Allergy

 ### Symptoms of Normal Allergies  

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens) like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or certain foods. Symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy but commonly include:  


#### **Common Allergy Symptoms**  

1. **Respiratory Allergies** (e.g., pollen, dust):  

   - Sneezing  

   - Runny or stuffy nose  

   - Itchy, watery eyes  

   - Coughing or wheezing  

   - Postnasal drip  


2. **Skin Allergies** (e.g., insect bites, latex, cosmetics):  

   - Red, itchy rash (hives)  

   - Swelling (angioedema)  

   - Eczema (dry, scaly patches)  


3. **Food Allergies** (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs):  

   - Tingling or itching in the mouth  

   - Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat  

   - Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea  

   - Skin reactions (hives, redness)  


4. **Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)**:  

   - Difficulty breathing  

   - Rapid pulse  

   - Dizziness or fainting  

   - Sudden drop in blood pressure  

   - **This is a medical emergency—use an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) and call 911 immediately.**  


---


### Treatment for Allergies  

Treatment focuses on avoiding allergens, relieving symptoms, and, in some cases, long-term desensitization.  


#### **1. Medications**  

- **Antihistamines** (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, diphenhydramine):  

  - Block histamine to reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose.  

- **Decongestants** (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine):  

  - Relieve nasal congestion (avoid prolonged use to prevent rebound congestion).  

- **Nasal Corticosteroids** (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone):  

  - Reduce inflammation in nasal passages (effective for chronic allergies).  

- **Leukotriene Inhibitors** (e.g., montelukast):  

  - Block chemicals that cause swelling and mucus production.  

- **Eye Drops** (e.g., ketotifen):  

  - Soothe itchy, watery eyes.  

- **Epinephrine Auto-Injector**:  

  - Required for severe allergies (anaphylaxis).  


#### **2. Lifestyle and Home Remedies**  

- **Avoid Triggers**:  

  - Use air purifiers, wash bedding in hot water, and keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.  

- **Saline Rinse**:  

  - Flush allergens from nasal passages with a neti pot or saline spray.  

- **Cold Compress**:  

  - Reduce swelling or itching on the skin.  

- **Hypoallergenic Products**:  

  - Choose fragrance-free detergents, cosmetics, and bedding.  


#### **3. Long-Term Solutions**  

- **Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)**:  

  - Gradually expose the body to allergens to build tolerance (administered by an allergist).  

- **Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)**:  

  - Dissolve allergen tablets under the tongue (e.g., for grass or ragweed allergies).  


---


### When to See a Doctor  

- Symptoms interfere with daily life or sleep.  

- Over-the-counter medications don’t work.  

- You experience signs of anaphylaxis (emergency care required).  

- Suspected food allergies (testing and diagnosis are critical).  


### Key Notes:  

- **Allergies vs. Colds**: Allergies lack fever and typically last longer than a week.  

- **Prevention**: Identify allergens via skin prick tests or blood tests (IgE testing).  


Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans.

Popular posts from this blog

M T Vasudevan Nair

My entry into the world of Malayalam literature was through the masterful writings of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing today feels like a deeply personal loss. It was his novel Manju (Mist) that first drew me into this literary universe. The story, much like its title, was enveloped in an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. It unraveled slowly, like mist clearing in the morning light, revealing truths that were profound yet heartbreakingly simple. The characters, their struggles, and their silences lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It was not just a novel; it was an experience. I returned to it over and over, each time discovering something new, as though the book was speaking directly to the depths of my soul. To this day, I cannot count how many times I have read Manju—it became, and remains, a companion to my thoughts. After Manju opened the door, M. T.’s other works beckoned me forward. I was soon engrossed in Nalukettu, a story that painted a vivid portra...
Read more

OV Vijayan

 **O. V. Vijayan (1930–2005): Visionary Writer and Cartoonist of Malayalam Literature**   Ottaplakkal Velukkuty Vijayan, known as **O. V. Vijayan**, was a revolutionary Malayalam author, political cartoonist, and intellectual whose works redefined modern Indian literature. His blend of existential philosophy, political critique, and mythic storytelling left an indelible mark on Kerala's cultural landscape. --- ### **Early Life and Background**   - **Born**: July 2, 1930, in Palakkad, Kerala.   - **Education**: Graduated in history from Victoria College, Palakkad; later studied art at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai.   - **Influences**: Deeply inspired by Marxism, existentialism (Camus, Sartre), and Indian spiritual traditions.   --- ### **Literary Contributions**   Vijayan’s works are celebrated for their philosophical depth, linguistic innovation, and exploration of human alienation.   #### **Major ...
Read more

The story of Chinthavishtayaya Seetha

 "Chinthavishtayaya Seetha" (The Sita of the Troubled Mind) is a poem written by Kumaranasan, a renowned Malayalam poet. The poem is a retelling of the Ramayana from Sita's perspective, exploring her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The poem begins with Sita's abduction by Ravana, the king of Lanka. As she is taken away from her husband Rama and the forest, Sita's mind is filled with thoughts of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. As she is held captive in Ravana's palace, Sita's thoughts turn to her past life with Rama in the forest. She remembers the happy moments they shared, the love they had for each other, and the struggles they faced together. However, Sita's memories are also tinged with sadness and regret. She thinks about how she was forced to leave her comfortable life in Ayodhya and live in the forest, facing numerous challenges and hardships. As the days pass, Sita's thoughts become increasingly troubled. She worries about Rama's s...
Read more