Allergies

All About Allergies And How They Affect The Human Body

Disclaimer:  The following is for information only, and anyone concerned about an allergy or potential allergy should consult a medical professional. 

Allergies range from skin rashes (sore or itchy) to coughs, a runny nose, blisters, digestive problems, wheezing, swelling, nausea, feeling dizzy, itchy eyes, sneezing, diarrhoea, and even the sun can be a problem for some people.

An allergy is a reaction to something, whether it is food, environmental factors, plants, insect stings, bites, flowers, metals,  grass, some medicines, clothing materials, or jewellery.

There are many allergies, and the following are just a few examples.

The Immune System

The body’s immune system will release antibodies into the system if it believes something is harmful. Antibodies are proteins made by plasma cells (B cells). Histamine is not directly released into the system via the immune system; it is released by a type of white blood cell (mast cells and basophils). Histamine contributes to inflammation, increasing blood flow, and this causes symptoms like itching and mucus production. 

The most common foods that cause allergies:

Eggs, milk, nuts (especially peanuts), shellfish, mushrooms, including some vegetables and fruits.

Children are prone to food allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts. Children who have food allergens may develop eczema.  When the child grows and tries other foods, they could become allergic to certain types.

Note: Celiac Disease is not an allergy; it is an autoimmune disease which can cause secondary lactose intolerance.

What Is A Serious Allergy Reaction

Anaphylaxis, a very serious allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. The symptoms are breathing difficulties, feeling faint, loss of consciousness, swollen eyes, itchy skin or raised red skin rash, swollen lips, feet and hands, stomach pain, and vomiting. Emergency treatment is needed when Anaphylaxis occurs.

There are milder allergic reactions, such as itching and a rash, which will eventually calm down.

A Milder Food Allergen Reaction: 

Oral Allergy Syndrome, or Pollen Food Syndrome

This allergy occurs because some raw fruits, vegetables and nuts have a protein structure similar to pollen proteins, and this can confuse the immune system.

Some foods responsible for this are raw peaches, apples, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, almonds, and other raw plant foods. This is linked to the pollen from birch, ragweed or grasses.

The reaction is usually contained within the throat and mouth areas, and although this is a mild allergic reaction, some people may suffer more severe symptoms that may need the advice of a medical professional.

 Bee Stings

Some people will only suffer the initial pain, redness and swelling discomfort from a bee sting, while others will react more seriously. Removing the sting swiftly is necessary to prevent the venom from circulating into surrounding tissues.

Some people may have a bee venom allergy because their immune system overreacts to the venom and produces IgE antibodies. This will cause the mast cells and basophils to produce histamine and other chemicals. Anaphylactic shock could set in, and as advised earlier in this article, emergency treatment should be received.

There are other insects people may be allergic to; this is not conclusive.

Allergy to Jewellery

Jewellery can cause an allergic reaction, the same as food. It is a type of contact dermatitis. Nickel content is the most common. However, some people may be allergic to cobalt and chromium, which is less common. While gold does not often cause an allergic reaction, if mixed with other metals such as nickel or copper, this can trigger an allergic reaction. Foods that contain nickel are chocolate and fish. 

Symptoms:

The symptoms are itching, a rash, redness, swelling, and dry patches. Blisters could also develop, leaving scales and crusts. Normally, the rash would break out where the jewellery was worn, but in serious cases, this could spread. A severe rash would need medical attention; otherwise, the skin could become dark and cracked. Nickel can also be found in zippers, buttons, coins and watches.

What is Nickel Free?

• Surgical-grade stainless steel
• 14 - 18 -24 Karat yellow gold (the white version may contain nickel).
• Titanium
• Platinum
• Niobium
• Sterling Silver
• Palladium

Be more alert to plated jewellery and cheap costume jewellery.

Material Allergens

Sometimes it is not actually the fabric; it could be what they have been treated with! Materials often contain formaldehyde resins and polymers. These help to retain easy care features, such as being wrinkle and shrink-resistant. It provides the waterproof speciality, allows dye to take better, and reduces colour from fading too quickly.

Materials highly treated - labels which come under this category are those that are:

• Mildew or moth resistant
• Permanent press
• Waterproof
• Chlorine-resistant
• Perspiration-proof
• Anti-cling, anti-static, anti-wrinkle, anti-shrink finishes

What Are the Symptoms?

Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common symptom, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and itchy lesions.

Oil contamination from clothes can cause acne and folliculitis reactions to break out. The symptoms of folliculitis are a rash near hair follicles, itching, and pimples.

Once Diagnosed with an Allergy

There are many different types of allergies in today’s modern world because things have become ‘synthetic.’ Anyone who suffers from an allergy, especially a serious one, should be receiving treatment from a Dermatologist, Allergist/Immunologist or Otolaryngologist to help treat the particular condition.

Emergency Situations

Most doctors would advise the serious allergy patient to wear some kind of bracelet or necklace to bring attention to their condition, in case of an emergency. These now come in modern-day designs for men and women, and they could save a life.