Allergy

The allergy is one of the most common diseases of mankind. According to WНO statistics, about 45% of the population suffer from allergy, and this percentage is growing every year. It is associated, on the one hand, with overadherence of sanitary rules and lack of contact with possible antigens, which leads to a weak development of the immune system (especially for children). On the other hand, active daily use of all possible products of the chemical industry also leads to the development of undesirable allergic reactions. In addition, there is a hereditary predisposition to allergies (particulars of the immune system functioning). The poor ecology is also a risk factor.

Allergy is an inadequate reaction of the body (hypersensitivity) to the contact or getting of a certain allergen (antigen) into it. There distinguish endoallergens (formed inside the body) and exoallergens (falling into it from the outside). Exoallergens include chemicals, drugs, food, wool, dust, pollen, mold, latex, bee venom, cosmetics, cigarette smoke, etc. Allergy is an individual disease: someone has an allergy to cats; someone has an allergy to bloom of some plants. In each house you can find several possible sources of allergy. About 20,000 of allergens are already known, and their number continues to grow.

There are several necessary conditions for the development of an allergic reaction:

1. A certain predisposition of the organism
2. Presence of a primary contact of the immune system with an allergen
3. The presence of a certain period of time and the development of body sensitization
4. Presence of repeated contact with this allergen

Allergy symptoms:

1. Respiratory appearances: sneezing, itchy nose, running nose or watery discharge from the nose, coughing, pulmonary rale, in severe cases – asphyxia;
2. Skin manifestations: skin dryness, exfoliation, itching, redness, blisters, swelling
3. Allergic conjunctivitis: increased tear secretion, “sandpaper” in the eyes, cutaneous swelling of the eyes skin
4. Gastrointestinal appearances: blorch, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, intestinal colic

The anaphylactic shock can develop in the most severe cases; this is an extreme degree of the allergic reaction. The following symptoms may develop at anaphylactic shock:

1. Swelling of the throat, tongue and oral cavity
2. Rash, redness and itching of the skin
3. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting
4. A sharp drop in blood pressure, a weak pulse
5. Weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness

Anaphylactic shock can be fatal if appropriate measures are not taken in a timely manner. First, it is necessary to immediately call the ambulance team, since anaphylaxis is an emergency medical condition. If a person is conscious and can swallow, you need to give him an antiallergic (antihistamine) drug or inject an intramuscular injection of this drug. If possible, it is necessary to eliminate contact with the allergen that caused this reaction (for example, remove the sting when it bites).

Allergy treatment

Currently, there are three generations of antihistamines. Drugs of the 1^st generation are prescribed least often, as they cause drowsiness, slow reaction, muscle hypotension. These are Dimedrol, Dramina, Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil. 2^nd generation of drugs include Claritin, Zyrtec, Fenistil. They have no sedative effect, and they do not affect mental activity and physical activity, but have a cardiotoxic effect. Therefore, they are not prescribed for elderly patients and people with cardiovascular system diseases. The 3^rd generation of drugs includes Telfast, Erius, and lately they are prescribed most often.

In case of allergic reactions of moderate and severe degree, adrenal hormones – gluco-corticosteroids are prescribed for a short course. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect. Also, enterosorbents (Enterosgel) are prescribed to the main therapy for sanitizing the gastrointestinal tract from toxins and allergens.

Prevention of allergies, first of all, comes down to the identification of the allergen and the restriction of all possible contacts with him. If you know what product or medicine you are allergic to, you should notify your friends, relatives and colleagues. The name of this medication must be written on your card and must be carried with you. Be sure to report this to the doctors you visit (dentists, cosmetologists). You should always have allergy medications (antihistamines) with you.

Remember that you cannot prevent the development of an allergy, but you can stop its occurrence, i.e. avoid contact with possible allergens.