Know About Your Allergy & Immunity

Dr.Meena , 4 mins read

The way the allergic disease is increasing in India is alarming. It has become an epidemic today. Approximately 30% of the total population in India suffers from at least one allergic disease, be it allergic sinusitis, allergic asthma, allergic skin disorder(eczema), food allergy, drug allergy, allergy rhinitis, insect allergy, or pet allergy among many others and the number is still counting. People who have a family history of allergic disorders are more prone to this disease. The symptoms may be from mild to serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) if there is no medical intervention on time.

One of the major contributing factors for this disease is the adoption of an urban lifestyle and diet because reports suggest that people living in countryside/rural areas/farms are less affected by allergic diseases than people living in cities or big towns. The proof after various researches done by scientists has emerged that air pollution, unhygienic lifestyle, stress, viral and other infections are also responsible for this disease.

What is the immune system?

It is a defensive mechanism of our body. It defends our body against the substance it sees as harmful and foreign. Our body's immune system protects us from microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses and keeps these out of our body. It also destroys the infectious microorganisms when they invade our bodies. Our immune system is made up of special organs, cells, and chemicals. It includes white blood cells, antibodies, complement system, lymphatic system, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. Together they form the defense system of our body.

Causes of Allergic reaction/disorders:

Allergic reactions in our body occur when our immune system reacts by producing antibodies to fight against the allergen. Our immune system reacts when we are allergic to an allergen (dust, mold, pollen, etc.). People of all ages, races, genders, and ethnicity are affected by allergic disorders.

What are the symptoms of Allergy?

Different allergic disorders have different symptoms. These are:

• Food Allergy – It includes tingling in the mouth, swelling of the throat, face, tongue, or lips, Hives, etc.
• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) – It includes sneezing, nose, and eyes, anaphylaxis, etc.
• Insect Allergy - This allergic disorder can cause swelling at the bite site, itching all over the body, cough, breathing problems, chest congestion, anaphylaxis, etc.
• Allergic skin disorder (Eczema) – It can cause severe skin itching, reddening of the skin, Peeling of skin, etc.
• Drug Allergy – It causes swelling in the face, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, itchy skin, anaphylaxis, etc.

Diagnosis:-

Diagnosis of allergic reaction includes a physical examination, past medical history, blood, and some radiological tests. Doctors will closely examine your nose, eyes, ears, throat, and chest during physical examination. They may advise you to take a PFT and X-ray test to better understand the allergic reaction. Blood tests to understand allergic reactions include the IgE test. A skin prick test may be advised if specific immune therapy is advised for you.

Treatment of allergic reactions/disorders/diseases: 

Generally, medication does not cure an allergy but can help to manage the symptoms caused due to allergic reactions. You should avoid taking any of the medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Treatment options include decongestants, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, immunotherapy, and anti-leukotrienes. Epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector is required to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Please visit Aakash Healthcare’s Allergy and Immunology clinic if you have any of the following symptoms or allergies;

• Persistent sneezing/cough
• Food allergy
• Recurrent itching and & skin rashes
• Family history of allergy
• Adverse reaction to drugs/vaccines
• Recurrent infection
• Failure to thrive

This clinic at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, Delhi is headed by Dr. Meena J, consultant- department of Paediatrics, Allergy & Immunology, and Dr. Gaurav Seth, Associate Consultant- Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology. If you are looking for the best doctors for allergy and immunology tests and treatment at an affordable price in Delhi, please do visit Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka Delhi. We have one of the best allergy and immunology centres/hospitals/clinics in Dwarka, Delhi

Our services include Allergist & Immunologist consultation, Allergy testing, Lung Function tests, Allergy shots ( immunotherapy), Diet Advice, and management of allergic asthma.

Also Read: Food Allergies in Children