It is more important to identify and avoid the situations that cause allergies than to completely eliminate them. Allergens are different for everyone. People with chronic allergies may want to find out what they are allergic to through an ‘allergy test’. Anaphylaxis, a condition that causes difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or tongue, is extremely serious and medical help should be sought immediately in such situations.
Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system mistakenly perceives foreign substances entering our body as dangerous and releases a chemical called ‘Histamine’. The main causes are:
Airborne factors: Inhaling dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander and saliva in the air can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
Food items: Some people develop allergies when they eat milk, eggs, seafood, peanuts, wheat, and soy. This can manifest as itching, shortness of breath, or diarrhea.
Insect bites: Excessive swelling and itching caused by bee and wasp stings is a type of allergy.
Medications: Red spots and swelling on the body can occur when certain types of antibiotics (for example, penicillin) are taken due to an allergy to the medication.
Skin contact: Soap, perfume, certain metals (nickel), and latex can cause itching and redness when they come into contact with the skin.