Allergic reactions: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About allergic reactions

The human body has an exquisite defence mechanism which wards off any foreign invading agent which may be considered to be harmful to one’s body. This function is carried by the immune system of the body. Sometimes the human body may become oversensitive to certain substances which may be otherwise harmless. Such substances are termed as ‘allergens’ and this reaction as an ‘allergic reaction’.

Allergic reactions: Incidence, age and sex

Allergic reactions are seen very commonly in the general populace and may afflict a person in any age group. It affects men and women equally.

Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions: Diagnosis

The clinical features vary from harmless but distressing symptoms to life-threatening features. An allergic reaction to a specific allergen may occur rapidly, within minutes of exposure to the offending agent. Allergic reactions may affect different organs of the body depending upon the site of contact. Allergic reactions of skin may present with itching, rashes or blisters. Allergic reactions affecting the respiratory system may include stuffy nose, watery nasal discharge and watering from eyes. An allergic reaction to food may cause stomach ache, queasiness, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Infrequently, allergic reactions may be severe with features like chest discomfort, breathlessness, swelling of tongue or throat, profuse sweating and in extreme cases, even loss of consciousness. Such severe allergic reactions, ‘anaphylaxis’, is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Such anaphylactic reactions may be seen in certain instances of bee stings or due to ingestion of nuts like almonds or peanuts.

Causes and prevention of allergic reactions

Both environmental and genetic factors may be responsible for this allergic phenomenon. Individuals with a history of bronchial asthma and nasal polyps are especially prone to having allergic reactions. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed for allergies. Allergens may affect the body by various routes like coming in contact with skin or swallowed or inhaled through lungs. In rare circumstances, an individual may also have an allergic reaction to an injectible agent like a vaccine or an antibiotic medication. The following are some common allergens:

• Outdoor pollution like industrial fumes, vehicular and cigarette smoke
• House dust and moulds
• Plant pollens
• Chemicals - Dyes, cosmetics
• Pets
• Insect bites especially bee stings
• Food products like shellfish and some nuts
• Certain medications including penicillin.

Allergic reactions: Complications

Repeated allergic skin reactions may cause the skin to become dark and coarse. It may seldom get infected with bacterial infections where the individual may complain of fever and malaise. Frequent allergic reactions of the respiratory system may reduce work performance and affect concentration. Severe allergic reactions like an anaphylactic shock may even lead to death.

Allergic reactions: Treatment

Some skin tests like ‘patch test’ or blood test like RAST may help in identifying specific offending allergens. The goal of treatment is to alleviate the distressing allergic symptoms. Avoid exposure to known allergic agents. Medications like oral preparations of nasal decongestant, anti allergic agents, steroidal nasal sprays are advisable for allergic reactions affecting nasal passages. Allergic skin rashes may be treated with steroidal ointments and appropriate anti allergic drugs. Another treatment modality called immunotherapy may be considered when satisfactory response to medical treatment is not observed. It can only be considered if the identification of offending agent is possible. An individual in anaphylactic reactions needs immediate medical attention. Injectible epinephrine is the choice of medication for treating such a reaction. In fact, individuals with a past history of anaphylactic reactions are recommended to carry epinephrine injections for emergency situations.