ALLERGIES are diseases of the immune system which occur when there is an overreaction to different substances. These substances are called allergens. They can be inhaled into the nose and lungs, swallowed by mouth, injected (medications), and absorbed through the skin.

Some of these allergens include dust, pollen, grass, animal fur or skin, dust mites, sprays, medicine, food, especially seafood, peanuts, eggs, and milk.

Once there is exposure to the allergen, a substance called an antibody is produced. After re-exposure to the same allergen, the immune system causes production of cells that release certain materials that lead to the various allergy symptoms.

These are the various ways that allergic diseases manifest:

Allergic rhinitis:

sneezing, stuffy nose, itching of the nose, clear discharge

Allergic conjunctivitis: Itchy and watery eyes, red eyes

Eczema: Itching, generalised dry and scaly skin

Urticaria (Hives):

Generalised wheals, extreme itching of the skin

Anaphylaxis:

Life-threatening, low blood pressure, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing

Food allergies:

Itching or swelling of lips or tongue, tightness of the throat, hoarseness, nausea, and vomiting. This can also lead to anaphylaxis.

These people may also have a personal and family history of asthma, family history of allergic diseases.

Treatment

The first line of treatment is to avoid allergen exposure. Sometimes it might be difficult to identify triggers, so you will have to be like a detective and pay close attention to be able to identify these particular triggers.

Allergy medications are used especially to relieve itching, stuffy nose, sneezing. There are also nose drops and allergy eye drops which your doctor will prescribe. Ointments and moisturizers are used for treating eczema. Patients in severe cases with difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and symptoms of low blood pressure, need emergency medical attention.

Once allergies are established, prevention is vital to the care of these persons. To prevent the need for allergy medications, it is important to avoid all known precipitants.

Dr Michelle Williams is a paediatrician at Kidz Klinik.

She may be contacted at dr.michelle.williams2014@gmail.com