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Allergy

Also called: Hypersensitivity

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are

Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role.

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Symptoms of Allergy

The following features are indicative of Allergy:
  • abdominal pain
  • bloating
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • itchy skin
  • swelling of the skin during hives

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Common Causes of Allergy

The following are the most common causes of Allergy:
  • heredity
  • respiratory reactions
  • dietary changes
  • exposure to infectious diseases
  • environmental pollution
  • stress

Risk Factors for Allergy

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Allergy:
  • heredity
  • exposure to infections during early childhood
  • exposure to environmental pollution
  • increased allergen levels
  • sudden dietary changes

Prevention of Allergy

No, it is not possible to prevent Allergy.
  • family inheritance

Occurrence of Allergy

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Allergy cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Allergy can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Allergy can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Allergy

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Allergy:
  • Skin prick testing: To puncture or prick the skin to put allergens in it
  • Patch testing: To detect a specific substance causing allergic inflammation
  • Blood testing: To diagnose allergies

Doctor for Diagnosis of Allergy

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Allergy:
  • Allergist
  • Immunologist

Complications of Allergy if untreated

Yes, Allergy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Allergy is left untreated:
  • anaphylaxis
  • asthma
  • sinusitis
  • infections of the ears or lungs
  • allergic fungal sinusitis
  • allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Procedures for Treatment of Allergy

The following procedures are used to treat Allergy:
  • Allergen immunotherapy: To change the immune system's response

Medicines for Allergy

Below is the list of medicines used for Allergy:

Self-care for Allergy

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Allergy:
  • Saline nasal irrigation: Rinse out the sinuses with a salt and water solution
  • Avoid exposure to dust mites or pet dander: Frequently wash bedding and stuffed toys in hot water, regularly use a vacuum with a fine filter and maintain low humidity
  • Reduce moisture in damp areas: Reduce moisture with dehumidifiers and ventilation fans

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Allergy

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Allergy:
  • Acupuncture point injection therapy: To treat hives

Patient Support for Treatment of Allergy

The following actions may help Allergy patients:
  • Education: Learn more about allergies from internet and nonprofit organizations

Time for Treatment of Allergy

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Allergy to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Allergy.
Anaphylaxis
Asthma
Drug Reactions
Food Allergy
Hay Fever
Hives
Indoor Air Pollution
Latex Allergy
Sinusitis

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