How Allergic Reactions Impact Your Body ?

Allergic Reactions Impact Your Body:  According to the results of a large-scale poll taken across India in 2020, about 18% of people younger than 19 years old had allergies. While some allergic reactions may be mild, others can significantly impact your quality of life or even become life-threatening. Understanding how allergies affect your body is the first step in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.

At Maitri Clinic in Jaipur, Dr. Vipul Agarwal, a top physician in Jaipur, provides comprehensive allergy testing and treatment to help patients manage their symptoms. In this detailed blog, we’ll explore how different types of allergic reactions can impact your body.

What Causes an Allergic Reaction?

An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance called an allergen. When exposed to an allergen, your body releases IgE antibodies that attach to mast cells. The next time you encounter that allergen, it binds to those antibodies, causing the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals.

This causes allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing, coughing
• Itching, hives, swelling
• Wheezing, throat tightness
• Stomach pain, vomiting
• Dizziness, low blood pressure

In the worst situations, the widespread release of chemicals can lead to anaphylaxis, a response that can be fatal. To cure anaphylaxis, epinephrine must be given right away.

Common Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Allergic reactions can impact many different parts of the body, causing diverse symptoms:

Skin Reactions

• Hives or welts 
• Swelling around lips, face, tongue
• Itching, tingling, burning sensations
• Redness, irritation
• Rashes or eczema flares

Respiratory Reactions

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing, coughing 
• Wheezing, chest tightness
• Trouble breathing
• Decreased blood oxygen levels

Gastrointestinal Reactions

• Tingling or burning in the mouth 
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps, pain
• Inflammation 

Cardiovascular Reactions

• Lightheadedness
• Passing out
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Shock

Other Reactions

• Headache, dizziness
• Anxiety
• Sense of impending doom
• Uterine contractions in pregnant women

Common Allergy Triggers

Many different substances can trigger allergic reactions:

• Inhalant Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores
• Food Allergens: Peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat
• Insect Allergens: Bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant venom
• Medications: Penicillins, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs
• Latex: Gloves, condoms, balloons
• Other Chemicals: Fragrances, preservatives, dyes

The most severe reactions are often triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, and latex. But even mild seasonal allergies can significantly reduce quality of life when symptoms are persistent.

Common Types of Allergic Conditions

Several types of allergic conditions can impact the body:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

When outdoor allergens like pollen trigger seasonal allergies, people with these allergies get stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and other upper respiratory symptoms. When pollen numbers are high at certain times of the year, symptoms worsen.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis 

Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round due to indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Symptoms include nasal congestion, chronic drips, and sinus pressure.

Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema, another name for atopic dermatitis, causes spots that are red, very itchy, and can break out and crust over. Allergies are a big reason why eczema starts up.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis results in a localized rash, burning, and itching when your skin touches a substance you’re allergic to, such as nickel, latex, or certain plants. 

Food Allergies

Food allergies cause diverse symptoms affecting the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system, depending on the individual. Common food allergy triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.

Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening allergic reaction that can impair breathing, cause plummeting blood pressure, and lead to death if not treated promptly with epinephrine. Foods, medications, bee stings, and latex are common triggers.

Getting an Allergy Diagnosis

If you suspect you have allergies, it’s important to see an allergist for proper testing and diagnosis. An allergist can determine whether your symptoms are truly caused by allergies and identify your specific triggers so you can take steps to avoid them.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Skin prick testing Drops containing suspected allergens are placed on your skin, then pricked with a needle to observe the reaction.
• Patch testing Possible contact allergens are placed on adhesive patches that are taped to your back for 2 days to check for reactions.
• Blood tests: A blood sample can be analyzed for IgE antibodies to particular allergens.
• Oral food challenges: You ingest suspected food allergens under medical supervision to confirm or rule out a food allergy.

Allergy Treatment Options

A range of treatment options can help prevent and control allergy symptoms:

• Avoidance: Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid exposure through changes at home, work, and school.
• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, leukotriene inhibitors, nasal sprays, and asthma inhalers can provide symptom relief.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots and drops introduce small amounts of allergens to build up tolerance over time.
• Emergency epinephrine: If you have a history of severe reactions, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector device to use in case of anaphylaxis.

The best treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and allergens. An allergist can help you determine the best ways to deal with your condition in the long run.

At Maitri Clinic, we provide comprehensive Allergy treatment in Jaipur to help you pinpoint your triggers and control your symptoms. To make an appointment with Dr. Vipul Agarwal, a leading Physician in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, call us today. We’re committed to your health and well-being.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Expert Care

Dr. Vipul Agarwal is an experienced physician and diabetologist in Jaipur with over 10 years of expertise. He provides treatment for diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, infectious diseases, allergies, asthma, obesity, and more.

Cutting-Edge Knowledge

Dr. Agarwal stays up-to-date on the latest medical advances to provide effective, personalized care.

Award-Winning Research

He has received numerous awards and recognition for his research and efforts in COVID-19 care, including best research paper presentations at conferences like RAJAPICON, IDCON, and Midcon.

Compassionate & Comprehensive Care

His dedication to compassionate, comprehensive care makes Dr. Agarwal a trusted physician in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. Choose Maitri Clinic for Dr. Agarwal’s expertise in treating complex health conditions.

FAQ – Allergic Reactions Impact Your Body

Q: What are the most common food allergies?

A: The most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Reactions can range from mild to severe.

Q: Can you develop allergies as an adult?

A: Yes, it’s possible to develop new allergies at any age. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are more common in adults.

Q: What’s the difference between an allergy and intolerance?

A: An allergy triggers an immune response, while an intolerance does not involve the immune system. Intolerance causes digestive issues after eating food.

Q: Can allergies develop into asthma?

A: Yes, allergic reactions can worsen asthma. Controlling environmental triggers like dust and pollen can help manage both allergies and asthma.

If you suffer from bothersome allergies, visit our clinic. With comprehensive allergy testing and expert care, Dr. Vipul Agarwal, a Consultant Physician in Jaipur, can provide effective allergy treatment tailored to your needs. Book an appointment today!