How to identify and cure allergies?

Allergic diseases represent diseases of modern times and are constantly increasing. They give very different symptoms, considering that allergy can appear in any organ

Dr. Haxhere Bullaku
Clinical Allergist and Immunologist
phone + 383 44 256 438

More and more often, in vague symptoms, doctors and patients think of allergic diseases and seek their diagnosis.

What allergic diseases exist and how to detect them?

Allergic diseases are caused by the immune system's hypersensitivity to typical environmental substances, and can be detected by allergic skin tests and specific IgE. These diseases include:

– Allergic rhinitis
– Atopic dermatitis
– Allergic asthma
– Food allergies
– Anaphylaxis.

Who do they threaten and how do allergies manifest themselves?

Allergies can occur in anyone who has inherited the allergy gene, regardless of age. They are manifested with different symptoms such as: redness and itching of the eyes, swelling of the eyes, itching and congestion of the nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing in the chest, shortness of breath, urticaria, etc.

How are they cured, controlled and what are the most frequent causes?

Management of allergic diseases includes:

- creation of hypoallergenic conditions
- antiallergic therapy, and
- immunotherapy

The most common causes of allergy are:

– Genetic factors, and
- External environmental factors such as: house dust, pollen, mold, animal epithelium, insects.

Why have allergies become so massive?

In recent years, the number of patients with allergic diseases is increasing more and more, especially in developed countries. We should mention the Hygiene Theory, by which we understand that raising children in better living conditions, not having contact with the causes of various infections, causes their immune system to develop towards allergic diseases.

As another cause, we should also mention the development of industry as the number one cause of environmental pollution.

When should you go to the doctor if you have noticed an allergy?

If the patient complains of symptoms such as itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, cough, etc., then he should be notified to the doctor.

Where do problems appear in diagnostics?

Regarding the diagnosis of allergic diseases, allergy skin tests and specific IgE or blood allergy tests should be done.

In the beginning, antiallergic therapy is given such as: antihistamine, corticosteroids, antileukotrienes, that is, depending on the patient's health condition. Then we can also decide on Immunotherapy.

Can you identify what you are allergic to?

The patient cannot exactly identify what he is allergic to. So, adequate tests should be done.

Does the allergy go away spontaneously without therapy?

Allergy does not go away without therapy.

Problems faced by allergy sufferers

Seasonal allergies, which cause the symptoms we mentioned above, can negatively affect daily activities such as work or school, and what's more, medications taken to treat allergic symptoms can cause side effects, including sleep problems.

Also, allergic reactions can release various vasoactive chemicals or substances in the body, which can cause fatigue. All these can cause irritability, with loss of mood.

The importance of prevention

Creating an allergy management plan is key to preventing allergic reactions. It is also necessary to control the allergy. The patient should cooperate with his doctor and create his allergy management plan.

Controlling allergies and preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy.

Here are some methods of allergy management:

- Avoid contact with allergens. This is very important, but not easy. If we cannot get away from a certain allergen, we should try to have as little contact with that allergen as possible.

– We must take the medications prescribed by the doctor. They can help manage symptoms. Let's take them until we can't get rid of the allergen.

- If the patient is at risk of anaphylaxis, he must carry epinephrine, the autoinjection, with him at all times.

– Keeping a diary. Write down every action, what food the patient took, when the symptoms started.

- Always ask the doctor what we need to know and how to act in case of an allergic reaction. /Telegraph/