Dr. Anjali Arora - 5 Steps to Combat Asthma and Allergies

Anything which enters the body is foreign to it. The list is endless starting from your food, drinks to cosmetics and even medication.

The immune system deals with these foreign substances continuously. It is only when an allergic substance comes in contact with the body that it reacts to suppress or eliminate it. This allergic reaction may be in the form of mucous secretion, itching, or eruption. The foreign substances activate the immune system in order to fight and protect the body.

An immune system which is deficient provides a lower defense mechanism than required. On the other hand, a hypersensitive reaction occurs when the body overreacts to certain substances.

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system. It is also called atopy. Allergic reactions can occur due to the presence of certain substances known as allergens. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma and food allergies. Reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are also allergic in nature.

All over the world mild allergies like hay fever, conjunctivitis, itching and a running nose are highly prevalent among human beings. Similarly, conditions such as asthma are common. In an asthmatic attack, the body reacts by releasing mucous. It also causes constriction which can be between a gentle wheeze and a tight feeling which can make breathing very difficult. Asthma can often be accompanied with other problems like eczema. In some people, severe allergies to dietary allergens, environment or medication may result in lifethreatening anaphylactic reactions.

are found in the blood serum and are produced against foreign bodies (virus, bacteria).

is a substance that causes the production of antibodies which act against the allergen.

is a scientific term for antibodies.

IgE or Immunoglobulin E is the antibody responsible for allergic reactions.

Ig is the first to appear during an immune response but remains for a short period.

IgA is concerned with protection in the gut or mucosal surfaces. It is only present in a small quantity. It is also available in sweat, saliva and tears.

IgG is the largest amount of antibody found in the body. It is present in response to the presence of bacteria or virus. It also helps in blocking IgE from triggering an allergic response.

IgD responds against food antigens.

Type I immediate or anaphylactic. This involves the presence of IgE immunoglobulin and the release of powerful chemicals from the cells of the body. It is present in diseases like asthma and hay fever.

It is also known as hives or nettle rash. The rash becomes worse on scratching. In urticaria the rash can appear anywhere on the body. The rash appears as welts. The welts come in groups big or small. The welts which spread over a large area of the body are referred to as giant urticaria. Angioedema is the twin condition of urticaria. It does not itch but has more complications and disfiguring. Both these conditions may occur in individuals who appear to have no other allergies.

Certain foods e.g. fish, shellfish, peanuts and eggs

Food additives like azo dyes, benzoates (preservation used in manufacture of foods).

Salicylates : Aspirin can also be a cause of an allergic reaction resulting in urticaria.

The skin lesions caused in urticaria are due to the inflammatory reaction in the skin. The leakage of capillaries in the dermis, a layer of the skin results in oedema (swelling of the area).

Normally comes up after a few minutes of contact with the allergen. Food allergic reactions are usually a cause of this condition.

Persists for 6 weeks or more. It is due to the hives which are already present.

Can occur due to cold, as a reaction to body heat or direct sunlight.

Strenuous exercise, particularly jogging can result in this type of urticaria.

Urticaria is not an easy disease to manage. The primary part of the management involves the awareness of ones trigger. Medical treatment given is of :