How is an allergy. How to determine what an allergy in an adult? Why does an allergy appear

Text: Evgenia Bagma

Spring is the time of flowers, love and... allergic reactions, which, however, are submissive to all seasons of the year. There are so many manifestations of allergies that sometimes it’s not immediately possible to calculate the “hero of the occasion”.

Allergy symptoms - mild, moderate and severe symptoms

Allergy manifestations can vary in intensity - from mild, often unnoticed, to acute, which can be a serious threat to life.

Mild manifestations of allergies include a rash, itchy eyes and excessive tearing, as well as blood flow to an organ or area of ​​the body (hyperemia). Mild symptoms do not spread to other areas of the body, while moderate symptoms such as itching or difficulty breathing do. Acute manifestations of allergies include anaphylaxis - this is a severe sudden reaction of the whole body to an allergen. In an acute allergic reaction, the first symptom may be itching of the face or eyes, followed within minutes by abdominal pain, colic, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness or confusion, and swelling that can cause difficulty and stop breathing.

Types of manifestation of allergic reactions

The manifestation of an allergy depends on the severity of the allergic reaction and on which part of the body is affected by this reaction. Allergies can affect one part of the body or the entire body. The most dangerous manifestation of an allergy is anaphylaxis, which is a whole bunch of symptoms that develop very quickly and pose a threat to human life. In case of anaphylaxis, you should immediately call an ambulance. People prone to such allergic reactions usually carry a medicine with them, with which they can provide emergency assistance on their own, but even after that, an emergency medical examination is necessary. The main sign of anaphylaxis is usually shock, which causes a severe decrease in blood flow to the organs, which can be fatal. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock are paleness or redness, sweating or dehydration, loss or confusion of consciousness. The consequence of such a manifestation of an allergy can be difficulty breathing - up to its stop.

An allergy can be a reaction of both the skin and individual organs of the body. So a skin allergic reaction includes a rash, itching, blistering, blisters or scabs, and just redness of the skin. With an allergic reaction of the lungs, shortness of breath, cough, and a feeling of constriction in the chest appear. A runny nose can be a symptom of an allergic nose reaction. Itching, redness, tearing, inflammation - eye reactions. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be a manifestation of an allergic reaction in the stomach. The reaction of the face and head includes not only swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face and eyelids, but also a headache.

Remember that mild symptoms can quickly develop into an acute form. Therefore, at the first manifestations of an allergy, possible measures should be taken and contact with the allergens that caused the reaction should be eliminated.

It is no coincidence that the World Health Organization has called the 21st century the “age of allergies”. According to statistics in Russia, 30% of adults and 25% of children suffer from various allergic diseases.

There is a huge amount of the most diverse and often conflicting opinions about why allergies occur and how to treat it.

Which well-known facts about allergies are true, and which are just a myth? Is it possible in principle to cure allergies? And how to do it right?

Are allergies hereditary?

This is partly true. However, it is not the allergy itself that is inherited, but only a predisposition to allergic reactions.

An allergy is a defect in the immune system. Immunity incorrectly identifies a foreign protein entering the body, which becomes a potential allergen. This protein, in fact, is harmless, but the body perceives it as an "enemy" and immediately begins to actively fight it. As a result of such a “fight”, an allergic reaction occurs, which can be manifested by skin rashes, itching, runny nose, conjunctivitis, edema, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and other symptoms.

An allergy can be to anything - food, cosmetics and household chemicals, plant pollen, and so on.

A defect that is inherited is a tendency to misidentify a protein. But what exactly will be the allergen that provokes an allergic reaction, how the disease will manifest itself and whether it will be at all, is impossible to predict.

In other words, if you are allergic to strawberries, your children can eat large amounts of strawberries without harm to health, but still suffer from allergies to cats. In addition, there is a high probability that the allergy will not manifest itself at all, even if there is a genetic predisposition.

The only exception is an allergy to penicillin. If one or both parents of a child are allergic to this substance, it is likely that the child will also have it.

An interesting fact: the inheritance of the tendency to allergies is associated with gender. Daughters more often inherit a tendency to allergies from their mother, and sons from their father 1 .

And yet you should not blame hereditary predisposition for everything. Allergy is a disease of civilization. Food products generously flavored with preservatives and dyes, poor environmental conditions, bad habits, improper introduction of complementary foods to children under one year old - all this contributes to the onset of allergies. If allergy used to be relatively rare, now it is at every step. And the fault, as you understand, is not at all heredity.

Many people can't drink milk because of a lactose allergy - is that true?

Many people, when they hear the word "milk", think of nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other unpleasant symptoms that are associated with a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.

Lactose is a carbohydrate found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is associated with a deficiency in the body of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. As a result, the bacteria in the intestines cannot digest lactose, which enters the body with milk and dairy products, but when interacting with it, they release a mixture of gases, which leads to pain in the intestines, flatulence, diarrhea and nausea.

According to researchers 2 lactose intolerance affects 16-18% of the population of Russia.

However, allergies have nothing to do with it, because ...

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy! 3

Lactose is not an allergen. Unpleasant symptoms during its use are not associated with the reaction of the immune system, but with the peculiarities of the work of the enzyme systems of the digestive tract.

For most people, a small amount of lactose will not cause unpleasant consequences. And even if you have been diagnosed with "lactose intolerance", you can easily afford cottage cheese, cheese or natural yogurt - these products, unlike whole milk, have already been fermented and contain very little lactose.

But it is too early to put an end to the history of milk. Allergy to milk protein is just possible and quite common - cow's milk protein is one of the leading allergens for children around the world. Milk contains about 20 different proteins, all of which can cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to cow's milk, the chances of being allergic to sheep and/or goat are quite high. In addition, the disease may be accompanied by cross intolerances: allergies to beef and veal, to wool, egg protein, drugs, which include a substance from the pancreas of cattle 4 .

And what about gluten?

Is gluten really that bad? And how reasonable is it to abandon it completely?

Gluten is a plant protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats and other grains. Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is an inherited autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the small intestine when a person consumes food containing gluten. The result is a range of unpleasant symptoms, ranging from bloating to headaches, bad skin, frequent colds, and nervous breakdowns.

But do not rush to diagnose yourself.

Gluten intolerance affects less than 1% of the population in developed countries 5,6 .

For comparison, in Russia, approximately 5% of the population has diabetes. That is, you are 5 times more likely to have diabetes than to be gluten intolerant.

The myth that gluten is a strong allergen began when, in 2001, the World Health Organization recommended not giving gluten-containing foods to babies under 6 months of age to reduce the risk of developing gluten intolerance and other allergic diseases. However, a retraction was later published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Studies have shown that if a child is not given gluten-containing foods before 7 months of age, the risk of developing gluten intolerance in the future is increased 7 . Today, experts from the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend a complete gluten-free diet, but recommend starting to gradually introduce gluten into a child's diet as early as 4–6 months of age 8 .

Patients with celiac disease gluten is really contraindicated. The disease can be diagnosed with a blood test. If your results show no intolerance, you can safely continue to eat gluten-containing foods.

By the way, in addition to gluten allergy, wheat allergy can also develop. But it is also quite rare - according to studies, it is diagnosed in 0.21% of people 9 . In this case, it is enough to refuse wheat products.

Allergies most often occur to red vegetables and fruits.

In fact, there are no studies to prove this. According to experts, red fruits can really cause allergies, but this is not entirely due to the color of the fruit. The cells of the immune system have a memory. The fact is that allergic reactions often develop on an allergen atypical for the area. Those. Allergy to pomegranate among residents of Moscow will develop more often than to radish.

If you want to avoid food allergies, buy only varieties of red fruits that you know.

What is the most common allergy?

Most foods have some degree of allergenicity, except for salt and sugar. But in the vast majority of cases, food allergies occur on products such as cow's milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts, milk, soy, fish and shellfish, strawberries, strawberries, citrus fruits.

Pollinosis (allergy to pollen during the flowering of grasses and trees) is most often associated with the flowering of birch, oak, poplar, alder, walnut, wormwood, ragweed, quinoa. Interestingly, people who are allergic to fruit tree pollen often cannot tolerate apples and other stone fruits. And pollinosis on pollen of hazel (hazel) in most cases is accompanied by an allergy to nuts.

Dust allergies are common. In this case, an allergic reaction does not occur to the dust itself, but to dust mites or to substances contained in the dust - plant pollen, mold spores, particles of fluff, hair, etc.

Allergies to animals affect an average of 15-20% of people. Most often, allergies occur on cats. Contrary to popular belief, it is not wool that causes it, but proteins that are found on the skin and epithelium of the skin, as well as in the secretion of the sebaceous glands and urine of animals. Therefore, even having a Sphynx cat, you cannot guarantee that you or your child will not develop allergies. Allergy symptoms may appear as early as 5 minutes after contact with an animal. As a rule, they grow and reach a maximum in a few hours. The appearance of clinical symptoms of allergy is not always associated with direct contact with the animal - allergens can be carried on the clothes or shoes of the owners.

It is also possible that the drug is allergic to certain vitamins, cosmetics, household chemicals, insect bites, and even an allergy to cold.

A case of “human allergy” is described in the media. Briton Matt suffers from an allergy to ... his girlfriend. Kissing and touching her causes an allergic rash in a young man. It is interesting that Matt does not suffer from allergy attacks all the time, but only during periods when his girlfriend has "critical days" 10 .

How to properly treat allergies?

An allergic reaction can develop in different ways. Often it is accompanied by very acute and dangerous symptoms (for example, Quincke's edema). Therefore, if any life-threatening symptoms appear, an ambulance should be called or, if possible, the person with allergies should be taken to the hospital.

But even if the signs of allergy are clearly not life-threatening, you should still not let the disease take its course. Inaction with allergies can be hazardous to health. It is known that allergic urticaria in adults and children becomes chronic in 30% of cases 11 .

Allergic rhinitis provokes the development of sinusitis, polypous rhinosinusitis, paranasal sinus cysts, otitis media and conjunctivitis 12 , and is a risk factor for the development of bronchial asthma.

Therefore, with allergy symptoms, you should consult an allergist. The specialist will determine what exactly caused the allergy, and prescribe treatment. Depending on the severity of the allergy and its manifestations, it will include:

1. Exclusion of contact with the allergen.

First of all, it is necessary to eliminate human contact with allergens from the environment. It is logical that if you have a food allergy to a certain product, then you should completely eliminate it from the diet. In the case of hay fever and allergies to house dust, you need to clean the air in the apartment with the help of air purifiers.

2. Taking antihistamines and / or glucosteroids.

An allergic reaction is caused by the action of a special substance - histamine. Histamine is produced when an allergen enters the body, and it is he who is responsible for various unpleasant symptoms and inflammatory processes that accompany allergies.

Antihistamines block the action of histamine and thus eliminate the symptoms of allergies - the rash turns pale, swelling and itching disappear, nasal breathing is facilitated.

Antihistamines are available in various forms - tablets, drops, sprays and injections. The undeniable advantage of these funds is that they act very quickly.

But there are enough minuses - severe side effects, suppression of the immune system during the period of admission, addiction ... In addition, antihistamines cause drowsiness, sometimes quite strong.

To eliminate strong reactions with an extensive inflammatory process, glucocorticosteroids, synthetic hormonal drugs, can sometimes be used. They quickly relieve allergy symptoms, but, unfortunately, have serious side effects - the risk of developing stomach ulcers and diabetes, calcium leaching from the body, increased pressure, weight gain and reduced potency, and much more. Therefore, you should not take these drugs without first consulting with an allergist.

3. Taking sorbents to remove allergens and participants in an allergic reaction (serotinin, histamine, etc.).

Allergy is a complex phenomenon. The entire immune system, bloodstream, mucous membranes and other organs take part in the allergic reaction of the body. Even if an allergy manifests itself in the form of itching or a rash, this does not mean at all that only the skin is involved in the allergic reaction.

The intestines play an extremely important role in the occurrence and development of allergies.

The mucous membranes of the intestines come into contact with allergens entering the body 10 times more than the respiratory tract and 300 times more than the skin.

Therefore, allergists, along with antihistamines, must also prescribe sorbents.

Liquid coal is highly effective in the treatment of allergies.

1 Arshad S.H., Karmaus W., Raza A. et al. The effect of parental allergy on childhood allergic diseases depends on the sex of the child. // J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012 Aug;130(2):427-34.

2 Belmer S. V., Mukhina Yu. G., Chubarova A. I. et al. Lactose intolerance in children and adults. https://www.lvrach.ru/2005/01/4531964/

3 Milk & Dairy Allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/food-allergy/types-food-allergy/milk-dairy-allergy

4 Tofte S. J., Hanifin J. M. Current management and therapy of atopic dermatitis // American Acad. Dermatol. - 2001. - Vol. 119. – P. 158–159.

5 Fasano A., Catassi C. Clinical practice. Celiac disease // The New England Journal of Medicine (Review). 2012 Dec 20; 367(25): 2419–26.

7 Pinto-Sanchez M.I., Verdu E.F., Liu E. et al. Gluten Introduction to Infant Feeding and Risk of Celiac Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis // J Pediatr. Jan 2016; 168:132-43.

8 Reis Alex. When should gluten be introduced to babies? https://www.glutenfreetherapeutics.com/living-gluten-free/nutrition-diet/gluten-introduced-to-babies

9 Morita E., Chinuki Y., Takahashi H. et al. Prevalence of Wheat Allergy in Japanese Adults // Allergology International. 2012. 61(1): 101–105.

10 Narain Jaya. The man who is allergic to his girlfriend. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-337895/The-man-allergic-girlfriend.html

11 Khaitov R.M., Ilyina N.I. Allergology and Immunology. National leadership. M., 2009. - S. 462.

12 Lopatin A.S. Rhinitis: a guide for physicians. – M.: Literra, 2010. – S. 205.

13 Tang M.L., Lahtinen S.J., Boyle R.J. Probiotics and prebiotics: clinical effects in allergic disease // Curr Opin Pediatr. 2010 Oct;22(5):626-34.

Allergic reactions are dangerous conditions that develop as a result of exposure to the body of various biological substances. To these substances, the body shows increased sensitivity, which leads to the manifestation of the reaction.

Causes of allergies

Allergic reactions are based on autoimmune processes. Their essence lies in the fact that when an allergen enters the body, circulating immune complexes (CIC) are formed. These complexes can be carried with the bloodstream to various parts of the body and deposited in the tissues.

This leads to the fact that the immune system begins to recognize the tissue containing the CEC as a foreign body and show aggression towards it. As a result, an inflammatory process develops, which leads to dysfunction of the target organ.

Such violations in the work of protective mechanisms can be observed when exposed to such factors:

• Frequent and prolonged infectious diseases, as well as chronic foci of infection. Long-term stay in the body of various pathogenic microorganisms can lead to the fact that they, with their enzymes and toxins, affect the immune system, causing functional changes in it.
• Heredity. The hereditary factor is one of the leading in the development of allergies. The greatest danger is the manifestation of allergies in the mother during pregnancy. In this case, immune complexes can penetrate the placental barrier to the fetus, which increases the risk of the child developing individual sensitivity to this allergen in the future.
• immunosuppressive conditions. Some pathologies are accompanied by a significant suppression of the immune system, which can lead to the development of individual sensitivity.
• Prolonged exposure to an environment that contains a large amount of allergenic substances. Regular exposure to substances that are highly likely to cause allergies is not recommended. In particular, this applies to children, since the defense mechanisms are not yet perfect.

The causes of allergies are not fully understood, but pathogenetic data are sufficient to prescribe adequate drug treatment.

Types of allergens

An allergy can manifest itself to absolutely everything. The main groups of allergens are:

• Food products. The most dangerous, in terms of allergies, are citrus fruits, chocolate, eggs, and vegetables. The severity of an allergic reaction to food allergens depends on the amount of food eaten, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism.
• Aerosol allergens. These include household and book dust, aerosol household chemicals, perfumes, and various gases. It is worth noting that aerosol substances cause one of the most severe manifestations, as they are accompanied by deep respiratory disorders.
• Medicines. Absolutely any medicine can cause an allergic reaction. This does not depend on the route of administration of the drug. The most dangerous reactions occur with intravenous administration of drugs.
• physical factors. Pathological conditions can develop in the human body under the influence of low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and other types of radiation.

Regardless of what caused the allergy, it is necessary to carry out high-quality diagnostics with the production of allergological tests and an assessment of the state of the immune system.

The causes of allergies in adults are most often known, since the reaction is already manifested not for the first time. But the causes of allergies in children need to be clarified and diagnosed.

Symptoms

Symptoms and treatment of allergies depend on the form of its manifestation. Thus, the following forms of allergies are distinguished:

• Hives.
• Asthmatic cough.
• Quincke's edema.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Anaphylactic shock.

The form of allergy depends on the route of entry of the allergen, as well as on the titer of immune complexes in the blood, the higher the titer, the more severe the allergy attack.

Hives

In fact, urticaria is an allergic rash that can occur both locally and affect large areas of the skin. This rash has small structural elements that do not tend to merge, but can spread over time to healthy areas of the skin.

Urticaria is accompanied by intense itching, which can be so pronounced that patients develop deep scratching. This condition is fraught with the fact that scratching is the entrance gate for bacteria.

Accession of infection is fraught with the development of septic complications, which requires the use of additional groups of drugs for treatment. In severe clinical cases, surgical removal of purulent foci may be required, with the risk of developing generalized septic processes.

The mechanism of development of urticaria is that the CEC are fixed in the endoderm, which leads to its inflammation. Itching with hives is the result of the fact that histamine is formed in the foci of inflammation. It is this mediator of inflammation that leads to itching.

Urticaria develops gradually. At first, separate rashes appear, which spread over time. Severe forms of such a reaction can cover the entire surface of the body, which is the cause of the extremely serious condition of patients.

It should be noted that the appearance of rashes on the back, buttocks and back surface of the lower extremities in bedridden patients significantly increases the risk of pressure sores.

Allergy symptoms in adults require differentiation from skin and sexually transmitted diseases.

Asthmatic cough and asthma

Contact of an allergic person with various aerosol substances and dust is accompanied by a violation of the respiratory function. In mild forms, this manifests itself in the form of an asthmatic cough, which is in the nature of attacks. These attacks appear more often at night and last up to 1 hour.

At the end of a coughing fit, patients produce a sufficiently large amount of viscous and transparent sputum. It is the appearance of sputum that is a differential criterion for excluding infectious diseases of the bronchi or lungs.

In cases where asthmatic cough therapy was not carried out, or the amount of the allergen was large, bronchial asthma attacks occur. This condition differs from asthmatic cough in severity, as well as the presence of bronchospasm.

In asthma, there is an increased production of sputum, which, as in a mild form, is very viscous, swelling of the bronchial mucosa, as well as bronchospasm. In combination, these three processes lead to impaired lung ventilation. There is an expiratory dyspnea, in which there is difficulty exhaling.

As a result, a person's chest increases in size, and the intercostal spaces become visible from a distance. Lack of timely medical attention can lead to death.

Causes of allergies in adults may include factors such as smoking, which makes it possible to confuse the reaction with smoker's bronchitis.

Quincke's edema

This condition is characterized by swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. Quincke's edema has a synonym - angioedema. Edema of adipose tissue can be localized in any part of the human body. But, most often, it develops in the face and neck. This condition is dangerous because edema can lead to blockage of the lumen of the upper respiratory tract and asphyxia.

Allergy symptoms, and this form, are quite common among all clinical cases.

The swelling begins with a feeling of restlessness and itching in the face. After that, there is an increase in the neck, eyelids and lips, which can be quite pronounced. These symptoms may be accompanied by shortness of breath due to narrowing of the airways.

The most severe forms of angioedema occur as a result of damage to adipose tissue in the abdominal cavity or mediastinum. In such cases, the clinical picture may be similar to abdominal ischemic syndrome or angina pectoris.

Quincke's edema requires emergency medical attention to eliminate life-threatening symptoms.

Anaphylactic shock

Such an allergic reaction is considered the most dangerous manifestation of an allergy. This is due to the fact that it is accompanied by disruption of the cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems.

In anaphylactic shock, a person's blood pressure drops, and the heart rate slows down. Together with respiratory failure, this leads to severe tissue hypoxia.

In addition, there is a violation of urine production, which is associated with the accumulation of circulating immune complexes in the tissues of the kidneys. Violation of urine production can cause damage to the membranes of the brain by urea products.

Against this background, the patient has disorders of consciousness, up to coma. Violation of the brain aggravates the condition, as there is a dysfunction of the respiratory and vasomotor centers in the medulla oblongata.

Allergy symptoms in children in this case are extremely dangerous and can cause irreversible changes in organs and tissues.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures for allergic reactions are not carried out until emergency care is provided. After that, application and allergological tests are carried out, the purpose of which is to identify the allergen that can cause the development of such conditions.

In some cases, it may take quite a long time to identify the allergen, since these studies are carried out by the method of exclusion and selection.

In addition, laboratory tests are carried out, which make it possible to assess the state of the human immune system, as well as to assess the degree of damage caused by an allergic reaction.

Treatment

It is better to treat allergic reactions in an allergological hospital. This is due to the fact that even mild forms of manifestation can progress and cause anaphylactic shock.

In addition, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock require hospitalization in the intensive care unit or intensive care unit.

How to treat allergies depends on the form of manifestation and its severity. Basic drugs for relief of symptoms are antihistamines and hormones of the adrenal cortex. Thus, apply:

• Tablet forms of antihistamines. The main representatives of these drugs are Diazolin and Claritin.
• Injectables. The main substance that is used for allergies is Diphenhydramine. This substance makes it possible to eliminate allergies in the shortest possible time, with the exception of extremely severe forms.
• Hormones feed the adrenal glands. Glucocorticosteroids are administered parenterally. Perhaps intramuscular, intravenous and drip administration. These drugs have a powerful anti-allergic effect, and also eliminate inflammation.

The rest of the treatment is symptomatic. The following groups of medicines can be used:

• Bronchodilators. With asthmatic cough and attacks of bronchial asthma, pocket inhalers are used, which contain substances that expand the lumen of the bronchial tree. With their inefficiency, eufilin and glucocorticosteroids are used.
• Ointments containing antihistamines or hormonal drugs. The use of such ointments is an etiotropic and symptomatic treatment for urticaria. These funds prevent the further spread of pathology, eliminate inflammation and reduce the intensity of itching.
• Oxygen therapy. With symptoms of respiratory failure, which manifests itself in pulmonary forms of allergy and anaphylactic shock, oxygen is used. This is done in order to restore the normal concentration of oxygen in the blood and, accordingly, in the tissues. Normalization of oxygen levels is extremely important for the brain, since the central organ of the nervous system is extremely sensitive to hypoxia.
• Drugs to increase blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock occurs with a drop in blood pressure, which increases the state of hypoxia. The goal of emergency care for shock is to restore normal hemodynamic parameters.
• Forced diuresis. In order to remove the CEC from the bloodstream as quickly as possible, the technique of forced diuresis is used. It consists of a combination of abundant infusion therapy and powerful diuretics. For intravenous infusions, electrolyte solutions, soda, protein solutions, and glucose are used. The use of this method requires mandatory control over the amount of urine excreted.

An important role in the treatment of allergies is the provision of emergency care. First of all, people around should call an ambulance, and then stop the patient's contact with the allergen. This action is very important, because if it is not performed, the symptoms will progress.

After that, the patient needs to provide access to fresh air. If possible, he is taken out or taken out into the street. If this is not possible, then they unfasten the tight clothing and place it near the open window.

If available, you can give antihistamines, but when the ambulance arrives, this must be reported to medical workers. This is important for prescribing drug therapy to avoid overdose.

Prevention

If a person knows that he has an individual sensitivity to a certain substance, then he should follow a number of rules, the purpose of which is to prevent the development of allergic reactions. These include:

• Complete exclusion of the possibility of contact with the allergen. This can be achieved by diet, daily routine and organization of living conditions.
• If it is not possible to exclude contact with the allergen, then the systematic use of tableted antihistamines is indicated. They should be taken as a preventive measure, without waiting for the development of pathological conditions.
• Maintaining the immune system at a sufficient level. For this, immunostimulants and vitamin complexes are used, which are taken according to the doctor's prescription and according to the prescribed scheme.
• Periodic consultations with an allergist. The presence of allergies requires the patient to visit the allergist regularly. This is necessary in order to be able to review the drug regimen, as well as receive additional recommendations regarding lifestyle.

Allergy is a pathology that can cause extremely dangerous conditions that can cause irreparable harm to the body. Everything possible must be done to prevent the development of these pathological conditions, since their treatment requires urgent intensive care.

The sun is a source of positivity and good mood. It is no secret that in sunny weather people awaken the best feelings and thoughts about nature, about a long stay in a country estate, about visiting exotic countries, about the sea.

The sun and once again the sun - what can be compared with its attracting and golden rays? What could be better than this feeling? Everything is wonderful and you can enjoy life!

However, in recent years there has been an increase in cases of sun allergy, which manifests itself after sunburn with the speed of lightning or, conversely, within a few hours, or after a few days.

This reaction of the body to radiation is caused by a phototoxic reaction or, as it is commonly called in medicine, photodermatosis.

Solar allergy - photodermatitis occurs as a result of long exposure to the sun, while the interaction of rays with chlorinated water, deodorants or perfumes. To prevent allergies, increase immunity and improve health, you need to understand its types.

Types of solar allergies

1. Phototraumatic type of reaction. It consists as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun, which entails ultraviolet radiation, in which sunburn occurs. Therefore, you can’t be in the sun a lot, even for a perfectly healthy person, especially at lunchtime.
2. Photoxic type of reaction. Manifested in the form of burns: blisters, erythema, edema. Caused by the medicinal use of injectable or oral agents, products, herbs that contain photosensitizers.
3. Photoallergic type of reaction. The process that occurs in those people whose body, for unknown reasons, rejects UV radiation, and this leads to the fact that the skin and mucous membrane react to solar activity as an alien, hostile and toxic external irritant. In other words, this is a violation of immunity, which is manifested by a thickening of the skin, accompanied by a rash, after which there is a violation of pigmentation, which makes the skin wrinkled and rough.

risk group. Based on the foregoing, it is possible to distinguish risk groups for internal causes of the body, which include persons:

• with various disorders of the immune system;
• with a disease of the endocrine system;
• with liver and kidney disease.

Sun allergy symptoms

Solar allergy is so diverse and heterogeneous that it can change and vary from many reasons that depend on the age of the person, and on many other factors associated with internal or external provocation. The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Allergy caused by the sun. It appears on the face, on the arms and legs, but if the detection is found on the chest, then in its place you can see uneven surfaces with reddened and swollen foci, a noticeable roughness that causes pain and itching. Redness, rash, abscesses appear.
• At the site of the focus, bleeding appears, which is caused by the appearance of a crust or flake of the skin.
• Most often, an allergy looks like small blisters, hives, eczema.
• All the symptoms and signs of allergies caused by solar overheating appear not only in those places where there was the greatest exposure to sunlight, but also far from the place of ultraviolet radiation.

Thus, as practice shows, a perfectly healthy and physically strong body should not have allergies, but this does not mean that safety rules should be neglected. First of all, infants and small children who are not strong after illness, the elderly and people with a large number of chronic diseases are exposed to this disease.

Sun Allergy Treatment

So how do you treat allergies? First of all, you need to identify the root cause of this disease and make sure that the correct diagnosis of an allergic reaction to ultraviolet radiation is made. If the manifestation of an allergy is caused by drugs, food or something else, then these methods of consumption must be urgently canceled. Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible and use UV protection.

All of the above actions must be strictly followed, only in this way can serious consequences be avoided. But what to do if it is not associated with food intake and the use of medicinal preparations? Then you need to consult a doctor and find out if there are any internal failures in the body's immune system, find out what medicines exist, including what creams and ointments are.

After a thorough examination by an allergist, immunologist, therapist and dermatologist, you need to find out the cause of the allergy, after which the doctor must prescribe treatment that is associated with taking antihistamines. The causes of photodermatosis can be different, so there are many remedies, such as: Tavegil, Suprastin, Claritin. You can also highlight other antihistamines: Zodak and Cetrin, they are very effective in preventing all kinds of allergic reactions and have a prolonged action and, importantly, do not cause drowsiness.

Allergies can be treated with corticosteroid ointments and creams, which are very effective, but are only recommended for severe cases. The appointment of these funds should be carried out by a doctor.

Non-hormonal creams and ointments are often used, such as: Panthenol, Dexpanthenol, La-cree, Fenistil gel, Gistan, Desitin.

One of the reasons for the appearance of allergies can be caused by a decrease in immunity and vitamin deficiency. It is recommended to use vitamins C, B and E. Antioxidants and nicotinic acid can contribute to the complex treatment of the patient.

We should not forget about cleaning the body of toxins and allergens by using sorbents: Polyphepan, Enterosgel, Polysorb MP, as well as drinking a large amount of water per day from 2 to 3 liters, which will significantly help the body remove unnecessary toxins.

If it is impossible to consult a doctor, you can try using folk remedies, which will help to alleviate the pain and itching of the skin at first. For example, use cucumber juice, potatoes or cabbage leaves, as they have softening properties and promote rapid healing of wounds and skin lesions. Infusions of celandine and calendula are used, with the help of which cold compresses are made.

Many do not know how to properly treat allergies and in most cases self-medicate, but this should never be allowed. After detecting the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Is there an allergy to the sun

Summer is a great time for holidays and travel. However, in recent years, more and more people are faced with such a problem as an allergy to the sun.

Symptoms of this disease can appear literally in a matter of seconds and significantly spoil the summer vacation.

In medicine, this condition is called photodermatosis or phototoxic reaction.

Most often, allergy to sunlight occurs in people with the first skin phototype.

The main cause of this disease are photosensitizers or photoreactive agents.

After exposure to ultraviolet radiation, they cause changes that provoke the manifestations of the disease.

Phototoxic reactions can be associated with the action of various substances.

To determine the causes of the reaction, you need to know where they are contained:

1. hygiene products– in particular, antibacterial soap;
2. cosmetics- most creams, colognes, lipsticks and deodorants contain such substances;
3. nutritional supplements- for example, sweeteners;
4. household chemicals- naphthalene balls;
5. medications.

Also, such substances can enter the body during tattooing, since cadmium sulfate is used during this procedure.

The causes also include Gunther's disease.

Such people have pale skin, very thick eyebrows and eyelashes, are afraid of sunlight due to the appearance of ulcers and cracks in the skin.

Another cause of photodermatosis is pellagra.

This disease is a violation of the absorption or deficiency of nicotinic acid in the body.

Development mechanism

Sunlight itself is not an allergen, but it can lead to aggressive reactions of the immune system and the whole body:

1. phototraumatic reaction- represents a sunburn after prolonged exposure to the sun;
2. phototoxic reaction- consists in the development of photodermatosis, which is provoked by the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and certain varieties of plants or drugs;
3. photoallergy- is photosensitivity.

All forms of reaction are accompanied by varying degrees of skin pigmentation.

The exception is people who are prone to allergic reactions.

In them, even a half-hour exposure to the sun can cause severe symptoms of the disease.

Pathology may be associated with the action of photosensitizers, which include many foods, plants, drugs.

They increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation and activate the body's defenses, including an aggressive immune response.

All photosensitizers can be differentiated by the speed of exposure:

1. optional– lead to photosensitivity quite rarely. This happens only in the case of prolonged exposure to the sun and subject to the presence of an allergic readiness. Such substances usually lead to the corresponding reactions;
2. obligate- always provoke photosensitivity of the skin. Sometimes this happens literally after 10 minutes or a few hours. Obligate substances lead to a phototoxic reaction.

In addition to allergy symptoms, there may be an exacerbation of herpes, eczema, psoriasis.

There are also photosensitizers that provoke the acceleration of skin aging and contribute to the appearance of cancer.

Under the influence of sunlight, various types of photodermatosis can develop:

1. sunburn. It is an acute phototraumatic reaction characterized by inflammation of the skin. Recently, this condition has increasingly provoked the development of melanoma;
2. chronic exposure to ultraviolet rays often leads to geroderma. This disease does not resemble the classic symptoms of an allergy, but the processes occurring in the body are similar to the immune response in response to exposure to an allergen;
3. in contact with phototoxic plants photodermatosis, which is also called "meadow" photodermatitis, may develop. Plant sensitizers include plants with salicylates and coumarins in the composition;
4. sun eczema and pruritus are characteristic conditions that accompany sun allergy;
5. Allergy may be the result of polymorphic dermatosis, which consists in the appearance of light-dependent rashes.

Allergy to the sun, burns or hypersensitivity?

The first manifestations of sunburn resemble signs of photodermatitis, so it can be quite difficult to make a correct diagnosis.

To differentiate these conditions, it is necessary to take into account such features of the clinical picture:

1. with photodermatitis, pain is absent, whereas burns are always accompanied by great discomfort;
2. with allergies, itching begins almost immediately after the sun's rays hit the skin. With a burn, this condition is observed only after 4-5 days;
3. as a result of pressure on the skin during a burn, a white mark will remain, while allergies are not accompanied by similar symptoms;
4. with allergies, redness and itching occur not only in the area of ​​​​sunlight, but also outside it. With burns, such symptoms do not leave the boundaries of the affected area.

Symptoms of manifestation

All symptoms of photodermatitis are conditionally divided into two categories - general and local.

Thanks to this, you can find out what the reaction looks like in the sun.

Local manifestations include:

• redness of some areas of the skin, even with a slight exposure to the sun;
• sensation of itching and burning on the skin;
• the appearance of swelling of the skin;
• skin rash;
• the formation of blisters on the skin.

Common manifestations include:

• an increase in body temperature - occurs as a result of the ingress of toxic substances into the blood;
• fainting - is a consequence of a drop in blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• headache.

If small areas of the skin are affected, general symptoms usually do not develop.

Provoking factors

Various factors can provoke the development of a reaction to the sun:

• liver disease;
• disorders in the gallbladder;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• enzymatic deficiency;
• thyroid pathology;
• chronic kidney disease;
• helminthic invasion;
• violation of pigment metabolism;
• deficiency of vitamins PP, A, E;
• uncontrolled use of drugs;
• prone to allergic reactions.

It should be borne in mind that certain drugs can provoke the development of sensitivity to the sun.

Phototoxic drugs include the following:

• antibiotics of the tetracycline group;
• corticosteroid hormones;
• cytostatics;
• means for lowering sugar levels;
• sleeping pills;
• oral contraceptives;
• sulfonamides;
• cardio drugs;
• retinols;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• neuroleptics;
• fluoroquinolones;
• antifungal agents;
• salicylates;
• aspirin;
• antiarrhythmic drugs;
• diuretics;
• vitamins B2 and B6.

In addition, allergic reactions to the sun often occur after eating fruits or contact with plants that contain furocoumarins.

At-risk groups

The following categories of the population are at risk for developing the disease:

• young children;
• pregnant women;
• people with pale skin and blond hair;
• people who often visit the solarium;
• people who have recently had a chemical peel or tattoo.

What to do

To prevent the onset of symptoms of the disease, you need to follow certain rules:

1. limit sun exposure. If you are prone to allergies, you can stay under the influence of ultraviolet radiation for no more than 20 minutes;
2. before going to the beach, it is forbidden to apply decorative cosmetics and perfumes to the skin;
3. use sunscreen with a high SPF;
4. refuse to use cosmetics containing fragrances, as it can provoke the appearance of pigmentation;
5. apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure;
6. after leaving the water, do not wipe dry, so as not to overdry the skin. It is enough to blot it with a towel;
7. immediately after bathing, it is better to relax in the shade;
8. in the presence of such problems, you should choose the right time for tanning - before 10 o'clock or after 17 o'clock;
9. in difficult cases, it is recommended to wear long sleeves in order to cover the surface of the skin as much as possible;
10. at the first symptoms of an allergy, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will make the correct diagnosis and select effective antihistamines.

How to treat

Treatment of allergies to the sun must necessarily be comprehensive.

To cope with the disease, you need to contact a specialist in time.

Ointments and creams

The most effective allergy remedies are an ointment or cream containing corticosteroid hormones.

However, they can only be used as prescribed by a doctor for severe reactions.

The course of using such drugs should be short, otherwise there is a risk of skin pathologies, rosacea, erythema.

Among non-hormonal agents, it is worth highlighting:

For the treatment of sunburn, such remedies as livian, psilo-balm, flocceta, vinyline, etc. are used.

drugs

After conducting a detailed examination and establishing the cause of the disease, it is necessary to treat allergies with antihistamines - tavegil, claritin, suprastin.

Particularly effective are the means of the third generation - the zodak and tsetrin.

They do not cause drowsiness and can be used for a long time.

The appearance of an allergy to the sun is the result of a weakened immune system, a lack of vitamins.

Therefore, the doctor may prescribe vitamin complexes.

It is also often required to cleanse the body with the help of enterosorbents.

Tablets such as Polysorb, Filtrum, Polyphepan can be used.

folk recipes

To treat allergies at home, you can use folk remedies:

• carefully treat the affected areas with watermelon or cucumber juice;
• lubricate the skin with cabbage juice, mixing it first with egg white;
• lubricate the rashes with a mixture based on honey and water;
• dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 1 and use the resulting solution to treat the affected areas;
• apply compresses based on black tea.

Is it possible to give sorbents to children with allergies? The answer is in the article.

What role does sunscreen play?

Sometimes a person may be allergic to sunscreen.

The fact is that the substances that make up its composition can react with ultraviolet radiation and provoke unwanted reactions.

These components include eosin and para-aminobenzoic acid.

Therefore, products containing such ingredients should be used with extreme caution.

Video: How to enjoy the summer heat

Healthy foods

To prevent the occurrence of unwanted allergic reactions, you need to adjust your diet:

1. eat a large number of foods containing vitamins C, B and E. It is especially useful to eat fresh berries and fruits - blueberries, pomegranates, currants;
2. drink plenty of clean water. Thanks to this, it will be possible to cleanse the body of toxic substances. At the same time, carbonated drinks, alcohol and juices are recommended to be completely excluded.
3. on vacation, be careful about exotic dishes. With high sensitivity to sunlight, such experiments should be avoided.

First aid for acute manifestation

In case of sudden onset of symptoms of the disease, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Before the doctor arrives, you can try to alleviate the person's condition:

1. Give plenty of fluids to help relieve symptoms of dehydration. In this case, milk, coffee or tea are contraindicated;
2. cover the skin of the victim with clothing;
3. apply a cold compress to the affected areas;
4. if possible, give the person an antihistamine to drink.

Allergy to the sun can lead to vomiting, so the victim should be laid on their side.

Thanks to this, it will be possible to prevent the ingress of vomit into the respiratory system.

Are you allergic to diapers? The solution is here.

What should be the diet for food allergies in children? Details below.

To minimize the risk of developing allergic reactions, you should follow certain recommendations:

1. 20 minutes before going outside, apply a protective cream;
2. after swimming in the pond, blot the skin with a towel;
3. do not use decorative cosmetics, perfumes, creams;
4. owners of light and sensitive skin should avoid exposure to sunlight;
5. in hot weather, drink at least 2 liters of clean water. Limit the amount of hot drinks and completely abandon alcohol;
6. with a tendency to allergies, carry antihistamines with you. It is best to choose the means of the third generation.

Sun sensitivity is becoming more and more common.

This is a rather unpleasant pathology, which can lead to the development of dangerous complications.

To prevent this, you need to know how this type of allergy manifests itself.

This will allow you to consult a doctor when the first symptoms of pathology appear.

Is there an allergy to the sun

For most of us, sunlight brings warmth and good cheer. However, there are people who prefer to be in the dark and avoid being outside on a fine spring or summer day. And the reason for this is an allergy to the sun.

What is sun allergy?

Allergy to the sun (synonyms - photodermatitis, photodermatosis) is a specific reaction of the body in response to direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. The basis of the pathological process is the increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

The most common risk factors for developing the disease include the following.

1. Reception of certain groups of drugs. It has been proven that sulfonamides, some antibiotics (for example, doxycycline or tetracycline), ketoprofen have a photosensitizing effect and contribute to the appearance of an allergy to ultraviolet light.
2. The presence of dermatological diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) increases the likelihood of photodermatitis.
3. Racial affiliation.
4. Heredity: People whose relatives cannot tolerate sunlight have a high probability of developing a similar disease.

The use of certain types of cosmetics, contact with household chemicals, acids - all this contributes to the appearance of symptoms of photodermatitis.

Clinical picture of the disease

To understand how an allergy to the sun manifests itself, you need to see a person suffering from this disease once in your life. The disease is characterized by a variety and polymorphism of symptoms:

• hyperemia (redness) of the skin;
• intense itching;
• local edema;
• a rash that appears most often on open surfaces (it is common, proceeds according to the type of urticaria, followed by the formation of vesicles, crusts, scales and the possible addition of a purulent infection).

The development of solar dermatitis negatively affects the functioning of organs and body systems. This is due to a violation of the protective function of the skin, a decrease in the formation of vitamin D and other metabolites, which leads to a violation of metabolic processes, the occurrence of concomitant pathology.

Sun allergy symptoms can appear within hours or days after exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Occasionally, severe forms of photodermatitis are observed: they are characterized by a massive lesion of the skin over the area. In addition, anaphylactic reactions may develop, in which there is a sudden drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing (bronchospasm).

List of diagnostic measures

Currently, there are a sufficient number of tests to determine whether there is an allergy to the sun. An experienced allergist, based on an external examination and questioning of the patient, will be able to make the correct diagnosis.

The following is a description of tests to determine whether a given patient is allergic to the sun or if it is a manifestation of another skin disease.

• Testing using ultraviolet light. With the help of lamps capable of emitting ultraviolet waves with different wavelengths, the skin is irradiated.
• Application photo tests. It is known that there are substances that increase the susceptibility of the skin to the effects of sunlight (eg cosmetics). This test is used to determine such substances. Its essence is as follows: a limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe human body, on which a probable allergen is applied, is irradiated with an ultraviolet lamp that simulates the activity of the sun. The appearance of redness, swelling and rash in this place indicates a positive reaction.
• Skin tests. Used for differential diagnosis of various types of allergies (to the sun, pollen, food products, household chemicals).
• General and biochemical blood tests: designed to exclude the pathology of internal organs.
• Immunogram: gives an idea of ​​the state of the immune system.

What is the treatment for this type of allergy?

Treating an allergy to the sun is quite a difficult task. However, by contacting a competent specialist, the patient has the right to expect recovery. It is not recommended to prescribe medications on your own, as there is a high probability of the occurrence of resistant forms of photodermatitis.

Follow the rules

If you want to know what to do if you are allergic to the sun, learn the following rules:

1. undergo a comprehensive examination by a therapist, dermatologist, immunologist-allergist in order to determine the cause of the disease;
2. try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun;
3. use moisturizers for the skin;
4. use vitamin preparations to strengthen the body's immune system, improve metabolic processes in the epithelium.

The main drugs for the treatment of photodermatitis:

1. Antihistamines block the release of histamine, the main mediator of allergy. These include tavegil, suprastin, diazolin and others.
2. Corticosteroids (systemic and local action). Ointments containing dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or betamethasone are applied to the affected areas of the skin, reduce the severity of edema and hyperemia.
3. Non-hormonal drugs used for itching and burning (topical application of zinc ointment, lanolin).
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the severity of pain and inflammation.

First aid for sun allergies

If photodermatitis manifests itself in a severe form like anaphylactic shock, it is necessary to call an ambulance.

In the case of mild forms of allergy, the patient needs to be given a large amount of liquid - mineral water, sweet tea, compote. The affected areas of the skin are covered with clothes or cloth. When the temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are used.

Important! Before treating an allergy to the sun, it is necessary to clarify with the patient which drugs he does not tolerate.

Basic preventive measures

• Try to limit your time outside on sunny days.
• Use sun protection clothing and goggles.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Eliminate the use of drugs that increase the susceptibility of the skin to the ultraviolet spectrum of light.
• In hot sunny weather, drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat right: include foods containing antioxidants, vitamins (apples, pomegranates) in your diet.

People who are allergic to the sun, having consulted a doctor in a timely manner, have a high chance of recovery. The specialist will help you choose the optimal scheme of antiallergic drugs, taking into account the individual characteristics of the course of the disease in the patient.

• Allergy 325
  • Allergic stomatitis 1
  • Anaphylactic shock 5
  • Urticaria 24
  • Quincke's edema 2
  • Pollinosis 13
• Asthma 39
• Dermatitis 245
  • Atopic dermatitis 25
  • Neurodermatitis 20
  • Psoriasis 63
  • Seborrheic dermatitis 15
  • Lyell's syndrome 1
  • Toxidermia 2
  • Eczema 68
• General symptoms 33
  • Runny nose 33

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The World Health Association has already called our century the century of allergies: the number of allergy sufferers is growing every year, both among children and adults. How to recognize allergies by symptoms?

What is an allergy

According to some estimates, every fourth person in the world suffers from allergies. So everyone knows about allergies, even those lucky ones who have never experienced allergic reactions from personal experience. The main signs of an allergy are familiar to everyone: runny nose, sneezing, skin rash.

An allergy is an atypical reaction of the body to a certain substance. This substance may be completely harmless to others, but the allergic person's immune system recognizes it as hostile and declares war on it.

Excessive activity of the immune system pretty much spoils the life of allergy sufferers, but it also prolongs this very life. Scientists have found that allergy sufferers are less likely to get cancer. A vigilant immune system is more likely to recognize a tumor in the bud and get rid of it with the resources of the body.

Allergy Mechanism

If our immune system protects us, then why does it go sideways to us? Why does an allergic person feel itchy or get a rash? The reason is the entry into the blood of mediators (transmitters) of allergic reactions, such as histamine. These mediators are part of some cells and are usually in an inactive state. However, when an allergen enters the body of an allergic person and the immune system attacks it with antibodies, the cells are damaged, releasing mediators of allergic reactions.

Nicotine is a powerful histamine releaser. Therefore, in smokers, allergy symptoms are more pronounced.

Histamine and other mediators cause spasm of the muscles of the bronchi, vasodilation, lowering blood pressure, increased secretion of gastric juice and tissue edema. All these processes are the underlying causes of allergic symptoms.

Respiratory allergy manifests itself in violation of the respiratory system. The first signs of a respiratory allergy are nasal discharge and itching in the nose, throat, and ears. There may also be frequent sneezing and coughing.

The most common pathogen is, of course, the pollen of plants - birch, poplar, wormwood, quinoa, etc. Pollen allergy is scientifically called pollinosis, and in the old way - hay fever, because it was once believed that it was associated with hay.

Other causative agents of respiratory allergies are animal hair and dust, or rather, dust mites and their waste products. Dust mites live in upholstered furniture, carpets, pillows, bedding and clothes.

If your child regularly sneezes or coughs from dust, don't brush it off as something unimportant. If the signs of allergies in children are ignored, then innocent sneezing can develop into.

This allergy annoys both children and adults. Skin allergies are usually a reaction to food and household chemicals, such as washing powder, soap, shampoo. So, if you find that the skin on your child's body turns red from time to time, try changing the detergent.

Cosmetics also often cause allergic reactions. To avoid becoming a beauty victim, follow the instructions for use, do not leave the product on the skin longer than it should be, and never use expired cosmetics.

The main signs and symptoms of a skin allergy are skin peeling, redness, and a rash. A specific infantile symptom of skin allergies is diaper rash of the buttocks and armpits.

Skin allergies come in many varieties. Adults are more likely to suffer from eczema, and children are more likely to suffer from urticaria and atopic dermatitis. However, the signs of allergies in children and adults are almost the same.

Urticaria manifests itself in the form of blisters, similar to those that come from a nettle burn. Atopic dermatitis in children develops against the background of diathesis and looks like a red rash on the cheeks and body of the baby. Atopic dermatitis often develops at 3-4 months of age due to a change in diet. For example, many parents notice signs of allergies in their children after switching to milk protein formulas. Therefore, pediatricians recommend, if possible, continue breastfeeding for at least six months.

food allergy

Food allergy manifests itself in intestinal upset. Its causative agents are food, for example, milk, nuts, fish, fruits and berries, especially red. The first symptoms of an allergy of the digestive system are itching in the mouth and swelling of the tongue and mucous membranes. If nothing is done, more severe symptoms follow: vomiting, colic, constipation, diarrhea. Food allergies can be accompanied not only by intestinal problems, but also by skin manifestations: a rash and redness.

Other types of allergies
Each of the allergic varieties listed above had its own specific symptoms. But there are allergies that can manifest a whole range of symptoms - from rashes to choking and from vomiting to swelling.

drug allergy

Allergy to drugs is considered the most dangerous: sometimes it leads to anaphylactic shock. It is accompanied by swelling of the airways, vomiting, low blood pressure and can be seriously life-threatening. However, it should be noted that anaphylactic shock can be a reaction not only to medications, but also to food or insect bites.

But, fortunately, it comes to anaphylactic shock relatively rarely. Other signs of drug allergy are much more common. They generally coincide with symptoms of respiratory (rhinitis), skin (urticaria, itching, redness, rash) or food (colic, vomiting) allergies.

The most common drug allergens are salicylic acid, penicillin antibiotics and analgesics.

Psychological allergy

Despite the fact that in the physiological sense, an allergy is a reaction to the effects of a substance, sometimes an allergic reaction can be a manifestation of acute emotional experiences.

For example, an allergy to oranges may not be related to the chemical composition of the fruit, but to unpleasant emotions that a person once experienced and which are subconsciously associated with oranges. For example, he ate fruit when he was informed of some kind of trouble. Apparently, such incredible reactions as are associated with psychology.

It is impossible to cure allergies once and for all. Moreover, there are cases when an allergic reaction is provoked by a substance that for many years before was not perceived by the body as a threat.

But we hasten to please you: everything is far from hopeless. Although it is impossible to remake the immune system, it is quite possible to eliminate the symptoms of allergies.

Allergy symptoms in adults may be less pronounced than in children, so allergies are often confused with other diseases, such as a cold. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of an allergy, consult your doctor. The sooner you start defending, the better.