What is an Allergy?
An allergy is an abnormal sensitivity to an allergen that is inhaled. Eaten or touched that most other people can tolerate with no trouble. Allergies are Over-reactions to substances one's immune system considers harmful.
Is Allergy Inherited?
If both parents have respiratory allergies then risk that their off spring/s develop an allergy goes up to 80%.
The increased tendency of some families to develop allergy sensitization is termed as atopy. There are three classical kinds of atopy: Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and allergic asthma.
Atopic individuals are generally prone to manufacture allergy (IgE) antibodies with increased tendency to react against allergens present in the environment (pollen, cat dander, moulds house dust, mite).
Common Allergic Manifestations:
- Asthma.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever).
- Atopic Eczema.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Urticaria.
- Food Allergy.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis (itchy eyes).
- Wasp venom Allergy.
- Drug allergy.
How is allergy diagnosed ?
A good medical history is usually the basis for the diagnosis of any allergy. Knowledge of the family history of allergic problem is very helpful. It may take some good detective work by doing various tests to figure out exactly what the likely allergen is.
Following tests are available to find out the possible allergens:
- Skin prick test
- RAST
- IgE
- AEC (absolute Eosinphil count).
Nitric oxide estimation in exhaled air as a marker of allergic inflammation.
Provocation tests (for food and grug allergy).
Skin Patch testing. (for contact allergy).
How are allergy treated?
The diagnosis should ideally be confirmed, to determine the exact source of the allergy before commencing treatment.
Once the allergens positivity is established, its clinical significance is correlated.
The best way to treat allergies is to avoid exposure to solution generally.
Many treatments are available to relieve symptoms, ranging from over-the-counter antihistamines to potent anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids.
Immunotheray, is an another method of treating allergies which is effective by producing blocking antibodies to counteract the allergy manifesting antibodies.
Conclusion Allergy tests are beneficial for skin, nasal, eyes and respiratory (bronchial asthma) allergies.
Medications provide temporary relief.
Long-term benefits are likely to be achieved by allergen specific immunotherapy. |
