For some people, allergies aren’t just a seasonal issue. Learn more about allergies and treatment options
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system is hypersensitive to a random substance. This hypersensitivity can result in anything from a mild rash to altogether more serious consequences if left unchecked. Read on to discover the most common allergies and practical treatments to help manage allergies.
Quick Read:
- Allergies come in all shapes, forms and strengths – and millions of people are susceptible to them.
- Both the environment and your genetics play a role in your vulnerability to allergies.
- “Allergy” was first named by an Austrian paediatrician, Clemens von Pirquet in 1906. At the time, he used it to describe the odd body reactions he noticed from some patients as they interacted with certain substances.
How do allergies start?
Scientists have identified various types of allergies and research suggests different coping mechanisms, but it it is still impossible to explain exactly why your body reacts adversely to milk or you sneeze uncontrollably around certain animals. Also, allergy symptoms can mimic other conditions, which is why it’s important to get tested. Allergies can sometimes be mistaken for other illnesses, such as colds or sinus infections, because they share similar symptoms like congestion and coughing.
First, genetics may play a role in your vulnerability. For example, if one of your parents has a specific type of allergy, you may have it too. If a mother smoked during pregnancy, this could increase the baby’s risk of developing asthma.
Your environment is another important factor in allergy risk. Some people develop an allergy to pollen, for instance. What essentially happens is that your immune system goes into overdrive in relation to a harmless substance. For some reason, the immune system identifies it as a dangerous element and defends itself. This typically manifests as sneezing, coughing, itching or a rash.
What are the most common allergies?
- Allergies attack in a variety of ways. Most commonly, you may develop allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever (see more below), which includes sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, as well as a runny nose and nasal congestion.
- Allergic dermatitis, which results when the skin reacts to contact with a certain substance (for example, fragranced soap or poison ivy) and produces a rash or some form of irritation, is another common manifestation of an allergy.
- You can also develop hives, swelling, allergy-related asthma, eczema, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
- There’s also a remote chance of anaphylactic shock, a severe and potentially fatal reaction to an allergen.
Hay fever
This is an adverse reaction to small particles of plant or animal protein that invade the sensitive membranes of your eyes, nose and throat. According to the Allergy Foundation of SA, hay fever can be hereditary. Triggers can include household pets, pollen, dust mites and mold. Symptoms can be nasal or non-nasal and include a runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, a blocked nose and sneezing.
It is possible that people with pollen allergies may experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS) when eating certain fruits or vegetables. This happens because some proteins in these foods are similar to pollen proteins, triggering an allergic reaction in the mouth.
The most common treatments are nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines – but always get a proper diagnosis. Use the treatment prescribed by your doctor for your specific symptoms. Keep your environment as dust-free as possible and stay away from furry pets.
Food allergies
Some of the most common food allergies are milk, peanuts, eggs, soy, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish. Always carry your emergency medication with you, especially if you are going out for a meal. If your child has an allergy, ensure that their school and caregiver know how to administer their medication. The same applies if your child is on a playdate at a friend’s house – the parent in charge must know about their allergy. Make it a habit to read food labels and even menu items before eating out. You never know if there are small amounts of the allergen in the food.
Insect bite allergies
Insect bite allergies manifest when your body overreacts to the saliva or venom from an insect, like a mosquito, bee, or ant. Normally, bites or stings cause mild swelling, redness, or itching. But if you’re allergic, your immune system sees these as a bigger threat, causing more intense reactions like large swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and you need immediate medical help.
Treatment can range from using antihistamines to, in serious cases, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen).
Get tested for allergies
It’s a smart idea to get tested for potential allergies, so you have a credible diagnosis rather than making assumptions. A doctor will review your medical history, perform a thorough examination, and run specific tests to identify the cause of your symptoms. If your child shows similar signs of reactions, it’s worth them being tested as well.
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