How to find out what you are allergic to? How to distinguish an allergy from a cold - what is the difference How to tell if you have an allergy or not

Allergy is a disease that can appear at any time. An allergic reaction can be triggered by literally any product, thing, or even natural phenomena. It is almost impossible not to notice the appearance of an allergy to anything, since the body instantly lets you know about the presence of an irritant.

The appearance of allergies - what can trigger them?

Often, when an allergic reaction occurs, a person spends a long time trying to establish the cause. Although it is quite complex, there is a list of various stimuli that surround a person.

There are a huge number of provocateurs of an allergic reaction in the surrounding world, but you can easily identify the cause of the allergy; to do this, you need to pay attention to the environmental conditions under which the human body experiences an uncomfortable reaction.

Allergy symptoms

Recognizing the occurrence of an allergic reaction is quite simple, because it is accompanied by several characteristic manifestations:

• Skin itching and redness, as well as hives-like rashes.
• Frequent cough not accompanied by cold symptoms.
• Runny nose for a long time.
• Vomiting, nausea, causeless diarrhea.
• Severe swelling in the face and other parts of the body.
• Frequent sneezing.
• Pain in the joints.

The presence of 1-2 manifestations from the above list of symptoms indicates the presence of an irritant in the human body. These symptoms are a kind of “bell” from the body, when they occur, it is recommended to immediately seek help from a specialist and eliminate the cause of the allergy.

How to understand what you are allergic to

You can diagnose an allergic disease not only on your own, by excluding the suspected irritant from a person’s life, but also using various medical diagnostic methods.

• Checking skin reaction. The procedure involves the introduction of special injections, upon receipt of a positive result of which you can find out about the presence of an allergic reaction to any substance.
• Skin scarification. Several different allergens are applied to an area of ​​the patient's body, then minor scratches are made using a scarifier. When swelling and other skin reactions occur, the type of allergen is determined.
• Measuring the level of immunoglobulin E. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to determine how much harm the allergen causes to the human body.
• Provoking allergies. This diagnostic method must be carried out strictly under the supervision of a qualified specialist. An experienced allergist places several suspected allergic substances under the tongue or drips into the nose, and then monitors the body's reaction. When an allergy occurs, it detects the formation of an allergic reaction to any pathogen and prescribes competent treatment.

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Many living people are familiar with allergies firsthand. Allergy is the body's hypersensitivity to certain allergens, for example, pollen, dairy products, dust, wool, etc. The causes of allergies can be completely different, both hereditary and acquired. And allergies manifest themselves differently in all people.

It often happens that a person suffers from allergies and doesn’t know it! It seems to him that he has caught a simple runny nose or a speck of dust has gotten into his eye, so he is watering. But all this can be a symptom of an allergy. Here are just a few of the most common types of allergic reactions:

— Hives. This type of allergic reaction is characterized by the appearance of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, redness, and itching.

— Allergic dermatitis. This is the most common form of allergic skin reaction. It is characterized by redness of the skin with pronounced swelling. Further, both small bubbles and bubbles may appear, opening and leaving weeping erosions.

— Allergic eczema. This type of reaction is characterized by inflammation of the surface layers of the skin, various rashes, itching and a long-term recurrent course.

— Allergic conjunctivitis. In this case, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes occurs. With allergic conjunctivitis, photophobia, pain in the eyes, lacrimation, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, and redness of the eyelids appear.

— Allergic rhinosinusitis is seasonal. Symptoms of the disease: itching and burning in the nose, sneezing attacks, profuse liquid discharge from the nose, swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose and soft palate, swelling of the eyelids, sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Often there is general malaise, headache, drowsiness, and a possible rise in body temperature.

— Hay fever. A type of allergic reaction in which periodic coughing attacks appear, debilitating sneezing, as well as profuse nasal discharge, with redness and itching of the eyelids. This mainly occurs near plants.

— Allergic laryngitis. It develops most often at night and is manifested by anxiety, difficulty breathing, barking cough, cyanosis of the lips and nasolabial triangle.

— Allergic tracheobronchitis. This type of reaction is manifested by attacks of dry hacking cough, often occurring at night. The disease progresses in waves and lasts for a long time.

— Bronchial asthma. This is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. Choking attacks are the main symptom of the disease. The patient experiences shortness of breath, noisy breathing, the patient feels a lack of air, the face turns pale. Sputum production occurs.

— Anaphylactic shock. The most serious possible manifestation of an allergy. Symptoms: difficulty breathing, convulsions, loss of consciousness, significant decrease in blood pressure, even death. Emergency medical care for anaphylactic shock should be provided without delay.

If you notice recurring symptoms of these diseases, then there is a possibility that you have an allergy. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor to understand what exactly you are allergic to and how to deal with it. Good luck, and, of course, health!

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Reasons for appearance

Sometimes it can pass rather sluggishly and asymptomatically, but most often allergy sufferers have all the external signs of its progress.

Scientists have recorded that today approximately 25% of humanity suffers from various types of allergies, and every year the number of those affected is increasing more and more.

The reason for this phenomenon is the human factor.

Almost all doctors agree that genetics and heredity play a primary role in its occurrence.

According to statistical data, the possibility of its development in a child constantly increases if one of the parents was a carrier of the allergen.

If both parents were exposed to it, the percentage of the possibility that the child will have it increases to 80%.

This predisposition to an inherited allergic reaction is called atopy.

An allergy occurs at the moment when the body perceives any product or substance as a threat and tries to overcome it with antibodies, i.e. thus, the human immune system defends itself from harmful influences.

The moment an allergen particle enters the body, it in turn produces more and more antibodies.

To a foreign invasion of the body, the latter initially reacts with a runny nose, and subsequently with swelling and stress.

One of the important reasons for its occurrence in humans is the harmful external environment and poor ecological environment.

It manifests itself when the air we breathe or the water we drink contains an excess of various chemicals or household and industrial substances.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of occurrence and course are quite similar to other various diseases.

Depending on the type of disease and each individual patient, the course of the disease can vary significantly.

It is often accompanied by standard symptoms, a specific organ or tissue:

1. the nose is accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane, runny nose, burning and tingling;
2. eyes - conjunctivitis, redness and itching;
3. airways are almost always associated with breathing problems, in some cases with asthma attacks;
4. ears - otitis media, impaired hearing;
5. skin – all kinds of skin rashes on various parts of the body;
6. head - headaches, migraines.

But it is also worth understanding that there are several main symptoms that should make the patient worry and definitely seek help from a specialist, such as:

1. runny nose, nasal congestion;
2. bouts of sneezing;
3. conjunctivitis;
4. recurrent bronchitis;
5. symptoms of suffocation;
6. cough without signs of acute infection;
7. itching, skin changes;
8. recurrent respiratory tract infections.

To summarize, it must be said that allergies are not one disease, but rather a tendency for the body to overreact to various factors that our body encounters.

The list of diseases is very long and each of them manifests itself differently.

The common feature of these symptoms is that they occur when they come into contact with a substance to which the person has a reaction.

Symptoms may appear within minutes or hours after ingesting a food or drug, or even after weeks or months of constant exposure to the allergen.

The second common feature of such diseases is the disappearance of symptoms and improvement of well-being when the sensitizing substance is excluded from our environment.

Food

It manifests itself in response to any food products, at the time of consumption of those same allergens.

This often happens due to the fact that the products contain a significant excess of food additives, all kinds of dyes, preservatives, flavors and other chemicals.

The most common allergens are:

• eggs;
• fish;
• carrot;
• nuts;
• dairy products;
• various citrus fruits;
• legumes or cereals.

The following symptoms are observed with food allergies:

1. bowel dysfunction, for example, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache;
2. peeling of the skin, dryness, redness, eczema, blisters;
3. swelling of the lips and tongue;
4. in some cases, anaphylactic shock is observed.

Seasonal

Seasonal, as the name implies, occurs seasonally, depending on what time of year the allergen is activated.

It is divided into several subspecies:

1. respiratory- occurs as a reaction to small particles of allergens, for example, pollen, waste products of various insects (mites, cockroaches), and fungal spores. Symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, butt and mild tingling in the nose, cough, and possibly even asthma;
2. insect- characterized by the body's reaction to the bites of various insects, such as bees, wasps or hornets. Symptoms of insect allergic reactions are weakness and dizziness, decreased blood pressure, the development of bronchial asthma, and anaphylactic shock;
3. contact- occurs when a person comes into contact with various household chemicals, medications and microorganisms (infectious). Symptoms of this type of allergy include rashes and redness of the skin, blistering and itching sensations, as well as general malaise.

Exceptionally high-quality professional assistance in such situations will help to avoid serious consequences and the development of serious diseases in the future.

What to do if you are allergic to mosquito bites? The answer follows.

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Types

As mentioned above, an allergic reaction can appear immediately (10–30 minutes) or later, slowly (after 2 hours or 2 days). The first type includes urticaria, hay fever (hyperreaction of the immune system to pollen), bronchial asthma, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.

The delayed type includes several subtypes (cytotoxic, immunocomplex) of allergies, which manifest themselves in the form of hemolytic anemia, myocarditis, contact dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A delayed reaction occurs with the use of a number of medications.

Causes

The causes of an allergic reaction lie both in the direct effect of hyperallergenic substances on the body, and in the predisposition of the person himself and his immune system to respond to irritants.

Possible allergens

Allergens include:

• pollen and other parts of wild and indoor plants, especially during the flowering period: ragweed, poplar fluff, wormwood, hazel, many conifers, cereals, meadow grasses, ferns, geranium, azalea, hydrangea, cyclamen, ficus;
• mold spores (especially the aspergillus fungus, which can develop in soil from the garden, pots of indoor plants, and in rotten leaves);
• medications (penicillin, aspirin);
• cat hair, waste products of dogs, hamsters;
• metals: nickel, cobalt, chromium, mercury, iron, molybdenum and others;
• products of animal and plant origin: red, orange fruits, vegetables, smoked meats, seafood, fish, eggs, spices, milk, cheeses, some nuts, oatmeal, bee products;
• alcohol with admixtures of dyes, stabilizers and other chemical compounds;
• ultraviolet light in combination with salt water, cosmetics, medications, chlorine from the pool;
• room and book dust in which mites can live;
• smells of food, plants, chemicals;
• insect bites (bees, wasps, mosquitoes, ants).

Allergen enhancers

Individual intolerance, weakened immunity, hereditary factors, family history (allergy in relatives) can increase the impact of allergens. Some food intolerances may be due to a lack of enzymes (eg lactose, sucrose).

But in principle, almost all products except salt and sugar can become carriers of allergens.

Excessive alcohol consumption along with a large snack is also an aggravating factor in allergies to alcohol and food, since alcohol increases intestinal permeability and undigested proteins, toxins enter directly into the blood, increasing the effect of allergens.

If you are hypersensitive to UV radiation, salt water, cosmetics, bleach, or peeling of the skin can act as an amplifier, as a result of which it becomes even more sensitive.

Non-allergenic triggers (strong, irritating odors, high humidity, cigarette smoke, cold, polluted air) can also increase the effect of allergens.

First signs

The time for the first signs of allergy to appear is from 2 minutes or hours to several days and even weeks. Although usually after ingestion or other direct contact with the pathogen, an allergic reaction occurs immediately.

The body reacts faster to food, alcohol, pollen, wool, and mold than, for example, to metals with which the skin interacts when wearing jewelry, belt buckles and other accessories.

At the same time, one of the most common types of allergies, allergies to food, food additives are the most difficult to combat, since even a minimal dose of allergens can be found in any product.

The first signs of an allergy:

• strange rashes on the skin and severe itching in these places;
• cough, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose for no apparent reason and fever;
• itching in the nose, eyes, mouth (considered the indisputable first sign of allergies in adults);
• diffuse, limited swelling for no reason (Quincke's edema);
• tearfulness.

All these manifestations appear suddenly, without cause. Therefore, to determine that these manifestations are indeed signs of allergies in adults, analyze what you ate and what you came into contact with the day before (animals, plants, cosmetics, detergents, dust).

Remember whether these signs have appeared before, whether they are related to the time of year, cleaning, working in the garden, buying new jewelry. If you have probable allergic symptoms, photos of the first signs on the Internet can help in self-diagnosis.

If you notice these signs, it is better to consult a doctor immediately to avoid more serious symptoms.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of allergies in adults vary depending on which part of the body or body system is exposed to the allergen: skin, digestive, endocrine, circulatory system, respiratory organs, mucous membranes of the eyes, nose.

The strength and duration of the effect of the aggressive component on the body also matters. But even under similar external conditions, each person’s reaction is individual, and the symptoms of the same type of allergy can vary greatly among different people. In addition, they can be both local and general in nature.

To find out what symptoms of allergies to alcohol, fruits, vegetables, and food of animal origin occur in adults, check out the following list:

• skin rashes;
• itching in the mouth, numbness of the tongue, loss of taste;
• rhinitis;
• nausea, vomiting and other signs of gastrointestinal distress.

The same symptoms plus headache, dizziness, depression, nervousness, breathing problems, sneezing, tachycardia, pressure changes can also occur when particles of chemicals contained in cosmetics, hygiene products, fungal spores, wool and pollen, and various protein compounds are ingested. .

When the skin comes into contact with allergens (dust, pollen, ultraviolet radiation, cleaning products), the characteristic manifestations of allergy symptoms are dermatitis and dermatoses. When allergens come into contact with the respiratory tract, rhinitis, asthmatic symptoms, and sneezing appear.

Insect bites cause a rash, itching in the eyes, tightness in the chest, throat, and rash.

Hypersensitivity of the immune system to metals manifests itself primarily in the form of contact dermatitis and urticaria. The same can be said about allergies to tanning and sun.

Asthma is a serious and dangerous allergy symptom. It is associated with shortness of breath, coughing, and suffocation.

The worst manifestation of allergies is anaphylactic shock, in which histamine is released from body tissues. At the same time, blood pressure decreases, pulmonary edema and heart failure are observed. If a dose of adrenaline is not administered, death is possible.

Diagnostics

It is sometimes possible to independently identify an allergen by exclusion. If you have a food allergy, eliminate the most commonly consumed foods from your diet for at least 5 days and observe whether the symptoms disappear.

Then, one by one, return suspicious foods to the menu, but eat them in their pure form.

If you are allergic to household chemicals, jewelry, dust, fungus, do the same: do not wash things with a certain powder, do not brush your teeth with this or that paste for a while, do not wear a belt with a metal buckle, then carefully try to return one of the suspected allergens to everyday use.

If, after consuming one of them or other contact with a source of skin irritation, an unreasonable runny nose (communication with a cat, for example), the allergy resumes, blacklist it forever.

Before starting treatment for allergy symptoms, consult an immunologist, allergist, and undergo all necessary allergy tests (blood tests, skin tests).

Treatment

If there are signs of allergies in adults, treatment should be individual, comprehensive and based on the exclusion of contact with the allergen.

For specific signs of allergies in adults, symptomatic treatment is indicated to alleviate the manifestations of rhinitis, urticaria, conjunctivitis, and seasonal fever. So, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances and corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve inflammation. They have decongestant, antipruritic, sedative, anesthetic effects.

But sometimes allergies manifest themselves as a consequence of diseases, any problems of the nervous or endocrine system, so it is necessary to treat not only its symptoms, but also this root cause.

The most common antihistamines in the fight against allergies are sedative antihistamines (Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin) and non-sedating (Trexil, Gistalong, Semprex, Fenistil, Claritin) drugs and active metabolites (Zyrtec/Cetrin, Telfast).

Preference should be given to the second and third groups of drugs. Metabolites (especially Telfast/fexofenadine) are the safest and most effective and do not cause side effects.

Antihistamines can be used orally, intranasally (for example, Azelastine for rhinitis), in the form of eye drops (Levocabastine, Ketotifen, Azelastine), in the form of ointments for topical use (Polcortolon, Advantan, Fenistil gel).

A good effect is achieved by immunotherapy (careful contact with a substance that provokes allergies, in gradually increasing doses), due to which the body produces blocking antibodies, as a result of which it no longer hyperreacts to allergens.

Desensitization is used to treat symptoms of allergies to pollen, insect venoms, dust, fungus, fur, animal excrement, and penicillin. Food desensitization is not recommended.

The homeopathic drug Lymphomyosot and the dietary supplement Fitosorbovit-plus can also help.

An allergy cannot be triggered, even if it appears periodically, like an allergy to pollen or poplar fluff.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine reference books contain a lot of advice on how to relieve allergy symptoms. But remember that herbal medicine itself can be a source of a new allergic reaction. Therefore, use the following recipes only after detailed consultation with your doctor.

It is believed that mummy helps with allergies (dilute 1 g of the substance in 1 liter of warm water and drink 100 ml once a day (or twice if symptoms are severe).

A strong solution of mumiyo (1 g per 100 ml of water) can be used to lubricate rashes.

Drinking infusions of dead nettle, celandine, celery, and freshly squeezed juice of this root vegetable also relieve allergy symptoms. A fresh decoction of the string is very useful for allergy sufferers, which should be drunk constantly instead of tea and coffee.

To prevent severe allergy attacks, always carry antihistamines with you. Ensure a healthy atmosphere in the house: eliminate mold, remove allergenic flowers at least from the bedroom, systematically clean, but without chemicals, do not mess with the soil with rotten leaves, stay away from animals.

For seasonal allergies associated with flowering plants, upon returning home, gargle with water with the addition of motherwort and valerian. Take contrast showers more often.

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WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

Various ailments that arise after contact with environmental factors (food, pollen, pets and dust, chemical compounds, sun and cold air, essentially everything that surrounds us) have been known since ancient times. Hippocrates also described the appearance of skin rashes and itching after drinking milk. Such conditions are called allergies.

However, there is also a scientific definition of allergies. This is a state of increased sensitivity of the body to various environmental factors, which develops with disorders of the immune system.

The prevalence of this disease is extremely high. According to the World Health Organization, at least one case of an allergic reaction has been registered in more than 85% of the world's population!

WHAT CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGY?

Foods can cause two different conditions: food allergies and food intolerances;

Medicines: most often - aspirin, antibiotics, sulfonamides and cardiovascular drugs;

Inhalation allergens: plant pollen, fungal spores, secretions, saliva and animal hair, house dust and micro mites, aerosols and volatile chemical compounds;

Stress and increased psycho-emotional stress;

Physical factors: friction, compression, vibration, low and high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, water and much more.

What is the difference between “FOOD ALLERGY” and “FOOD INTOLERANCE”?

With food intolerance, unlike food allergies, there are no changes in the immune system, and the reasons for the development of intolerance reactions are often associated with the presence of various concomitant diseases in a person, in particular, gastrointestinal, liver, nervous and endocrine systems. In addition, food allergies persist throughout a person’s life, and food intolerance may disappear after the causes that caused it are eliminated.

WHAT SYMPTOMS ARE CHARACTERISTIC OF ALLERGIES?

Manifestations of allergies vary in form, location, severity and prognosis. The most severe manifestation of allergies is anaphylactic shock, which can develop in a few minutes and manifests itself in the form of a sharp drop in blood pressure, suffocation, convulsions, swelling, and loss of consciousness.

Allergies can also manifest as respiratory symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

A large number of allergy manifestations are caused by the skin, starting from a very early age. Constant diaper rash in infants, even with the most careful care, rashes and itching of the skin in later life, constant or seasonal cracks and peeling on the palms and soles, swelling and “sticking” on the lips, dry skin and mucous membranes, persistent stomatitis.

Allergies often manifest themselves as symptoms of the stomach and intestines, which patients mistake for “food poisoning” - vomiting, colic, lack of appetite, constipation or, on the contrary, frequent loose stools, flatulence, itching in the mouth or throat.

WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THE FORMATION OF ALLERGIES?

Hereditary predisposition;

Malnutrition of the mother during pregnancy and lactation, abuse of certain products with pronounced allergenic activity: caviar, seafood, nuts, milk, chocolate and coffee;

Early transfer of the child to artificial feeding;

Irregular and irrational nutrition, abuse of canned and fermented foods;

Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics, especially penicillin;

Cold wet climate;

Constant contact with fungi-microorganisms, mold, dust;

Work in hazardous production.

WHAT PRODUCTS MOST COMMONLY CAUSE FOOD ALLERGIES?

Food allergies can develop after ingesting almost any food product, but there are food products that have more pronounced activity. These products include: fish, especially seafood, seafood (oysters, crustaceans, shellfish), nuts (especially hazelnuts and peanuts), eggs, milk, stone fruits (apricots, cherries, red apples), nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes), some food grains (wheat, oats). Often the cause of allergies is not the product itself, but various chemical additives - flavor enhancers and substitutes, as well as preservatives that ensure shelf life. The most common food colorings include tartrazine, which provides an orange-yellow color to the product, for example in ketchups; sodium nitrite, which preserves the rich red color of meat products, sausages and sausages. Food additives also include enzymes, thickeners, bacteriostatic substances, and antioxidants.

In addition, an allergic reaction can develop after eating foods rich in the biologically active substances histamine and tyramine: Roquefort, Camembert, Dor Blue and the like cheeses, spinach and sauerkraut, dried sausage, liver, avocado and caviar.

WHAT TREATMENT METHODS ARE USED FOR ALLERGIES?

To treat true ALLERGY, specific and nonspecific methods of therapy are used. Nonspecific methods are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of a developed disease and preventing exacerbations. Due to the critical role of the inflammatory mediator HISTAMINE in the development of an allergic reaction, a special place in the treatment of the disease is given to antihistamines. Every year, immune methods for the treatment and prevention of allergies, aimed not at eliminating symptoms, but at interrupting the immune mechanisms of predisposition and the development of allergic reactions, are becoming increasingly important.

Specific methods include elimination (elimination) of the allergen and specific desensitization, the so-called “allergy vaccination”. This method consists of introducing into the patient’s body in the form of subcutaneous injections and sublingual (under the tongue) drops of increasing doses of causative allergens with the formation of “strong immunity” to them. More than 20 years of experience in using this method has significantly improved the quality of life of many patients suffering from allergies.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET RID OF ALLERGIES COMPLETELY?

Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot yet offer a reliable and safe method of completely getting rid of allergies. However, correct and timely examination and treatment can significantly reduce the manifestations of this disease, as well as prevent its transition to a more severe form.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A PREDISPOSITION TO ALLERGIES?

It's very simple. It is enough to take a blood test. No special preparation is required for this study. The main thing during this period is not to take medications aimed at suppressing immune reactions: antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids, antibacterial and sedative drugs. If a blood test shows the doctor that you have an increase in certain immune parameters and specific sensitization, you need to be examined further. To do this, “skin tests” are performed - introducing microdoses of the most common allergens into the upper layers of the skin. It is also necessary to conduct spirography - a special breathing test to identify signs of allergic bronchitis and asthma.

IS IT POSSIBLE DURING AN EXAMINATION TO IDENTIFY ALL FACTORS CAUSING ALLEGRY?

While it is quite easy to establish a predisposition to allergies, identifying all the triggering factors is sometimes quite difficult. When conducting a blood test, sensitization (sensitivity) to a number of food and inhalation factors can be detected. Skin tests can further expand the list of allergens. Next, a search for “cross allergens” is carried out. Cross-allergic reactions occur when consuming foods that have similar chemical structures to plants, microorganisms or household substances. For example, if you are allergic to fungal microorganisms (household mold), an allergic reaction may develop when consuming kefir, kvass, champagne, sauerkraut or fresh yeast bread, since all these products have common antigenic structures characteristic of fungi. However, it should be remembered that being allergic to a substance belonging to a particular family does not mean that you will develop an allergy to all components of that family. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will help determine the presence of allergies to specific substances.

The situation is more complicated with physical allergy factors, which cause solar or cold urticaria, asthma, dermographism, vibrational forms of allergy and others. Often, specific examinations are carried out to identify such forms of allergies.

Thus, to understand whether you have an allergy, you need to know all its manifestations. However, we should not forget that only a qualified doctor can make a final diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Allergic diseases in adults are a fairly common pathology. More and more often you can hear from a loved one: “I have an allergy, I don’t understand what.” Hypersensitivity develops in response to the entry of allergenic substances, foods or particles into the body. The relevance of pathology is increasing all the time - the frequency of cases of allergic diseases increases from year to year. The mechanism of development of hypersensitization is well studied, but this does not completely eliminate the manifestations of the disease. It is important to know how to identify allergies and how to understand what you or your loved ones are allergic to.

What can trigger an allergy?

All allergenic substances, products and particles are divided into two main groups: exoallergens and endoallergens. Endoallergens are formed in the body, and exoallergens can come from outside. For the most part, hypersensitivity reactions are provoked by allergens of the second group, that is, exoallergens. They can also be divided into several varieties:

You need to understand how to identify an allergy in order to eliminate its consequences. To do this, you need to understand the main symptoms of the pathology, and only then look for the answer to the question of how to identify the allergen that caused the pathological reaction.

Symptoms of allergic diseases

Any allergist should know how to identify allergies in adult patients. So how do you know if you have an allergy? This disease manifests itself in several groups of symptoms, namely:

Skin manifestations: rashes, redness of the skin, itching. Manifestations from the respiratory system: sneezing, clear discharge from the nasal cavity, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing. Symptoms from the organs of vision: conjunctivitis, lacrimation, itching. Symptoms of digestive system dysfunction: diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence. Swelling, most often in the area of ​​the lips and eyelids. In severe cases, widespread angioedema is possible.

If such symptoms are detected in an adult, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the causes of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. An allergist knows how to identify the allergen and eliminate the symptoms of the pathology.

Methods for diagnosing allergic diseases

So, the symptoms have been confirmed, now you need to find out the answer to the question of how to find out what you are allergic to. Diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions allows us to answer the question of how to identify an allergen in an adult. To do this, the allergist, after a detailed interview with the patient, prescribes a set of studies, which includes several tests. So, how to determine the allergen that caused pathological reactions in the body? The main diagnostic methods include:

Skin tests. During the study, subcutaneous injections of the allergen are made, the positive result of which indicates the presence of hypersensitization to this allergenic substance. Scarification tests. Drops of the allergen are applied to the skin, after which incisions are made through them using a scarifier. When hyperemia and swelling appear in a specific area, a positive test result is determined and a specific allergen is recorded. In this case, during one procedure, the presence of allergies to a maximum of 15 allergens is examined. Determination of the level of immunoglobulin E. An effective method that records the severity of allergic pathologies of various origins by determining the concentration of immunoglobulins. Elimination tests. The method is implemented by excluding certain substances from the menu and recording all products in a food diary. If the patient's condition improves within two weeks, then the excluded product is an allergen. This is one of the simple ways to answer the question of how to determine what I am allergic to. Provocative technique. It is carried out by a highly qualified allergist in order to promptly eliminate the symptoms of hypersensitization when it occurs. The doctor applies the allergen under the tongue or puts it in the nose, monitoring the reaction. When symptoms appear, the presence of an allergy to a particular substance is recorded.

After passing all the necessary tests, the specialist makes a diagnosis and prescribes effective treatment. The answer to the question of how to find out what you are allergic to is not so simple and requires a professional approach.

- This is an increased sensitivity of the body to any substance. This substance could be a chemical ingredient, product, wool, dust, pollen or microbe.

Today it is precisely established that allergens can be substances formed inside the body. They are called endoallergens, or autoallergens. They are natural - proteins of unchanged tissues, isolated from the system responsible for immunity. And acquired - proteins that acquire foreign properties from thermal, radiation, chemical, bacterial, viral and other factors. For example, an allergic reaction develops with glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, arthritis, hypothyroidism.

Allergies can rightfully be given the second name “Disease of the Century”, since at present, more than 85% of the entire population of our planet suffers from this disease, or rather its variety. An allergy is an inadequate reaction of the human body to contact or exposure to an allergen. Most often, allergies are not treated; all so-called treatment comes down to identifying the immediate allergen and its complete isolation; in this case, prevention is more important than the treatment itself. First of all, in order for preventive actions to be successful, it is necessary to draw correct conclusions about the very causes of the disease. In order to recognize an allergic reaction of the body in time, it is necessary to know its allergic symptoms, so that medical care can be provided to the allergic person in a timely and correct manner.

Allergy is an individual disease. Some are allergic to pollen, others are allergic to dust, and others are allergic to cats. Allergies underlie diseases such as bronchial asthma, urticaria, and dermatitis. The development of some infectious diseases may be accompanied by allergies. In this case, the allergy is called an infectious allergy. In addition, the same allergens can cause different allergy symptoms in different people and at different times.

In recent decades, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of allergies. There are various theories that explain this phenomenon: Hygiene Influence Theory - this theory states that maintaining hygiene standards deprives the body of contact with many antigens, which causes poor development of the immune system (especially in children). Increasing consumption of chemical industry products - many chemical products can act both as allergens and create preconditions for the development of allergic reactions by disrupting the function of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Allergy symptoms

There are truly just a huge number of different forms of allergies, therefore, the symptoms of allergies are also different. Allergic symptoms are very easy to confuse, which are similar in symptoms, which happens every day in medical practice.

Respiratory allergies appears after an allergen enters the body during breathing. These allergens are most often various types of gases, pollen or very fine dust, such allergens are called aeroallergens. This may include respiratory allergies. This allergy manifests itself as:

• Itchy nose

  Runny nose (or just watery nasal discharge)

  Possible severe cough

  Wheezing in the lungs

  In some cases, suffocation

The main manifestations of this type of allergy can still be considered allergic rhinitis.

Dermatosis is accompanied by various rashes and irritations on the skin. It can be caused by various types of allergens, such as food, aeroallergens, cosmetics, household chemicals, and medications.

This kind of allergy usually manifests itself in the form of:

Peeling

Dryness

Blisters

Severe swelling

Allergic conjunctivitis. There is also a manifestation of allergies that affects the organs of vision - called allergic. Appears as:

Severe burning sensation in the eyes

Increased tear production

Swelling of the skin around the eyes

Enteropathy. Quite often you can find a type of allergy such as enteropathy, which begins to manifest itself as a result of the use of any foods or medications; this reaction occurs due to an allergic reaction of the gastrointestinal tract. This type of allergy manifests itself as:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue (quinque's edema)

Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous type of allergy. It can occur in just a few seconds or it can take up to five hours for its onset, after the allergen enters the body, it can be triggered by an insect bite (it should be noted that this happens quite often) or medications. Anaphylactic shock can be recognized by the following signs:

Loss of consciousness

The appearance of a rash all over the body

Involuntary urination

Defecation

If a person has the above symptoms, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance and provide assistance. In case of anaphylactic shock, you cannot hesitate, as this can lead to death.

The manifestation of allergies is often confused with the symptoms of colds. The difference between a common cold and an allergy lies, firstly, in the fact that the body temperature, as a rule, does not rise, and nasal discharge remains liquid and transparent, similar to water. Sneezing with allergies can happen in whole, long series in a row, and most importantly, with a cold, all the symptoms usually go away quite quickly, but with allergies they last much longer.

Causes of allergies

Allergies are most often caused by poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. For example, excessive consumption or foods filled with chemicals and additives. Allergies can also be caused by simple emotional or psychological stress.

An allergy can be recognized by a sudden runny nose, sneezing or watery eyes. Redness and itching of the skin can also indicate an allergy. Most often, an allergic reaction occurs when a person comes into contact with certain substances called allergens. The body reacts to it as if it were a pathogen and tries to defend itself. Allergens include both substances that have a direct allergenic effect and substances that can enhance the effect of other allergens.

The reaction of people to different groups of allergens depends on the genetic characteristics of the immune system. Numerous data indicate the existence of a hereditary predisposition to allergies. Parents with allergies are at greater risk of having a child with the same pathology than healthy couples.

Allergies may be caused by:

Foreign proteins contained in donor plasma and vaccines

Dust (street, home or book dust)

Plant pollen

Fungal or mold spores

Certain medications (penicillin)

Food (usually: eggs, milk, wheat, soy, seafood, nuts, fruit)

Insect/arthropod bites

Animal fur

House tick secretions

• Chemical cleaning products

Consequences of allergies

Most people mistakenly believe that allergies are a safe disease and occur without consequences. An allergic reaction causes unpleasant symptoms, accompanied by fatigue, increased irritability, and decreased immunity. But this is not all the consequences of allergies. The disease often provokes eczema, hemolytic, serum sickness, and bronchial asthma.

The most serious complication is difficulty breathing, developing to anaphylactic shock with convulsions, loss of consciousness, and a dangerous decrease in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock occurs after the administration of certain drugs, due to insect bites and the presence of an irritating factor in food. The most common signs of allergies are nasal congestion and frequent sneezing.

The main difference between an allergy and a cold is that the above symptoms last much longer than with a regular acute respiratory infection. Allergic dermatosis or atopic dermatitis, also the consequences of allergies, develop quickly and in advanced cases are long and difficult to treat. Dermatitis is expressed by blisters, itching, peeling, redness.

Another, more severe consequence of allergies is anaphylactic shock. This disease occurs less frequently, but it is very dangerous and develops rapidly. The consequences of allergies are difficult to predict. This disease always takes you by surprise, and if the immune system functions normally, the person recovers quickly. But it also happens that the symptoms intensify too quickly and then it is necessary to quickly take antihistamines. This group includes “Diphenhydramine”, “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”. These medications should always be in your home medicine cabinet, but they are taken only after consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary treatment, this allows you to avoid the consequences of allergies.

Risk factors

Some types of allergies lead to the development of serious diseases. For example, in some cases, bronchial asthma, which causes difficulty breathing, is allergic in nature. This is a common disease that often occurs in children. Allergies are a common cause of skin conditions called eczema.

Loss of consciousness accompanying the above symptoms.

1. If you find the above symptoms, you need to immediately call a medical team.

2. If a person is in a conscious state, he should be given antiallergic drugs: Clemastine (Tavegil), Fexofenadine (Telfast), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), Chloropyramine (Suprastin) (by injection using similar drugs in injectable form or in tablets).

3. You should lay him down, freeing him from clothes that impede free breathing.

4. When vomiting, it is important to place the person on their side so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract, thereby causing additional harm.

5. If breathing or heartbeat stops, it is important to perform resuscitation actions: chest compressions and artificial respiration (of course, only if you know how to do this). It is important to continue the activities until the functions of the lungs and heart are fully restored and a medical team arrives.

To prevent the development of complications or deterioration of a person’s condition, it is best to immediately seek specialized medical help (especially when it comes to children).

When treating allergies, it is first necessary to eliminate contact with allergens from the environment. If you are allergic and know which allergens can lead to an undesirable reaction, protect yourself as much as possible from any contact with them, even the slightest (the property of allergies is to provoke reactions of increasing severity upon repeated contact with the allergen).

Medication treatment is a treatment aimed at reducing the risk of developing an allergic reaction, as well as eliminating the symptoms caused by the allergy.

Antihistamines. Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Telfast), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Chloropyramine (Suprastin), Clemastine (Tavegil) - the listed drugs represent the first group and are among the first prescribed when it comes to the treatment of allergic reactions. The moment an allergen enters the body, the human immune system produces a special substance called histamine.

Histamine causes most of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. The presented group of drugs either helps to reduce the amount of histamine released, or completely blocks its release. Despite this, they cannot completely eliminate allergy symptoms.

It is known that, like all medications, antihistamines can cause side effects, including: drowsiness and dry mouth, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, anxiety and nervousness, difficulty urinating. Most often, side effects are caused by first-generation antihistamines (for example, Chloropyramine (Suprastin) or Clemastine (Tavegil). Before you start taking antihistamines, consult with your doctor, who will clarify the doses required individually for you, and also tell you about the possibility of using antihistamines together together with other drugs.

Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine, Xylometazoline, Oxymetazoline) – these drugs are most often used to relieve the problem of nasal congestion. The medicines are marketed as drops or sprays and are prescribed for colds, pollen allergies (hay fever) or any allergic reaction, the main symptoms of which are flu, stuffy nose and sinusitis.

It is known that the inner surface of the nose is covered with a whole network of tiny vessels. If an antigen or allergen enters the nasal cavity, the vessels of the mucous membrane dilate and blood flow increases - this is a kind of immune defense system. If the blood flow is high, the mucous membrane swells and provokes a strong secretion of mucus. Since decongestants act on the walls of mucosal vessels, thereby causing them to narrow, blood flow decreases and swelling, accordingly, decreases.

It is not recommended to take these drugs for children under twelve years of age, as well as for nursing mothers and people with hypertension. You should not use them for more than five or seven days, because long-term use causes a backlash in the form of swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Side effects caused by this drug include dry mouth, headaches and general weakness. In extremely rare cases, medications can cause hallucinations or an anaphylactic reaction.

Before you start using these medications, consult your doctor.

Leukotriene inhibitors(Montelukast (Singulair) are chemical substances that block reactions caused by leukotrienes. These substances are released by the body during an allergic reaction and cause inflammation of the airways and swelling (used most often in the treatment of bronchial diseases). Due to the absence of interactions with other drugs, inhibitors leukotrienes can be used together with other medications.In rare cases, adverse reactions occur in the form of a headache, earache or sore throat.

Steroid sprays.(Beclomethasone (Bekonas, Beklazon), fluticasone (Nazarel, Flixonase, Avamis), Mometasone (Momat, Nasonex, Asmanex)) - in essence, these drugs are hormonal drugs. Their action is aimed at reducing inflammatory processes in the nasal passages (due to the reduction in symptoms of allergic reactions, nasal congestion goes away).

Since the absorption of the drugs is minimal, the occurrence of possible adverse reactions is completely excluded. However, it is worth remembering that long-term use of the drugs listed above can lead to a sore throat or bleeding. Before using this or that drug, you must visit your doctor and consult with him.

Hyposensitization. Another treatment method used along with drug treatment is immunotherapy. The essence of this method is this: an increasing number of allergens are gradually introduced into your body, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the body's sensitivity to a single allergen.

During the procedure described above, small doses of the allergen are administered as a subcutaneous injection. At the initial stage, you will be given injections every week (or even less frequently), while the dose of the allergen is constantly increasing.

The described regimen will be followed until a “maintenance dose” is reached (with the introduction of such a dose there will be a pronounced effect of reducing the usual reaction to the allergen). It is worth noting, however, that once this “maintenance dose” is reached, it will be necessary to administer it weekly for at least another two years. Most often, this method is prescribed if:

a person has been diagnosed with a severe form of allergy that does not respond well to conventional treatment;

a certain type of allergy has been detected, such as the body’s reaction to a bee or wasp sting.

Due to the fact that treatment can cause a severe allergic reaction, it is carried out exclusively in a medical facility under the supervision of a group of specialists.

Allergy prevention is based on preventing contact with the allergen. To prevent allergies, it is recommended to avoid contact with the allergen or reduce contact with it to a minimum. Of course, controlling allergy symptoms is difficult and very burdensome, so not everyone can handle it. After all, it is clear that if a person suffers, for example, from an allergy to pollen, then he should not go outside during the flowering season, especially in the middle of the day, when the air temperature reaches its maximum. And people with food allergies have to give preference to foods they don’t really like, following the advice of allergists and nutritionists.

It is not easy for those who are allergic to any pharmaceutical drugs; it is difficult to choose a safe medicine when treating any other diseases. The best prevention for most allergy sufferers is diet and hygiene. Important preventive measures against allergies are cleanliness of the premises, getting rid of woolen and down blankets, feather pillows, they can be replaced with products made from synthetic fabrics.

It is advisable to exclude contact with animals and eliminate mold in homes. The use of special insecticidal agents will eliminate mites living in upholstered furniture. If you are allergic to cosmetic preparations, it is advisable to carry out testing before choosing them and, if they are not suitable, stop using them.

Medicines that have expired should be thrown away. Allergy prevention includes ways to prevent initial manifestations and prevent relapses if it is known which allergen causes the disease. Taking care of your health is the primary task of every person; if you are susceptible to such a disease, it is recommended that you carefully observe all the conditions that prevent its development.

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

The term “allergy” appeared at the beginning of the 20th century - it was proposed by the Austrian doctor K. Pirke, who observed states of altered reactivity in children with infections and serum sickness.

A person’s allergic mood is often called hypersensitivity - this is a painful reaction of the body to components that are safe for most people (citrus fruits, pollen and others).

Allergy - what is this insidious disease?

Allergy is the acquired ability to specifically react to foreign elements received from outside and to one’s own modified components and cells. On the one hand, this is a kind of protective mechanism, on the other hand, it damages the structural elements of the body, which ultimately causes an allergic disease.

It is based on the immune complex “antigen-antibody” (AG + AT), in which the antigen is a foreign element. In addition to immunoglobulins E, M and G, the reaction involves cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (T-killers or lymphocytes that dissolve damaged body cells), white blood cells (eosinophils, neutrophils and others), mast cells (white blood mast cells that secrete inflammatory mediators) , circulating immune complexes, biologically active substances (leukotrienes, prostaglandins and others).

The most important link in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, namely immediate hypersensitivity reactions, is histamine.

What kind of reaction a particular person will have depends on certain conditions. As a rule, weak antigens in large quantities or allergens that repeatedly penetrate the body are more likely to cause allergies.

The danger of allergies lies in the fact that a person does not know and cannot predict when he will develop (and whether he will develop at all) a severe form of hypersensitization. Any immediate reaction requires emergency medical measures, as it can result in death (usually due to swelling of the respiratory tract and asphyxia).

Allergy symptoms compared to similar diseases

When making a diagnosis, you need to understand whether it is an allergic reaction or not, and then identify the allergen itself and the mechanism of development of the reaction. For these purposes, at the initial stage, exogenous allergy is distinguished from an autoimmune or infectious disease.

The form of the allergy is determined by the route of penetration of the allergen. In case of inhalation contact, various breathing disorders occur; in case of cutaneous contact, manifestations of skin diseases occur.

Clinically, allergic reactions manifest themselves:

• hyperemia of the skin, the appearance of various elements on it (pimples, small rashes, and so on);
• swelling of the mucous membranes and skin;
• rhinorrhea (profuse runny nose);
• lacrimation;
• itching in the nose and eyes;
• skin itching;
• dry night cough and so on.

How to identify an allergen

If it is determined that the disease is allergic in nature, we begin to determine its cause. At the same time, a differentiation is made between an allergic and pseudoallergic reaction.

Any allergy requires a comprehensive diagnosis, following a strict sequence of measures (that is, one test follows another).

At the initial stage, the doctor collects an allergy history. This information plays an important role in making a diagnosis. When talking with the patient, they find out hereditary predisposition and cases of previous allergic diseases, hyperreactions to foods, medications, insects, and so on. They take into account the relationship with climatic conditions, temperature factors (heat/cold), household objects, and occupational hazards.

One of them is the Shelley test (indirect basophil degranulation). The assay is based on the ability of the antigen-antibody complex to degranulate basophils. A positive result means that there is sensitivity to the allergen. But a negative answer cannot exclude it either.

A mast cell degranulation test is also performed. The analysis is interpreted in the same way as in the case described above.

The test for the blast transformation reaction of lymphocytes (RBTL) is based on the ability of lymphocytes, in the presence of an antigen, to enter into a blast modification reaction.

Analysis for the reaction of inhibition of leukocyte migration (LMR). The essence of the reaction is that when they encounter an antigen, sensitive leukocytes become less mobile.

Neutrophil damage index (NDI). Subject to sensitization to the antigen, the latter contributes to damage to the corresponding cells. Specific tests with allergens, so-called skin tests, are required. This is a completely objective diagnostic technique. A positive skin test result provides a basis for identifying the type of allergy.

An immediate reaction is characterized by a pinkish or colorless blister surrounded by a hyperemic ring. Reactions of the third and fourth types are manifested by redness, swelling, and hardening of the site.

A positive skin test indicates sensitivity to a specific allergen, but does not indicate its clinical manifestation.

Types of skin tests used:

• drip;
• invasive (via injection);
• intradermal;
• cutaneous;
• scarification.

The test is carried out in the area of ​​the inner side of the forearm, sometimes on the leg or back.

Provocative tests are also used in the diagnosis of allergic diseases:

1. Thrombopenic test. It consists of detecting a reduction in the number of platelets (by more than twenty percent) after the arrival of the antigen.
2. Leukopenic test. Detection of a decrease in the number of leukocytes by analogy with the method described above.
3. Nasal provocation test. If, after instilling an allergen into the nose, congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea appear, it means that there is an allergy to this substance.
4. Conjunctive provocative test. An allergen is injected into the eye, if after this itching, swelling and hyperemia occur, it means that there is an allergy to the substance.
5. Analysis for inhibition of natural leukocyte mobility. The test allows you to detect a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the liquid after rinsing the mouth in the presence of an antigen.
6. Sublingual test. The result is positive after placing an eighth of the tablet form or a small amount of liquid medication under the tongue.
7. Gastrointestinal provocative test. The appearance of signs of hypersensitivity after consuming the test product.

The process of identifying an allergen in an adult

Antigens of an infectious nature are usually administered cutaneously or intradermally, as well as by rubbing into the scarified skin area. With the intradermal method, about 0.1 milliliter of allergen is injected into the middle third of the forearm using a thin needle.

The result is checked after a day or two, checking the diameter of the blister at the site of the skin test.

Allergens of a non-infectious nature (dust, food, pollen, medications, household products, etc.) are introduced into the skin invasively (prick test), cutaneously by scarification and rubbing, or intradermal injection of a diluted antigen solution. Sodium chloride is used for negative control, histamine is used for positive control. The result is assessed within twenty minutes by the size of the formation (can reach two centimeters), as well as by the presence of swelling and itching.

An intradermal test is done when the test result is negative or questionable. In this case, the antigen dosage is reduced many times (up to several thousand).

What are allergies to?

There are several groups of allergens. By origin, they are internal and external (exo- and endogenous). Endogenous antigens are body proteins; they are divided into primary and acquired. The latter are formed as a result of damage to proteins by various external factors (radiation exposure, burns, etc.).

Exogenous antigens enter the body from the outside. They are divided into infectious (medicines, pollen, food, wool, household chemicals and others) and non-infectious (viruses, fungi, bacteria and so on).

Routes of penetration of exogenous AG:

• respiratory (dust);
• nutritional (food);
• contact (ointment, creams);
• parenteral (, invasive administration of medication);
• through the transplacental barrier (medicines).

Before going to the allergist

Before visiting an allergist, you should consult a general practitioner, who may determine the non-allergic nature of the disease and, if necessary, prescribe blood tests.

It is important to do allergy tests on a “clean” body, that is, stop taking antihistamines at least a month before the test. A few days before donating blood (if such a test is prescribed), you need to adhere to a hypoallergenic diet. The collection of biomaterial is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach.

For a consultation with an allergist, you should take the results of previous tests, a food diary (if available) and other information materials.

The likelihood of developing an allergy in a person depends on the nature, quantity and qualities of a particular antigen. In the diagnosis of allergic diseases and the identification of a specific allergen, an important place is taken by taking an anamnesis, after which various provocative tests, skin tests and other laboratory tests are carried out.

Determining the source of an allergic reaction at home is possible through trial and error, which can turn into a life-threatening condition.

Doctors have a lot of ways to find out the cause of an allergy in a more reliable way, without playing a fortune teller. For example, skin test methods, which are divided into the following types:

• trick testing - using an injection;
• scratching test - the allergen is applied by scratching the skin;
• intradermal test - the suspected substance is injected with a syringe.

These types of examinations are carried out by examining the skin of the forearm area after contact with a small amount of purified allergen.

How to find out what you are allergic to in the most informative way? Allergists use provocative testing. The essence of the technique is to place the allergen directly into the hypersensitive organ. In case of a primary reaction from the eyes, the provocateur is injected into the conjunctival sac; in the case of allergic rhinitis, into the nasal sinuses; for asthmatic manifestations, the allergen is inhaled using an inhaler. Such a study of the patient’s condition when interacting with the source of the allergy requires the presence of a physician who can provide emergency assistance if necessary.

How to find out if you have an allergy?

The allergy manifests itself on any skin, can “masquerade” as a runny nose, and the duration of the painful condition lasts from a couple of minutes to several days.

How to find out if you have an allergy? First of all, you need to remember the signs of the development of the disease:

• redness, a feeling of pain in the eyes, lacrimation;
• rashes on various parts of the skin accompanied by itching (urticaria, eczema, etc.);
• changes in stool, nausea;
• constant, dry cough, mainly at night;
• pulmonary wheezing, suffocation;
• feeling of a lump in the throat, soreness and itching;
• prolonged nasal congestion with clear, watery discharge;
• swelling of certain areas of the body, most often the face/eyelids;
• paroxysmal sneezing for no apparent reason;
• joint pain.

The listed phenomena are protracted, chronic, worsening in the presence of an allergen. For example, when dust accumulates at home, the patient’s painful symptoms increase. Only properly done cleaning brings long-awaited relief.

How to find out if you have an allergy with medical help? A consultation with an allergist is never superfluous. It can be very difficult to independently identify and generally understand whether you have an allergy. Initially, the doctor collects data on suspected allergic manifestations based on your words. Next, a special examination is prescribed - skin testing, which helps to determine the cause of the unpleasant symptoms. If necessary, a blood/sputum test, respiratory function test, and chest and sinus x-rays are performed. After which the doctor can draw conclusions about the presence of the disease.

How to find out what causes an allergy?

Most of us do not like to go to the hospital and try to independently identify the cause of the allergy.

How to find out what causes allergies without leaving home? This can be done with special tests available at pharmacy kiosks. One drop of blood is enough to get results equivalent to laboratory ones. Increased sensitivity to the allergen will be indicated by a plus on the test strip; if there is no reaction, a minus will appear. The duration of the study of each suspected substance takes half an hour.

You can also try to avoid contact with the suspected allergen. Transport your pets and do a thorough cleaning if you notice signs of sensitivity to fur. If the painful symptoms decrease or completely get rid of, you will have to forget about the animals in the house.

The situation is more complicated with children under two years of age. The child’s immune system is still developing, so laboratory diagnostic methods are ineffective and even erroneous. How to find out what you are allergic to in such a situation? If there is a sensitivity to any product, parents are advised to keep a food diary. It is important to record each product and the baby’s reaction in it. This way you can avoid allergic reactions to food. If there is a painful manifestation of several types of foods, you should first cancel all of them, and then introduce the diet one at a time, carefully observing the reaction. Similar advice is also relevant in adulthood.

Even if you get to the bottom of the true cause of your discomfort, still consult an immunologist. A specialist will help you choose the right treatment for your specific situation, while self-therapy can only worsen the situation and lead to chronic diseases.

How to find out what you are allergic to? - an important question, but this is only the first step in a complex medical intervention, including: preventive measures, reducing the strength and frequency of attacks, immunocorrective programs.

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It is impossible to completely cure allergies. But, having identified the allergen, you can choose the right medication that will help you forget about this disease for a long time. But how do you find out what you are allergic to? It is almost impossible to determine what your body reacts to on your own. Special tests need to be done.

How to identify food allergies?

If you consult a doctor with a question about how to find out if you are allergic to honey and other foods, first of all, he will recommend that you monitor your body’s reaction to eating a particular food. Symptoms of this disease may appear within a few minutes or a little later, but usually within 48 hours. The main organs that suffer from food allergies are the gastrointestinal tract, skin and respiratory system. Therefore, the most common symptoms are:

• runny nose;
• coughing or frequent sneezing;
• redness, rash, or itching of the skin;
• nausea, vomiting or intestinal colic.

Having discovered a connection between symptoms and several food products, you can find out what you are allergic to by doing an analysis such as a provocative elimination test - reproducing an allergic reaction by taking an allergen. It will allow you to exclude suspected products that are actually absolutely safe for health. During this study, all antiallergic medications must be stopped.

In addition to provocative elimination tests, studies such as skin tests will help you find out what a person is allergic to. This can be a scratch test with the simultaneous application of different allergens or a prick test. With their help, it is possible to identify not only the causally significant allergen, but also the exact degree of sensitivity of the body to it.

How to identify drug allergies?

Are you going to have surgery with local anesthesia? How do you know if you are allergic to lidocaine or another anesthetic? Intradermal injections will help with this. If you actually have an allergy, a reaction begins to develop. The patient develops: swelling:

• redness;

Their intensity indicates the degree of sensitivity of the body.

To find out if there is an allergy to anesthesia or medications, both intradermal injections and skin tests are used.

Another effective diagnostic method is rinsing the mouth with a solution containing a diluted allergen. After this, a small amount of saliva is sampled. This study is carried out in a hospital. To find out as quickly as possible whether there is an allergy to Penicillin or other antibiotics, it is better for the patient to take a blood test.

How to identify allergies to cosmetics and household chemicals?

If there is a suspicion of an allergy to cosmetics and household chemicals, it is best to use a special patch made of two small strips. They are coated with 24 provocateurs, including cosmetic preservatives, as well as stabilizers. They need to be glued near the shoulder blade. After 2 days, the doctor peels off the strips and determines the allergen from the traces remaining on the skin.

womanadvice.ru

For many centuries, humanity has been trying to find means to alleviate suffering, heal illnesses and prolong life. At first, the search process was carried out entirely at random, but over time and with the help of science, a significant number of funds, both natural and chemical in origin, were selected and subsequently evaluated. In addition, knowledge has been constantly accumulating not only about the positive effects of this or that drug, but also about its harmful effects on the human body.

At the current level of development of medical science, we can already talk about a whole established system of drug treatment, which is gaining more and more popularity, especially against the backdrop of the latest developments of new drugs.

It would seem that one could object, because there is still herbal and dietary therapy, physiotherapy, but in fact, the first place still remains with medicines. If we take into account that the body, as well as various viruses and bacteria, are capable of developing resistance to many methods of influence, then the use of modern medicines can save many from death and complications, as well as increase life expectancy and improve its quality.

Drug allergies begin to develop after the medication has entered the human body, which is prone to such a reaction, and the immune response is activated. There are many manifestations of drug intolerance; in each patient, such a reaction manifests itself purely individually and does not depend at all on the dosage. There are cases when a patient is given the same medicine, but he has completely different reactions. The greatest number of allergies are caused by antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as voltaren, naklofen and diclofenac. It must be borne in mind that there is not a single medication that cannot cause an allergic reaction.

How to test a medicine for allergies?

A case of drug allergy can be identified by carefully collecting anamnesis from the patient himself or from his relatives. It is important to remember that patients often forget about the medications they take, such as laxatives, dietary supplements, vitamins, creams and body care products. In addition, medications may also contain substances in some food products, for example, as a preservative, such as acetylsalicylic acid. When collecting anamnesis, it is necessary to find out whether the patient has any complaints of any allergic diseases: atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, rhinitis, etc. It is also important to clarify whether he has previously had any negative reactions to medications.

Diagnostic criteria used to identify an allergy to a medication:

- there is a connection between taking the drug and sensitization - an allergic reaction;

- after discontinuation of the drug, there is a noticeable improvement in the condition or even complete disappearance of symptoms;

- a history of allergic reactions to any medication with a similar composition;

- similarity of clinical manifestations with other allergic diseases.

If, during a conversation with the patient or his relatives, the doctor was unable to identify the medicine that led to the allergic reaction, a laboratory test is usually carried out in relation to only those medicines that are more likely to cause an allergy. The reliability of such a study ranges from 65% to 85%, which depends on the characteristics of the drug and the chosen method of determination, which is why technologies continue to improve all the time.

A diagnostic option such as a “skin test”, which is usually used to determine the sensitivity of the human body to food-borne allergens, bacteria and fungi, is not used if a drug allergy is suspected.

Provocative tests are carried out quite rarely, only in cases where medical history and laboratory tests have not given an accurate answer about the relationship between taking the medication and the development of an allergic reaction, and the patient must be prescribed this drug. They are carried out only in a hospital, in a prepared room with a resuscitation kit and in the presence of highly qualified medical personnel.

Provocative tests are not carried out in the acute period of an allergic disease, with a history of anaphylactic shock in the patient, with severe endocrine diseases, during pregnancy and in childhood (up to six years).

There are two types of samples:

- sublingual, with which the patient is given a quarter of the therapeutic dose on a piece of sugar or on the tongue. After a quarter of an hour, the result is assessed;

- dosed, initially the patient is administered small doses of the drug through superficial routes (intradermal or cutaneous), gradually bringing its amount to the therapeutic level. After each administration, the patient's condition is assessed within twenty minutes.

If you have an identified drug allergy, treatment depends on the severity and symptoms of the condition. In especially severe cases (Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, urticaria, Lyell's syndrome, Stephen-Jones syndrome), the patient is hospitalized. Patients who have been diagnosed with drug allergies are contraindicated to take this drug throughout their lives.

Ekaterina, www.rasteniya-lecarstvennie.ru

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Determined by the main symptoms

• tearing, inflammation of the eyes;
• runny nose, nasal congestion;
• temperature increase;
• swelling;
• itching, redness of the skin, rashes;
• cough and bronchospasm.

All of the above symptoms do not necessarily appear in combination - often the allergy manifests itself in only 2-3 of them.

The most common manifestation is itchy skin and painless red spots all over the body.

As mentioned above, a common allergic reaction is a runny nose, which can be either dry or accompanied by copious nasal discharge. Such manifestations can begin literally a few minutes after contact with the allergen.

Examination methods

The main ways to identify allergies are:

Instead of scarification, the application method is also used: tampons moistened with a liquid containing the suspected allergen are attached to the patient’s back using a patch. Based on the diameter of the hyperemic areas, the doctor draws conclusions regarding the likelihood of an allergic reaction. The inconvenience of this method is that these areas cannot be wetted throughout the test. The test is then repeated three days later.

Unfortunately, due to its high cost, this kind of research can make a significant hole in the family budget, and finding a suitable medical facility can take a lot of time. In addition, even an accurately established diagnosis does not eliminate the need for treatment and prevention., and the cost of truly modern and effective desensitizing drugs becomes another unpleasant surprise for the patient.

What alternatives are there?

A good alternative to expensive tests and diagnostic procedures is an anti-allergenic collection of medicinal herbs. It completely eliminates allergy symptoms and prevents their occurrence in the future, providing a preventive effect.

A distinctive feature of the collection is that it affects the body’s immune system and promotes its healing and cleansing of toxins. Even if you are not sure that you have an allergy, its use is completely harmless.

If you suspect the presence of atypical immune reactions in the body, you can take a course of this drug, which will be much more economical than specialized diagnostics.

What does collecting give you?

• You get rid of itching, irritation and rashes on the skin;
• Your skin becomes smooth and clean;
• your eyes stop getting mucus, you don’t have to constantly rub them and put drops in them;
• Allergic rhinitis disappears after the first day of use.

Unlike most medications, which have a number of unpleasant side effects, the most common of which are drowsiness and deterioration of blood biochemical parameters due to effects on the liver, the antiallergenic collection is safe to use. The main advantages of the collection are:

• helps in 70% of cases to completely get rid of allergies; in 98% of cases it relieves symptoms;
• it is cheaper and safer than undergoing diagnostics and taking pills;
• affects the immune system (precisely the source of the disease), therefore it treats allergies in all possible manifestations.

Important to consider

It is necessary to take into account the fact that, with all its undeniable advantages, the anti-allergenic collection is not a panacea that can cope with the most severe forms of diseases. Therefore, in the case of severe allergies and rapid development of respiratory failure, emergency measures must be taken. In such situations, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

In addition, it is important to remember that there are many fakes that are offered to the buyer at a lower price. Such counterfeits are not only ineffective, but can also be harmful to your health. That is why we recommend that you purchase anti-allergen collection only on the official website.

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Causes of allergies

An allergy is a strong sensitivity of the body to certain substances, most often it occurs when the immune system is weakened. According to WHO research, 85% of all people on the planet have had a negative reaction to allergens at least once in their lives.

There are two types of irritants:

• Exoallergens enter the body from the outside.
• Endoallergens are formed in the body itself.

The following factors can lead a person to an allergic state:

Symptoms of an allergic reaction

Allergies can be recognized by symptoms:

1. Characteristic rashes, itching and redness of the skin.
2. Frequent sneezing, mucus from the nose, coughing. Breathing becomes difficult at this moment.
3. Eye damage - they itch and itch, conjunctivitis may begin.
4. Disruptions in the digestive system, which is often accompanied by constipation, nausea or diarrhea.
5. Swelling, most often they appear on the eyelids and lips. If the disease is severe, angioedema may occur.

The most severe consequence of an allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock. The disease is expressed in a rapid decrease in blood pressure, suffocation, swelling, convulsions, and fainting.

In newborns, allergies manifest themselves as redness and itching of the skin, as well as a rash. As a child gets older, he may develop stomatitis and cracks, peeling skin on the palms and feet. The skin and mucous membranes become dry, swelling appears on the lips.

It is most difficult to establish the cause of the disease in children under 2 years of age, since a negative reaction can be caused by anything, and methods for identifying the allergen may show incorrect results. Therefore, it is worth checking with a doctor, but it is better to hold off on testing for irritating components. What should concerned parents do in this case? You should keep a diary in which you will need to note what the child ate and what the body’s reaction was to each product. If symptoms appear on several foods at the same time, it is necessary to exclude them from the diet completely and give the child one at a time - to confirm your guesses.

Allergies and respiratory diseases

Sometimes, under certain conditions, it can be very difficult to find out what kind of illness is tormenting a person - ARVI or an allergic reaction. The fact is that an allergy occurs due to a negative reaction of the body to an irritant that releases histamine, which is quite enough for the appearance of characteristic symptoms. They are: coughing, constant sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa and discharge from it.

During colds, the body's natural defenses try to fight off harmful bacteria, which causes a cough and runny nose, as well as difficulty passing air through the respiratory tract. Since the symptoms of the diseases are very similar, allergies and respiratory diseases can be confused and medications taken inappropriately, so finding out what exactly caused the negative reaction is very important.

How to identify the factor that provokes the disease? It must be remembered that colds are contagious and are easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one, even with minimal contact. The allergy is absolutely not contagious, so it poses no threat to other people.

These diseases can also be distinguished by their duration. With respiratory infections, the malaise goes away in 1-2 weeks, while the allergy will continue as long as the irritating component is nearby. While an allergic reaction can appear at absolutely any time of the year, people mostly get colds in winter.

To identify and eliminate the symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to contact not only an allergist, but also an immunologist - to improve the body’s natural defenses.

Determining the origin of allergies

Types of methods

How can you determine what a person is allergic to? Diagnostic methods are divided into types:

• Nonspecific. The action is aimed at eliminating the signs of the disease, as well as eliminating the exacerbation of the disease. Antihistamines and additional medications are prescribed to block the immune properties that cause allergies.
• Specific. The allergens themselves are eliminated. For example, if you have a negative reaction to dust, wet cleaning, cleaning blankets and pillows will help. Specific desensitization is also prescribed - the introduction of irritating elements through injections and sublingual drops to develop resistance to these substances.

It is impossible to cure allergies completely, but it is quite possible to reduce the signs of the disease to a minimum.

Diagnostic methods

How do you know if a person has allergies? To diagnose the disease, the allergist takes an anamnesis and determines what procedures the patient should undergo.

You can find out what a person is allergic to using the following methods:

• Skin tests. During the event, allergens are injected into the skin with a syringe. During this procedure, the doctor examines the skin area to see if an allergic reaction or irritation has occurred. If the test result is positive, a hypersensitivity reaction to this component is present.
• Scarification tests. Irritating elements are introduced when the skin is scratched with a scarifier. The doctor determines an allergy by the appearance of swelling and hyperemia at the site of the scratch. In one procedure, no more than 15 irritating substances can be detected.
• Blood test for immunoglobulin E. This method is the most accurate and safe. The patient must donate blood from a vein, from which a medical specialist can determine the presence of an allergy.

How can you check for allergies without touching the hand area? There is a method of provocative testing, when the pathogen is introduced into the most sensitive organ. For example, for itching and redness of the eyes - into the conjunctival sac, for an allergic runny nose, drops are prescribed in the nose, if the respiratory tract is affected, the allergic reaction is checked using an inhaler. This procedure can provoke an unpredictable reaction, so it should be carried out by an experienced and qualified doctor who can provide first aid.

How to understand that a person has an allergy if the listed methods did not give an accurate result? The doctor may order an examination of the respiratory tract and an x-ray of the sinuses or chest.

How to understand what you are allergic to at home? Pharmacies sell tests that require very little blood to find out whether a person’s body has a negative reaction to a given substance. If present, a plus sign will appear on the strip; if no allergy is observed, a minus sign will appear. The testing time for each element is 30 minutes.

Elimination testing

How do you know that an allergy is manifested specifically to the suspected factor, and not to another pathogen? You can conduct an elimination test, namely, to eliminate the irritating element.

If the patient assumes that the pet’s fur is the allergen, it is necessary to temporarily give the pet to another home for two weeks and carry out a general cleaning. If the exacerbation does not go away, it means that the causative agent is another object, but if the person’s well-being has improved and the symptoms have passed, the pet will have to look for a new home.

Irritable reactions to pharmaceutical medications are quite common. The main provocateurs are antibiotics, sulfonamide and analgin. Symptoms of the disease: swelling, skin dermatitis, urticaria and rhinitis. Such a reaction is considered a frequent occurrence during vaccination, for example, to yeast or protein. This is accompanied by Leila syndrome and serum sickness. The most dangerous are the bites of bees, wasps and ants.

Hypersensitivity to dust can be minimized by cleaning the apartment and using an air purifier.

Insect bites also often provoke allergic symptoms. Small bumps and itching of the skin are a natural reaction. But if a person has a blister that is getting larger, or hives and this is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, the person most likely has an allergy. The worst thing that a bite can cause is an asthma attack and anaphylactic shock.

It is also necessary to follow the feeding regime, since the disease often appears when overfeeding. You need to be especially careful when introducing complementary foods. Children often exhibit a hypersensitivity reaction to cow protein.

There are several ways to find out what a person is allergic to. The most accurate is an allergen test. Provocative testing should only be performed by a qualified and professional allergist, as complications may occur. The simplest, but far from the most accurate method is the elimination test. It must be remembered that to eliminate allergy symptoms, the most important thing is to identify irritating elements and eliminate them.