A person’s immune system protects them from different kinds of viruses and bacteria. However, it is not the case when it comes to a few people who suffer from allergic asthma and food allergies. Studies show that around 90% children have allergic asthma in comparison to 50% of grownups. In the case of food allergies, it is also pointed out that 3% of adults and 6%-8% of children have an allergy towards some kind of food.
The reaction of the body can tell a lot
When the person’s body is exposed to any allergen, antibodies or special cells are stimulated. The allergic reactions are triggered by the defensive cells, which also causes the release of histamine, or any other chemical that can result in inflammation or swelling. Since the body is working towards the destruction of the allergens, it creates symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose.
Understanding allergic asthma and food allergies
Allergens are a term that is used when an asthmatic inhales certain allergy triggers. Some examples are molds, pollen or mites. Practically all asthmatics become worse when they inhale any kind of smoke, exercise in the cold of even smells that can be strong. Even in the case of food, it can be due to the fact that their bodies are intolerant to a particular vegetable or fruit.
Understanding Allergic Asthma
If a person has allergic asthma, their airways are very hypersensitive towards the allergen. When it gets into the airway, the immune system of the body overacts. Due to this overreaction an effects that is known as Bronchospasm.
This is caused since there is a tightening of the muscles around the airway. There is an inflammation of the airways as well as thick mucus floods them. Because there are allergens that are present everywhere; it is essential that allergic asthma patients understand the trigger behind their allergic asthma. They also need to learn the different ways they can prevent their symptoms.
Substances like pollen or cat dander acts like as though there are enemy invaders and attacks them. An allergic reaction can happen in places like your eyes, nose, lungs, or even under their skin. The general symptoms of Asthma are
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing
- Chest Tightening
Medicines give by the doctor
Once the doctor understands the kind of allergy you have that triggers your asthma; he or she will prescribe allergy and asthma medications accordingly. During the time when your attack is at its peak, your doctor may even prescribe you medicines for a certain amount of time, which may contain steroids. These steroids can help boost the body’s immune system to lower the allergy. You may have to take these medicines on a regular basis. It can be in the form of
- Pumps
- Tablets
- Liquids which needs to be inhaled with the help of the nebulizer
- Nasal sprays
What are food allergies?
There is a very thin line between what food allergy exactly is; and the misconception of people of what it is.
A proper food allergy is when the body’s immune systems gives an abnormal response due to certain ingredients. The body reacts or expresses accordingly in the form of symptoms or reactions depending on the kind of allergy. These also include intolerances like milk intolerance, lactose etc, toxic reaction and even food poisoning.
The symptoms of these allergies resemble the kind of allergy the person has. It is essential that a person pay close attention to the kind of food he or she has. This will help to understand what kinds of food can trigger an allergic reaction.
Adults and children may have allergic reactions to foods like
- Different kinds of seafood like crabs, lobster, crayfish, shrimps etc
- Different kinds of nuts such as peanuts, cashew nuts, etc
- Eggs or Dairy products
- Fruits like strawberry,
- Sometimes even certain veggies like tomato, capsicum etc
The treatment for different kinds of food allergies
Avoiding the trigger of the allergy
In this kind of treatment, the person would need to ensure that the trigger factor of his or her allergy is not included in the diet. They also need to makes sure that they read the ingredient list carefully or ask someone first in the case they are dining outside. This will help to ensure that the dish does not contain the allergy trigger.
In cases like where they may be allergic to milk, they should avoid any thing that is made of milk or the different products of milk. Similarly, if they are allergic to eggs, then they should avoid anything that contain eggs even if it cakes or confectionaries, salad dressing etc.
The treatment of anaphylactic reaction
People with severe allergies have to prepared and protect themselves with their allergy. Some can wear different kinds of necklaces or bracelets, which are available in the market to alert them when they are having the anaphylactic reaction. They should also carry with them the relevant medication that is prescribed to them.
If they are required to use a syringe then it is essential that they carry along the recent prescription for the same. They should also seek medical attention immediately by either calling the paramedics or going to the hospital immediately.
A concluding note
Whether it is allergic asthma and food allergies, it is very important to keep a close eye. Even the smallest allergy can have fatal results if not cared for. In the case of allergic asthma, the patient should ensure that he or she takes all the necessary precautions. If need be, it would be advisable to also opt for a management plan to keep the symptoms away.
On the other hand, in the case of a food allergy; proper care has to be taken. Even if you do plan to dine out, you have to ensure that you inform in advance. Sometimes, this is a very small thing that we often miss out on. Living with allergies is not difficult; all you need to do is make small lifestyle changes and take the necessary precautionary measures.