling, severe, and even blisters may appear on the body.
Its molecules are released in some quantities into the human blood at the moment when he comes into contact with the allergen. As a result, severe itching of the skin, swelling and redness appears. It often happens that an allergic reaction is inherited.
Methods for determining types of allergies in humans
In order to understand what you are allergic to, you should consult an allergist. Of course, you can try to identify which allergens you have a reaction to; to do this, you just need to monitor after which irritants your body begins to “rebel.” However, this method is not very effective, since allergies can occur to several types of irritants at once, so it is still better to seek specialized help.
There are, of course, symptoms in which you are “running into a conundrum.” Infections or other diseases of the skin or lungs as a trigger for symptoms are not questioned, the doctor tries "on suspicion", perhaps calling up allergens or allergen groups and allergy triggers.
Extensive history is critical
The basis for any good diagnosis is a detailed medical history, that is, recording and analyzing the patient's medical history. This is followed by a skin allergy test, depending on need and severity of symptoms, sometimes a blood test is performed. In some cases, a so-called challenge test is necessary, in which the patient's allergic symptoms are artificially induced under medical supervision by controlled confrontation with a suspected allergen. In most cases, diagnosis can be made through history and a skin test.
The doctor will most likely offer the patient a comprehensive examination, which will consist of several tests. First of all, you need to talk to your doctor, find out exactly when the allergic reaction began, and also after what the person developed a rash.
You also need to frankly answer questions about your living environment, where exactly you work, and whether your immediate family has allergies. After all, everyone knows that 40% of allergies are inherited if the mother is sick, and 60% if both parents suffer from allergic reactions. The doctor will tell his patient in detail how to determine what he is allergic to. So, there are the following methods for determining allergic reactions in a patient:
More and more horses are suffering from allergies. There are many symptoms, so allergies are often difficult to diagnose. In principle, allergies are not curable. Horse owners can only try to improve the quality of life for their horses. In recent years, the number of horses suffering from allergies has been steadily increasing. The reason for this is the attitude of the animals, which, unfortunately, often does not correspond and do not correspond to the natural living conditions of horses. Boxer horses in particular suffer from allergies in particular: these animals are more stable than in the open air and are often exposed to dust and grief when confined.
- Skin. Typically, to carry out this analysis, a person is given a small injection that contains a certain amount of the allergen. If a negative reaction occurs, it means the patient has an allergy.
- Blood test for the presence of Ig E antibodies . This method is considered very effective. To do this, the patient needs to donate a certain amount of blood from a vein, and the antibody test helps the specialist who conducts the test determine what exactly the patient is allergic to.
- Scarification test. With this method, a certain amount of different allergens must be applied to the patient’s skin. After that, it is necessary to make small scratches with a scarifier, through which the allergen should enter the patient’s body. If swelling or irritation appears in the area where there is a scratch with an allergenic substance, it is believed that the person is allergic to this allergen. It should be noted that many mothers are concerned about the issue how to understand what you are allergic to at their children. This method is absolutely safe, so it can also be performed on children. A maximum of 15 allergens can be tested per test.
- Elimination tests. To implement this method, the doctor advises the patient to eliminate a certain substance to which the patient is believed to have an allergic reaction. If after two weeks the person feels significantly better, it means that this product was an allergen.
- Provocative method. This testing method should only be carried out by an experienced specialist, as the reaction of the human body can be unpredictable. So, the doctor applies a certain amount of the allergen directly under the patient’s tongue or nose, while carefully monitoring the reaction. If a strong cough begins, watery eyes after a certain allergen, it means that the person has an allergy.
After you pass all the examinations, the doctor, based on the results he receives, will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. I would like to add that allergy is a disease that cannot be treated; you can only alleviate its symptoms. Once you find out what exactly causes the allergic reaction, you will have to avoid any contact with these substances. The most common types of allergies are: food allergies, household allergies, and seasonal allergies.
Because the horse has too little exposure to pasture and is therefore not exposed to natural environmental stimuli, the immune system can only develop with difficulty. High dust loads, ammonia vapors from manure heaps and dry food quickly attack the immune system. This corresponds to an allergic reaction.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is an extreme protective reaction of the body. Triggers are so-called allergens. Allergens consist of different chemical compositions and therefore cannot be generalized into one group. Once the allergens enter the body, the body reacts strongly and produces antibodies. The protective cells react and we are talking about typical symptoms, such as, for example, skin rashes, as well as stomach and pulse problems.
Determining the source of an allergic reaction at home is possible through trial and error, which can turn into a life-threatening condition.
Doctors have a lot of ways to find out the cause of an allergy in a more reliable way, without playing a fortune teller. For example, skin test methods, which are divided into the following types:
Every allergy is caused by so-called allergens. They are available in many different forms. Mites, pollen, mold and chemicals. . In addition, more and more horses are also showing intolerance to the sun's rays and various pollutants, the percentage of which is increasing in our atmosphere.
Division into breath energy, skin allergies and food allergology
Horses can be affected by many different allergies. As a result, some horses exhibit seasonal symptoms, while other animals suffer from allergies throughout the year. Allergies are not always immediately recognizable. In part, the allergens have already been in the horse's body for several days before the first symptoms appear. This fact makes the diagnosis in part very difficult and time consuming. The most severe form of an allergic reaction occurs in allergic shock. In general, equine allergies are divided into three different types of allergies: respiratory allergies, skin allergies, and food allergies.
- trick testing - using an injection;
- scratching test - the allergen is applied by scratching the skin;
- intradermal test - the suspected substance is injected with a syringe.
These types of examinations are carried out by examining the skin of the forearm area after contact with a small amount of purified allergen.
Symptoms of respiratory allergies
Respiratory allergies are one of the most common forms of allergies. Basically, there are two different triggers for respiratory diseases: infection by bacteria and viruses or an allergic reaction of the internal mucous membranes to inhalant allergens. Allergens are usually absorbed by low-quality foods or poorly ventilated and dusty air. The respiratory disease first manifests itself as a cough. Although a horse's first cough does not immediately suggest an allergy, a horse owner should watch for signs and symptoms promptly and contact a veterinarian.
How to find out what you are allergic to in the most informative way? Allergists use provocative testing. The essence of the technique is to place the allergen directly into the hypersensitive organ. In case of a primary reaction from the eyes, the provocateur is injected into the conjunctival sac; in the case of allergic rhinitis, into the nasal sinuses; for asthmatic manifestations, the allergen is inhaled using an inhaler. Such a study of the patient’s condition when interacting with the source of the allergy requires the presence of a physician who can provide emergency assistance if necessary.
Prolonged cough and long-term breathing problems can lead to what is called the “worst case.” Other early symptoms include difficulty breathing and a runny nose. If the horse is coughing, do not use suppressive medication. Only when coughing can accumulate accumulated mucus in the respiratory system, and allergens can be coughed up. Find detailed information about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.
The skin is the horse's largest organ. It is in direct contact with the outside world and thus responds to external stimuli and influences. Because skin allergies are caused primarily by insects, grasses, and sunlight, horses are especially affected in the summer. An allergic skin reaction can manifest itself in many ways.
How to find out if you have an allergy?
Allergies appear on any skin, can be “masked” as a runny nose, and the duration of the painful condition lasts from a couple of minutes to several days.
How to find out if you have an allergy? First of all, you need to remember the signs of the development of the disease:
- redness, a feeling of pain in the eyes, lacrimation;
- rashes on various parts of the skin accompanied by itching (urticaria, eczema, etc.);
- changes in stool, nausea;
- constant, dry cough, mainly at night;
- pulmonary wheezing, suffocation;
- feeling of a lump in the throat, soreness and itching;
- prolonged nasal congestion with clear, watery discharge;
- swelling of certain areas of the body, most often the face/eyelids;
- paroxysmal sneezing for no apparent reason;
- joint pain.
The listed phenomena are protracted, chronic, worsening in the presence of an allergen. For example, when dust accumulates at home, the patient’s painful symptoms increase. Only properly done cleaning brings long-awaited relief.
Symptoms of food allergies
- Small scaly and rough patches on the skin may develop.
- All around the tail, rump, mane, ears and chin.
- The horse spooks itself and hairless and sore spots develop.
- In case of sun intolerance, conjunctivitis may occur.
How to find out if you have an allergy with medical help? A consultation with an allergist is never superfluous. It can be very difficult to independently identify and generally understand whether you have an allergy. Initially, the doctor collects data on suspected allergic manifestations based on your words. Next, a special examination is prescribed - skin testing, which helps to determine the cause of the unpleasant symptoms. If necessary, a blood/sputum test, respiratory function test, and x-ray diagnostics of the chest and sinuses are performed. After which the doctor can draw conclusions about the presence of the disease.
And the result: many horses have an allergic reaction to many different components of the feed. Typical symptoms of such allergies include diarrhea and gastric and intestinal disorders. Some horses even suffer from almost "constant" persistence. Treatment for food allergies is by far the most expensive, as the diagnosis as well as the therapy are very complex and time-consuming.
Brain thinking can also be caused by an allergic reaction in the body. You will find about symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Many allergy symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Especially with respiratory diseases, other pathogens such as insects and bugs can cause the same symptoms. In the case of food allergies, it can often take a very long time to find the relevant allergens in the food. All this makes the diagnosis of allergies very difficult and time-consuming.
How to find out what causes an allergy?
Most of us do not like to go to the hospital and try to independently identify the cause of the allergy.
How to find out what causes allergies without leaving home? This can be done with special tests available at pharmacy kiosks. One drop of blood is enough to get results equivalent to laboratory ones. Increased sensitivity to the allergen will be indicated by a plus on the test strip; if there is no reaction, a minus will appear. The duration of the study of each suspected substance takes half an hour.
If your horse shows the symptoms described, you should contact your veterinarian. First, the living conditions of the animal are analyzed. At the next stage, a detailed examination of the horse is performed in such a way as to exclude other diseases with the same symptoms. It can be very helpful for the veterinarian if the horse owner is prepared with the following questions.
For allergies, your veterinarian has two different testing methods. Once a blood sample has been taken from the horse, it is sent to a special laboratory. There it is examined for possible antibodies. As a second option, your veterinarian may perform an allergy test. The horse is injected with numerous small syringes containing various allergens into the skin. If the skin reacts with slight swelling, an allergy to the relevant allergen may be diagnosed. A blood test is much more convenient for the horse, while the information from an allergy test is much more informative.
You can also try to avoid contact with the suspected allergen. Transport your pets and do a thorough cleaning if you notice signs of sensitivity to fur. If the painful symptoms decrease or completely get rid of, you will have to forget about the animals in the house.
The situation is more complicated with children under two years of age. The child’s immune system is still developing, so laboratory diagnostic methods are ineffective and even erroneous. How to find out what you are allergic to in such a situation? If there is a sensitivity to any product, parents are advised to keep a food diary. It is important to record each product and the baby’s reaction in it. This way you can avoid allergic reactions to food. If there is a painful manifestation of several types of foods, you should first cancel all of them, and then introduce the diet one at a time, carefully monitoring the reaction. Similar advice is also relevant in adulthood.
Allergies are a lifelong disease. With the help of medications, the quality of life improves significantly, but there are no cures. Due to the chemical diversity of allergens, the panacea cannot be used against foreign bodies. In cases of acute allergy shock, the veterinarian may prescribe a variety of medications such as fatty acids, antihistamines, and cortisone. These drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect and cause the symptoms to quickly disintegrate.
Based on an allergy test, there is the possibility of immunotherapy. This treatment can take anywhere from several months to several years and therefore requires some persistence from the horse owner. A solution is prepared for the horse that contains exactly the allergens to which the horse is sensitive. This solution is injected into the horse over several months. The veterinarian should draw up the timing of the injections and the exact doses. The body is exposed to foreign bodies and must learn to tolerate them.
Even if you get to the bottom of the true cause of your discomfort, still consult an immunologist. A specialist will help you choose the right treatment for your specific situation, while self-therapy can only worsen the situation and lead to chronic diseases.
How to find out what you are allergic to? - an important question, but this is only the first step in a complex medical intervention, including: reducing the strength and frequency of attacks, immunocorrective programs.
Typical symptoms may occur during immunotherapy. The success of therapy is often observed only after many months. Some horses that suffer from multiple allergies even need to undergo immunotherapy for the rest of their lives. Up to 70% of all administered therapies lead to long-term success.
If the animal is affected by a food allergy, a so-called elimination diet may be performed. For several weeks, the horse's feeding is limited to one food. If allergic symptoms persist, it can be assumed that the horse is allergic to the missing feed components. As a counter-test, this food can be served again: if symptoms reappear, the diagnosis will be confirmed. In the case of an elimination diet, care should be taken to replace the feed product, not just the presentation sign.