Prevention of Allergies: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Allergies

Prevention of Allergies: We know that allergy is an overactive and exaggerated response of our immune system to certain types of allergens. A person can be allergic to one or more allergens like pollens, dust, mites, dander, drugs, food or latex, etc. Most allergies are harmless to our body, but chances are there that these allergies may turn into harmful diseases.

Hence, it is very necessary for the individual to prevent themselves from these allergies and to treat them as prescribed by the doctors. In this article, we are going to learn about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different types of allergies.

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Common Allergies

Allergies occur due to certain foreign substances called allergens. The immunity system of allergic persons recognize these allergens as harmful invader and reacts immediately to them by producing IgE antibodies. Certain chemicals like histamines, cytokines, and leukotrienes cause the symptoms of allergy in the body. There are different kinds of allergies depending on the different kinds of allergens and the extent of exposure of these allergens to the allergic body. The most common types of allergens are mentioned as follows:

1. Pollen: An allergy due to the pollen of trees and plants is known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
2. Mould: Moulds are tiny fungi with spores that float in the air. Inhalation of these particles present in the air can cause Mould allergy.
3. Latex: Latex is a kind of natural rubber. Some people are allergic to it, and the products are made by using latex-like rubber gloves, balloons, rubber balls, bandages, etc.
4. Food: Many people are allergic to certain food items like nuts, fruits, shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk, etc. It is called a food allergy.
5. Animal Dander, Tiny Flakes of Skin or Hairs: People who have pets like cats or dogs are prone to pet allergies. It is caused by animal dander, tiny flakes of their skin, or hairs.
6. Dust: Most people suffer from dust allergies. Dust allergy is a very common type of allergy in India.
7. Mites and Insect Bite:  Most of the stinging, as well as non-stinging insects, cause insect allergies. It is the most common cause of asthma and year-round allergy.
8. Household Chemicals: Various household chemicals like detergents, phenol, hair dye, etc., also cause allergies. It can cause skin allergy or dermatitis.

Fig: Types of Allergies

Diagnosis of Allergies

Do you know which tests do doctors use to diagnose allergies? Doctors diagnose the allergies by reviewing the medical history of the patient and also by performing certain physical examinations. Doctors also do different tests on the allergic person to diagnose allergies. Some of these tests are explained below:

1. Skin Prick Tests (SPT): It is the most common type of test to diagnose allergy. In most cases, it is the most accurate and least expensive test to diagnose allergies. In this test, a small amount of diluted allergen is placed on the skin, and then the area is pricked or scratched. If the person is allergic to that allergen, then a small bump, probably like mosquito bites or slight redness, itching, or swelling on the skin, will appear after 15 minutes. It is also possible to notice a wheal or raise, round area like a hive on skin. The larger the wheal, the more the person is allergic to that allergen.

Fig: Skin Prick Test

2. Intradermal Skin Test: Intradermal (under the skin) skin test is performed when the results for the skin prick test are negative, but it is suspected that the patient still has allergies. Doctors or nurses inject a small amount of allergen into the outer layer of the skin and check it after a set amount of time for results. This test is generally used to diagnose the drug, food, or venom allergy.

Fig: Intradermal Allergy Test Reaction

3. Blood Tests (Specific IgE): This test is also called RAST(Radioallergosorbent Test ) or ImmunoCAP Test. It measures the amount of IgE antibodies for specific allergens. The blood test is used to diagnose allergic reactions when the skin tests can’t be done. For example, if the person is on other medication which interferes with the skin testing. It is also used in children as they cannot tolerate the skin test for allergy diagnosis. This is not an accurate test to diagnose allergies due to high rates of false-positive results.

Fig: Blood Test for Allergy

4. Physicians Supervised Challenge Test: This test is done when it is not clear which allergen is triggering the symptoms of allergy. The doctor asks the allergic person to inhale or to take a tiny amount of allergen by mouth. The doctor supervises the patient to diagnose the type of allergy. This test is usually done to diagnose food and medicinal (drug) allergies.

5. Patch Test: A patch test is usually done to identify which allergen is responsible for contact dermatitis in an allergic person. In this test, a doctor places a small amount of allergen on the skin and covers it with a bandage. After 48 to 96 hours, doctors check the skin covered with bandages. If the person is allergic, they will develop a rash on the skin.

Fig: Patch Test

6. Elimination Diet: If a person suspects that they are allergic to certain food items, then the doctor advises to avoid eating that food to see if symptoms improve. After a few weeks, the doctor asks to resume eating that food item to check if the person has another reaction.

Prevention of Allergies

It is better to prevent an allergic reaction by avoiding the allergens that someone is allergic to. Although it is not always an easy and practical way to do so, one can at least try to do so in order to avoid any further complications. Control and prevention of allergic reactions depend upon the types of allergen. Some ways to control and prevent allergies are given below:
1. Avoid Allergen: It is always important to avoid the allergens to which the body is allergic. Although it is not very easy, it is possible to do so. Some allergens are easy to avoid, but some are not. In such cases, try to reduce contact with such allergens.
2. Take Medicines as Prescribed: Doctors may prescribe certain medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids, etc., for allergies. These medicines can be helpful to control and manage allergic symptoms.
3. Epinephrine: If a person is at risk of having anaphylaxis, it is advised to always keep epinephrine auto-injection to him. Epinephrine is the only way to treat severe allergic conditions. But it is only available through prescription by the doctor.
4. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace: If a person has a severe allergic reaction problem, it is suggested to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace when going out. This bracelet lets others know that the person has a serious allergic condition.
5. Know What to do During an Allergic Reaction: An allergic person must have a written anaphylaxis emergency action plan. It helps himself as well as others what to do when at the time of severe allergic reaction. 
6. Maintain Hygiene: It is said that “Hygiene is two-thirds of health.” It holds true in the case of allergies also. Keeping home clean, dry, and well ventilated helps to avoid any allergic reactions.

Treatment of Allergies

The treatment of allergies will depend upon the type of allergens, symptoms, age, and medical history of the allergic person. It also depends on the severity of the allergic reaction. As a treatment for allergy, doctors will always suggest reducing exposure to the type of allergens a person is allergic to and also will prescribe some medicines to control these allergic conditions. The doctor may treat the allergic condition using the following medicines:

1. Nasal Corticosteroids: These are nasal sprays. It reduces nasal swelling and treats nasal stuffing and an itchy nose. It is the best treatment for nasal allergies.
2. Antihistamines: Antihistamine blocks histamine and reduces allergic swelling. They treat sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. Antihistamines come in pills, liquids, melting tablets, or nose sprays. These are used to treat seasonal and indoor allergies.
3. Mast Cell Stabilizers: These are available as eye drops and nasal spray. They prevent our body from producing histamine. It can treat itchy, watery eyes or an itchy, runny nose.
4. Decongestants: They can be used as a short-term treatment for blocked noses caused by allergic reactions. Decongestants are available in the form of capsules, tablets, nasal sprays, or liquids.
5. Corticosteroid Creams or Ointments: Red and itchy skin caused by allergic reactions can be treated by corticosteroid creams or ointments like calamine lotion, moisturizing lotion (emollients), etc. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are used illegally by athletes to build muscles. 
6. Oral Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce swelling and to stop severe allergic reactions. These medicines reduce the side effects of other allergic reactions. The tablets of corticosteroids are used to treat hives (urticaria).
7. Epinephrine: Epinephrine comes in self-injectable and pre-measurable devices. It is used to treat life-threatening conditions of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). It is also used to treat other kinds of allergies like stinging insects, drugs, food, and latex allergies.
8. Immunotherapy: It is also an option to treat allergies for many of the patients. Basically, there are two types of immunotherapies – Allergy Shots and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). Allergy shots involve giving injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. It can be used to treat people with allergies to pollen, pets, dust, bees, stinging insects as well as asthma. SLIT is a way of immunotherapy that does not involve injections. A small amount of allergen is given to patients under the tongue. It is the most effective way to treat nasal allergies and asthma. SLIT tablets are also available to treat different types of allergies.

Summary

Allergy is an overactive and exaggerated response of our immune system. Substances that lead to these exaggerated responses are called allergens. Pollen, dust, mites, dander, drugs, food or latex, etc., are common examples of allergens. A person can be allergic to one or more of these allergens. Allergies are usually harmless to the body. Allergic reactions reduce in a few hours or 1-2 days. But, in people with severe responses to a certain allergen, these reactions may turn destructive and even lead to death. So it is very important to diagnose, prevent and treat allergies on time.

Diagnosis of allergies can be made by various medical tests like Skin Prick Test (SPT), Intradermal skin test, blood test (specific IgE), physician-supervised challenge test, patch test, and elimination in the diet. One can prevent and control their allergies by avoiding exposure to allergens, taking medicines properly, wearing a medical bracelet or necklace, and maintaining hygiene. Allergies are treated using various medicines such as nasal and oral corticosteroids, corticosteroid ointments, antihistamines, epinephrine, and immunotherapy.

FAQs on Prevention of Allergies

Q.1. What are the most common types of allergies?
Ans: Hay fever, dust allergy, food allergy, skin allergy (dermatitis) are the most common types of allergies.

Q.2. Which tests are used by doctors to diagnose allergies?
Ans: Skin Prick Test (SPT), Intradermal skin test, blood test (specific IgE), physician-supervised challenge test, and patch test is used by doctors to diagnose allergies.

Q.3. Which medicines are used to treat allergies?
Ans: Different medicines like Nasal and oral corticosteroids, corticosteroid ointments, antihistamines, epinephrine, mast cell stabilizers, and decongestants are used to treat allergies.

Q.4. How can one prevent and control allergies?
Ans: One can prevent and control their allergies by avoiding exposure to allergens, taking medicines properly, and wearing a medical bracelet or necklace, and by maintaining hygiene.

Q.5. Can allergies be cured?
Ans: It is not possible to cure allergies completely. There are medications and other preventive measures that help to avoid and recover allergic reactions. In the case of allergies, prevention and care are always better than suffering.

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We hope this article on the Prevention of Allergies helps you in your preparation. Do drop in your queries in the comments section if you get stuck and we will get back to you at the earliest.