Most allergens attack and trigger allergic reaction if they find themselves on the skin or inside the eye. Allergic reactions can happen through inhalation, ingestion or injectionand, as discussed previously, allergies can be seasonal as with the case of the hay fever or it can be drug or dust-induced and food-related.
The production of an antibody called immunoglobulin happens upon the first exposure to an allergen. This immunoglobulin or (IgE) attaches itself to basophiles, a type of white blood cell and mast cells. The initial exposure may have a person extrasensitive to allergen but the symptoms may not be there. Subsequent exposures can eventually lead to more reactions and tissue irritations. Reactions can be mild or severe.
Avoiding an allergy simply translates to one commonsense fact: avoid the allergen. This means the person has to discontinue using a drug, have the dust removed, put the pet outdoors, install effective air filters and simply avoid eating a particular food. If the allergy is severe, the person may consider moving out and finding a place that does not contain the allergen.
Here are more ways to prevent an allergic reaction:
1. Ask the doctor for an allergy kit.
An allergy kit is used for severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylaxis. The kit must have the following: how-to’s on using the kit, sterilized cotton swabs for cleansing the skin before and after the injection, Epinephrine which comes in a syringe and some Antihistamine tablets.
Remember that the medications inside an allergy kit may lose their efficacy if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperature. The patient must watch out for the color of Epinephrine. It must be clear. Once it turns pinkish brown, it must be thrown away.
2. You must wear a medical ID tag if you are susceptible to serious reaction so other people are alerted your allergy.
3. There must be a thorough discussion on allergy shots or immunotherapy with the doctor.
Allergy shots can reduce or totally ward off one’s sensitivity to an allergen. These shots are for the following allergies:
1. Pollen (trees, grasses and even ragweed)
2. Dust motes and cockroaches.
3. Dander from dogs and cats
5. Insect venom (from bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants)
As children are more susceptible to allergic reactions, the parent must exert extra effort to keep any allergic reaction at bay. Schools are often considered breeding ground for allergens so the parent and school administrators must work hand in hand. The home must also be allergen-proof so the children can go about freely.
Allergic reactions are dangerous and fatal, if left untreated or if the person is more susceptible than usual. It is mandatory that preventive measures must be carried out to avoid the severe symptoms. For more information on allergic reactions, one must ask the family doctor.
Properly diagnosed and treated, allergies need not affect your life in any significant manner.