Pollen allergies

Allergy is a health condition caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to environmental substances that poses no harm to the environment. This reaction differs from person to person and most times comes with diseases like hay fever, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and anaphylaxis.

Antibodies are generated by the body’s immune system, so when you are experiencing an allergy, the immune system produces antibodies that detect a certain allergen as unsafe, even if it may not be occasionally. The body’s interaction with this allergen instigates your immune system to react and this can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. Allergic reaction changes from person to person and can range from simple or minor irritation to something as life-threatening as anaphylaxis. Most of these allergies cannot be cured but with adequate treatment can come relief.

Different types of allergens can produce different allergies. There are different types of allergies and each comes with its reactions. There is a chance of experiencing more than one allergy. Food allergy. There are different types of allergy which include: Pet Allergy, Dust mites allergy, Pollen allergy, Drug allergy, Allergic asthma, Latex allergy, Hay fever, Anaphylaxis.

Food allergy

Food allergy is a bad or unsafe immune system reaction after the consumption of a specific food. Even the smallest amount of allergy-causing food can initiate signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, swollen airways and hives. There are 2 types of food allergies.

  • non- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated food allergy.
  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated

IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms result from antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced when the IgE antibodies react with a specific type of food.

The Non-IgE mediated food allergy, on the other hand, works with other parts of the body’s immune system when it reacts to a specific food. This reaction initiates symptoms, but an IgE antibody is not involved. It is possible for someone to have both IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated food allergies.

The IgE mediated food allergies peculiar in infants and children are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. The allergic reaction can involve the skin, mouth, eyes, lungs, heart, gut and brain.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention. An epinephrine (adrenaline) shot is to be given to anyone who has an anaphylactic reaction as soon as possible because it can be fatal. Epinephrine shots can reverse the symptoms within minutes, and if the reaction continues another dose should be given within 30 minutes. These shots need a prescription to get as they cannot be gotten over the counter, come pre-filled and in ready-to-use pens.

Although Anaphylaxis is rare, and most people pull through it, it is vital to tell your doctor about any drug allergies, including dental care. It’s also important to wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant or carry a card that shows information about your allergy. If you’ve had an anaphylactic reaction before, you have a higher risk of having another one. You also stand a high risk if you have a family history of anaphylaxis or asthma attacks.

Dust mites allergy

Dust mite allergy is a common type of allergy and can be easily managed if treated well. Often, a person will suffer symptoms of dust mite allergy that include: redeyes, stuffiness, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose or throat.  People who have asthma may have it bad as their asthmatic symptoms are triggered.

There are two ways dust mites cause allergy, through their waste and their body remains. The waste they produce as they eat cause allergen, and some people are allergic to this. While the remains of their body parts are also another cause of allergen. These remains are the second allergen formed during their life cycle. Because of the resemblances with other allergies, it can be difficult to differentiate an allergy caused by dust mites. If allergy symptoms continue all through the year, then it may be a sign that dust mites are the cause.

Pet Allergy

Pet Allergies are caused by a protein found in the dead skin cells of animals, saliva and urine. Many people are also allergic to birds excreta. The proteins from pets are passed on microscopic particles through the air. When these particles are inhaled, they trigger reactions in allergic people. Nonetheless, some varieties are deemed more allergy-friendly, this might be because they are trained more frequently, a procedure that eliminates much of the dander. It is a common misapprehension that people are allergic to a dog or cat’s hair, and it is wrongly assumed that an animal that sheds less will not cause a reaction.

Pet allergy signs and symptoms caused by the nasal passages inflammation which include: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy nose, facial pressure and pain, trouble sleeping, swollen, blue-colored skin around the eyes. If your pet allergy adds to asthma, you may also go through hurdle breathing, audible whistling/wheezing, and coughing.

Pollen Allergy

Pollen is a yellowish powder that is transferred from plant to plant by the wind, by birds, by insects or by other animals. The spread of pollen aids in the fertilization to plants and can mean despair for seasonal allergy sufferers. It is wise to keep a tab on what you are allergic to and keep medications handy. Pollens and molds can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. The symptoms of pollen allergy include runny nose and mucus production, itchy nose, eyes and mouth, sneezing, stuffy nose (nasal congestion), red and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17143438

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4829390/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907832/

https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/pollen-allergy

Leave a comment