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An allergy is the body's abnormal reaction to certain factors or substances. The first symptoms of allergy may appear in infants, but it happens that the allergy appears after the age of 30 or even 40. Already every fourth Pole suffers from an allergy. Worldwide observations show that the number of allergy sufferers doubles every 10 years. The list of allergens, i.e. substances that can sensitize us, is also getting longer and longer. Why is this happening? What are the causes of allergies and how are they treated?

Allergyis an over-zealous immune system. It is normal that when, for example, viruses or bacteria enter the body, special blood cells (T lymphocytes) give a signal to produce antibodies that are to neutralize pathogenic microorganisms. Uallergy suffererthis mechanism is broken. The immune system recognizes the enemy not only in viruses and bacteria, but also in completely innocent substances, e.g. in the air or in food. These substances are called allergens.

Allergy - the mechanism of allergy formation

When an allergen, such as plant pollen, first enters the body of someone who is predisposed to allergies, IgE antibodies will be produced in the immune system. They will defeat the enemy, i.e. pollen, and a small amount of them will remain in the blood permanently. This is in case the intruder enters the body again.

There will be veins attached to the surface of the so-called eosinophils (found in the blood serum) and mast cells, or mast cells (found in the connective tissue of the skin and mucous membranes). These cells contain large amounts of various substances called mediators that are responsible for the onset of allergy symptoms.

The most important mediator causing an allergic reaction is histamine. At the first contact with an allergen, we usually do not feel any symptoms: runny nose, rash, tearing or shortness of breath. However, when a greater amount of the allergen enters the body for the second time, an allergic reaction will begin. Allergens will bind to IgE antibodies and begin to fight on the surface of mast cells and eosinophils.

During this fight, the cell membranes are disturbed and substances with pro-inflammatory properties (histamine,leukotrienes). An allergic reaction causes inflammation in the body, which is why an allergy is referred to as an inflammatory disease.

The reaction is accompanied by various ailments, e.g. runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, trouble breathing, swelling, rash or erythema. The symptoms will be similar with each subsequent exposure to more allergen. They can only be more or less intense.

Allergy - causes

Any factor recognized as unknown, hostile to the body's immune system may cause an allergy.

These can be airborne substances such as pollen, house dust mites, feathers, animal hair, wool, dust, mold spores. The impact of environmental pollution, especially smoke and exhaust gases, is also important.

Allergies are also caused by foods, most often chicken eggs, cow's milk, nuts, especially peanuts, fish and crustaceans.

Chemical substances can also be a cause of allergies. Such chemicals can include disinfectants such as chloramine, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, chlorhexine, with which he althcare workers working in the chemical industry, agriculture and fishery come into contact.

In turn, hairdressers, beauticians and cosmetics manufacturers may be allergic to persulphates or henna. In contrast, he althcare professionals and lab technicians are more likely to suffer from latex allergy.

An allergy may also appear after taking medications (drug allergy). The most common allergenic drugs are antibiotics (usually penicillin).

Why are some of us allergic and others not? It is not fully known. Most likely genetics are to blame. The tendency to allergies can be inherited from parents and even grandparents.

If one of the parents is allergic, the risk that the child will be allergic is 20-40 percent. When both parents are allergic but react allergic to different allergens, the child's risk of the disease rises to 30-60 percent.

If the parents have the same type of allergic disease (e.g. allergy to grass pollen), the risk of an allergy in the child is as high as 50-80 percent.

Even if neither parent is allergic, it does not completely rule out their child being allergic. Experts say the risk is around 10 percent in this case. This is because there can always be some genetic mutation in a child, and secondly, we are generally more prone to allergies.

Allergy - types

  • inhalation allergy

Usually makes itself felt in the spring. The most common airborne allergens are flowering pollenplants: grasses, cereals, trees. But beware: inhalation allergy can bother you all year round. Everything in the air can sensitize: fungal and mold spores, mites, dust particles, animal hair, and even insect faeces.

  • food allergy

Occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to a food ingredient. You can be allergic to many foods at the same time. It is worth knowing that they usually sensitize products that are eaten the most in a given country. But it can sensitize practically anything. The most popular allergens are: cow's milk protein, eggs, grains, veal, beef, fish, some vegetables (tomatoes, asparagus, celery) and fruit (strawberries, apples, cherries, pineapples, kiwi, peaches), chocolate, nuts, almonds, soybeans, honey.

  • contact allergy

This type of allergy is said to have sensitized things that you come into contact with. Most often it is allergic to chrome, nickel, formaldehyde, textile dyes, fragrance oils, aromas and parabens (preservatives) added to cosmetics and chemicals. Virtually all chemicals that come into contact with the skin can cause allergies. As a result, mascara, washing-up liquid, jewelry, a belt buckle, and even glasses frames may be allergenic.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

It is difficult to say exactly when to suspect an allergy as the course and symptoms of the disease may differ from person to person. In addition, for example, skin symptoms do not have to appear only after skin contact with an allergen - hives may also be a symptom of allergy to cow's milk protein.

Ailments may also appear only periodically - e.g. when a child plays with a neighbor's kitten, and is allergic to the hair of these animals, or constantly - e.g. when he is allergic to the ubiquitous house dust mite.

Therefore, it is very important that we closely observe our children and catch any unusual reactions of the body to new foods in the diet or contact with animals or plant pollen during their flowering.

Inhaling

Food

Contact
How allergens enter the body

Through the respiratory tract

Through the digestive system

Through the skin
Usually allergic

House dust mites (actually their dry, airborne droppings), pollen, animal hair and secretions, mold spores

Milk proteincow, eggs, soy, veal, beef, pork, offal, fish and seafood, citrus, gluten - vegetable protein found in cereal grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats), peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, asparagus, grains legumes, chocolate, cocoa, blue cheese, nuts, glutamic acid (used to season dishes in Chinese and Vietnamese eateries)

Detergents, dyes contained in clothing, cosmetics, metals (especially nickel) found in e.g. jewelry, belt buckles or watches
Common symptoms

Intense episodes of sneezing, runny nose, stuffy and itchy nose, scratchy throat, dry paroxysmal cough, shortness of breath, dark circles under the eyes, conjunctivitis, frequent long-lasting and treatment-resistant respiratory infections, sometimes - rash

Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, itchy rash (less often on the entire body, more often on the earlobes, elbows and knees), runny nose, hoarseness, chronic cough, laryngeal edema, otitis media, sometimes shortness of breath

Dry, flaky skin, itchy rash usually in contact with an allergen. These symptoms may also be accompanied by symptoms typical of inhalation (e.g. runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis) or food allergy (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea)

Allergy in children and adults

The first symptoms of allergy can occur at any age, including adults. However, most often the allergy appears in young children. In infants, it is usually an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in cow's milk or to detergents in which nappies, clothes and bedding are washed. Inhalation allergy usually becomes apparent around 2-3 years of age.

Unfortunately, it is often the case that an allergy is confused with an upper respiratory infection and is "treated" with antibiotics. Therefore, if your child is constantly catching a cold, passing from one infection to another, it is worth checking if it is not an allergy.

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Worth knowing

Allergy is a disease for life

Even if you manage to eliminate the symptoms of allergy, the tendency to it still exists. Unfortunately, it's a lifelong disease. However, it is very important not to miss the first symptoms of allergies, because the sooner an allergy is diagnosed, the milder it will be.

Knowing that our child is into somethingspecific allergies, we can avoid allergens, give him appropriate medications and desensitizing vaccines.

Children who are systematically treated by specialists suffer from this disease much more gently, and in some cases the symptoms of allergy may disappear for many years. Unfortunately, there is no certainty that the allergy will not come back again sometime. It happens that a small child suffering from food allergy becomes desensitized and, as a teenager, reacts with hay fever to e.g. animal hair or pollen

Allergy - diagnostics

If you or your child have an allergy, don't panic. Let's do the appropriate tests and start treatment. Preferably in winter or early spring, when there are no allergenic pollen outside.

Together with the child, we need to visit the pediatrician and tell him about our suspicions. The doctor will ask about the symptoms - whether we have noticed, when they occur or worsen, whether someone in our family suffers from the allergy, what the child eats, whether there are pets at home.

Examine the toddler's skin carefully. If he deems it necessary, he may order additional analyzes - eg X-rays of the lungs, sinuses, blood tests - to exclude causes of symptoms other than allergy. If everything indicates allergy, we will get a referral to an allergist.

  • SKIN TESTS

This is the easiest way to find the cause of an allergy. It is better at detecting inhaled allergens, slightly less food and contact allergens. Droplets of various suspensions containing sensitizing substances are applied to the forearm or back (10-20 allergens are checked at one time). Then, the doctor or nurse gently punctures the epidermis with the drop of allergen.

It is a painless procedure, punctures usually do not even bleed. A special disposable lance is used for this, so there is no risk of transmitting infections, e.g. hepatitis B or HIV.

After each puncture, a small amount of the allergen solution is released under the epidermis. If you are allergic to a given allergen, it will trigger an allergic reaction after approx. 15 minutes: redness, bubbles like a mosquito bite and itching.

The skin reaction is proportional to the degree of sensitization, i.e. the greater the bubble and redness, the more sensitizing a given allergen. These changes can only be interpreted correctly by an allergist. The allergic reaction is self-limiting after 30-60 minutes.

Since desensitizing drugs may falsify the results of skin tests, they should not be taken a week before the test (but it must be agreed with your doctor in advance). more reliable.

Skin testsusually repeats after 2-4 years, especially when we suspect that an allergy to a new allergen may have occurred.

A type of skin test is also the so-called patch test. It is performed more often in the case of contact allergy. The doctor soaks a special tissue paper with the allergen (or puts the allergen in the form of a paste into the chamber of a special patch) and sticks it on the skin for 48 hours. Then he checks if there is an inflammatory reaction.

  • BLOOD TESTS

If the child is very small, or has such a strong allergy that it is not possible to stop desensitizing drugs for some time, or if the results of skin tests are questionable - blood tests are performed (even umbilical cord blood tests can be used). They work well when looking for the culprits of inhalation and food allergies.

For such a test, a blood sample is taken, as for the blood count, and the level of IgE antibodies is tested in it (it is higher in allergy sufferers). You can mark the so-called total IgE, which indicates if the child is allergic at all.

Unfortunately, this test says nothing about what exactly he is allergic to. However, you can also mark the so-called specific IgE, determining the sensitization to a given allergen (or allergens).

If the clinic has an agreement with the National He alth Fund, the tests will be free. You will pay for the research when you decide to do it in a private laboratory.

  • a set of skin tests to check 20 inhalation or food allergens: PLN 80-100
  • total IgE test (from blood): approx. PLN 40
  • IgE test kit (blood test) checking several inhaled or food allergens: approx. PLN 80-90
  • single allergen patch test: PLN 45-65.
Worth knowing

Increase in the incidence of allergies

The increase in the number of allergies has been explained in various ways. Certainly, the culprit is increasing environmental pollution. But one of the theories also says that the increase in the incidence of allergies is due to … greater than ever care for hygiene and too often used antibiotics.

Our immune system, which does not have to fight bacteria alone, uses its potential to fight factors that do not pose a threat to it, including with some substances contained in food or pollen from plants.

Allergy - treatment

When it turns out that the child is allergic, we set up an action plan together with the doctor. Certainly, the specialist will tell you that the child must avoid the allergen that sensitizes them.

Sometimes it is enough, for example, to avoid contact with a cat or eliminate milk or eggs from the diet; in case of allergies, e.g. to grass pollen - avoid itwalks in meadows and parks, close the windows in the apartment during the day, and plan holidays in places where allergenic grasses are not dusty. But when the sensitizer is almost everywhere (e.g. house dust mites), a problem arises.

Then medications, usually antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs, are essential. Whether the child will have to take them depends, among others on how severe the allergy is and what causes it. If he is allergic to one type of pollen, he will only take the medication for a few weeks a year. But, for example, if you are allergic to dust mites, you need to take your medication constantly.

If medications fail to cope with the allergy, you need to think about desensitization treatment. It is not conducted when food and drug allergies are detected. Then it is enough to avoid allergenic substances. On the other hand, desensitization is recommended when the cause of allergies is pollen, house dust mites, animal hair, molds, fungi or insect venoms.

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The therapy consists in taking a series of subcutaneous injections containing a given allergen. Initially, an increasing dose is administered every 7-14 days. In this way, the body gradually gets used to it and learns to tolerate the substance it has fought so far. After 2-4 months, when the allergen has reached a sufficiently high concentration, only maintenance doses are given, usually once a month. The entire treatment may take up to 5 years.

Later sometimes you have to take the so-called booster doses. For young children who are very afraid of injections, some desensitizing vaccines are also available in the form of, for example, oral drops administered under the tongue. Vaccines are only bought with a prescription. You can desensitize both children (over 5 years old) and adults (preferably up to 55 years old).

The effects of the therapy are the better the younger the patient is, because then his immune system reacts more efficiently. In the case of allergy to pollen, desensitization should be started early enough to be in time before the pollen season. For example, those allergic to pollen of early-flowering trees (including hazel, alder) should start desensitizing in December at the latest, and to grass and cereal pollen - in March.

Where to go for help

Allergy sufferers can look for help here: www.alergia.org.pl, www.astma.edu.pl, www.alergen.info.pl.

"Zdrowie" monthly

Allergy - complications

When a sick child is not treated or is poorly treated, he or she may develop a so-called allergic march. It is when one allergy turns into another. A food allergy may manifest itself at the earliest, in the second month of life.

Afterfrom the age of 6 months, you may experience respiratory symptoms, e.g. blocked nose, wheezing, wheezing, paroxysmal cough at night or in the morning.

Children aged 6-7 may develop hay fever, skin changes in the form of acute urticaria or bronchial asthma. Any type of allergy that is left untreated (not just inhalation) facilitates the development of asthma. In order to prevent it from happening, the allergy must be recognized and treated as soon as possible.

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Allergies