Types of Allergies: Asthma to Eczema, What You Need to Know?

Allergy, an abnormal immune response to typically harmless substances, is highly prevalent in modern society. From seasonal to food allergies, the manifestations of these conditions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Therefore, to fully comprehend the complexities of allergies, one must understand the intricacies of the immune system and how it perceives and responds to different types of allergens. In this article, we will explore the fascinating types of allergies and the diverse range of substances that can trigger them. So get ready for a burst of information on the perplexing world of allergies!

What are Allergies?

An allergy happens when the body’s immune system reacts to something that usually is harmless. This substance is an allergen and can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander.

The function of the immune system is to safeguard the body against the intrusion of noxious pathogens. To accomplish this task, it employs a mechanism that involves attacking anything it perceives as potentially hazardous to the body. Fortunately, our immune system is highly skilled at adapting to environmental factors. So, for instance, if the body encounters a pet dander, it should recognize that it’s utterly harmless.

However, in individuals with allergies, the immune system perceives this otherwise harmless material as a menacing trespasser that jeopardizes the body’s well-being. Consequently, the immune system launches an attack against it. This defense mechanism could lead to the manifestation of various symptoms, including inflammation, sneezing, or a multitude of other possible effects, depending on the nature of the allergen. The result of all this is a phenomenon that everybody calls allergy!

The Science Behind Allergies

An allergy happens when your body’s defense system tries to protect you but ends up hurting you instead. When a foreign substance, called an antigen, enters your body, special cells called macrophages partially digest it. Then, another group of cells called lymphocytes prepare antibodies to neutralize the antigen. But sometimes, when the antigen and antibody combine, they form a harmful compound that can damage your skin, digestive tract, or nose. This damage causes your body to react by releasing chemicals that cause symptoms like swelling, inflammation, mucus secretion, and spasms.

Common Causes of Allergies

Researchers are not entirely certain why the immune system elicits an allergic reaction in response to a typically harmless foreign substance entering the body.

But one that they know for sure is allergies have a hereditary component, meaning parents can transfer their susceptibility to allergens down to their offspring. However, the chances are minimal for any specific type of allergy. For example, if your mother is allergic to shellfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be allergic to it too.

Some of the most common types of allergens include 

• Animal products such as pet dander, dust mite waste, and cockroaches
• Drugs such as penicillin and sulfa drugs
• Foods like wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and eggs
• Insect stings from bees, wasps, and mosquitoes
• Mold spores released into the air
• Plant allergens such as pollens from grass, weeds, and trees
• Resin from plants like poison ivy and poison oak.

Furthermore, other common allergens include latex, frequently present in gloves, and metals such as nickel.

Allergies in Early Childhood

Can improper management of a person in early childhood be the root cause of allergies? 

It is a question that concerns several parents worldwide who want to protect their children from getting any allergies. So, we are going to discuss this here.

For the first six months of a baby’s life, experts recommend that they only receive breast milk. After that, they can start eating more diverse foods, but it’s essential to avoid foods that are high in protein or otherwise unhealthy. In addition, breastfeeding has been shown to have many benefits, such as reducing the risk of childhood illnesses like eczema, asthma, and allergies. Therefore, creating a healthy environment for babies can also be helpful, especially if allergies run in the family. While there isn’t strong scientific evidence to support this, it’s still a good idea to take precautions to ensure the baby’s health and well-being.

Allergies in Adulthood

For many people, allergies are first noticed during childhood, with about one in five children experiencing some form of allergy. Fortunately, many individuals outgrow their allergies by their 20s and 30s as their bodies become more tolerant to allergens.

Nevertheless, it is possible to develop an allergy at any time in life, even to things you previously had no reaction to. However, why some people develop allergies in adulthood remains unclear. The only possible explanation is that they only get exposed to allergens later in life due to the over-hygienic routine in their childhood.

Common Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

Allergies are no small matter, as they can affect various body parts, including the airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. The severity of allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Allergies can take many different forms, each with its unique symptoms.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause sneezing, itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth, and runny or stuffy nose.

Meanwhile, food allergies can cause tingling sensations in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, hives, or even anaphylaxis.

Insect sting allergies can result in swelling at the sting site, itching or hives all over the body, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Finally, drug allergies can cause hives, itchy skin, a rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis.

The Types of Allergies

A few of the common causes of allergies that a significant fraction of the population encounters during their lifetime include,

Asthma

When it comes to allergies and asthma, the overlap between the two may be perplexing. However, it is no coincidence that these conditions often coexist. The very same substances that trigger your hay fever, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, are often the culprits behind asthma symptoms. Interestingly, skin or food allergies can also lead to asthma symptoms, known as allergic or allergy-induced asthma.

Even though allergic asthma is a prevalent condition, there exist other types of asthma that stem from distinct triggers. For example, certain individuals may experience asthma triggered by exercise, infections, cold air, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or stress.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a perplexing condition. It is characterized by a complex interplay of factors that lead to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can be distressing to patients. It’s common in kids but can happen at any age. In addition, the condition tends to come and go, so it can be tricky to manage.

One of the most puzzling aspects of atopic dermatitis is that patients with this condition are at an increased risk of developing other types of allergies. This association has been the subject of much debate and research. Still, the exact mechanisms behind it remain elusive and poorly understood.

Thankfully, various skin care habits and practices can help relieve the itching and prevent new outbreaks. Moisturizing regularly is critical, as is avoiding harsh soaps and other irritants that can exacerbate the condition. In some cases, medicated ointments or creams may be necessary to manage symptoms and control flares.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is a pervasive allergic condition that can affect a considerable proportion of the population, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of individuals may experience this condition at some point in their lifetime.

The symptoms of hay fever, which result from an allergic reaction to pollen, can manifest in various ways and impact multiple areas of the body, including the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses.

Pollen, the fine powdery substance released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle, contains a complex mixture of proteins that can trigger an immune response and lead to swelling, irritation, and inflammation. It’s important to note that different types of pollen can cause allergies, including,

• Tree pollen that’s typically released during the spring
• Grass pollen that’s usually released during the end of spring and the beginning of summer
• Weed pollen that’s released late in the autumn.

Although hay fever can be a persistent and frustrating condition, many people find that their symptoms improve as they age.

Food Allergies

The enigmatic nature of food allergies has long perplexed researchers and medical professionals. Although estimates suggest that up to 8% of children under 5 and 4% of adults are affected by food allergies, the underlying mechanisms that drive it remain poorly understood.

An allergic response can occur rapidly after consuming a particular allergy-causing food. Even a minuscule amount of allergy-causing food can trigger a cascade of signs and symptoms. The symptoms can range from mild digestive issues and hives to more severe and life-threatening reactions, such as swollen airways and anaphylaxis.

Despite the significant burden that food allergies can place on individuals and their families, there is currently no cure. The only possible way to eliminate the symptoms is to avoid using allergy-causing food. However, some children may outgrow their allergies as they get older, offering a glimmer of hope to those who are struggling to manage their symptoms.

Other Common Allergies

Allergies can manifest in a variety of ways. While asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food allergies are some of the most commonly known types, numerous other lesser-known allergies can also significantly impact an individual’s health and well-being.

Here are a few examples of common allergies other than what we have already discussed.

Insect sting allergies: an immune response triggered by venom from insect bites.

Medication allergies: adverse reactions to medications.

Pet allergies: allergic reactions to animal dander or saliva.

Mold allergies: allergic reactions to mold spores in the air.

Sun allergy: an allergic reaction to sunlight.

Chemical allergies: allergic reactions to chemicals in everyday products, such as cleaning supplies or cosmetics.

Exercise-induced allergies: allergic reactions triggered by physical activity.

Prevention Steps for Different Types of Allergies

Here are several steps that you can take to prevent different types of allergies:

1. Avoid Certain Skin Care Products

Many irritants can cause allergic reactions. Some important ones are soaps, lotions, cosmetics, nail polish, costume jewelry containing nickel sulfate, and more. Therefore, avoiding these products is best if you have a history of allergic reactions. 

2. Maintain Good Air Quality

Ensuring high air quality is crucial. Therefore, one should refrain from inhaling scented items such as gasoline, aerosols, cosmetics, and perfumes, except for a few fresh natural vegetation odors. 

3. Avoid Certain Types of Clothing

Certain types of clothing, such as those with elastic or made from nylon or other synthetics, have been known to trigger allergies.

4. Avoid Exposure to Cold

Temperature also plays a role, and exposure to cold, especially the ankles and backs of the arms, can promote chronic sinusitis and slow down the healing of skin rashes.

5. Avoid Foods that Cause Allergies

Diet is a critical factor in preventing allergies. Therefore, it is important to avoid overeating, having evening meals, and chewing food to cream before swallowing to prevent toxic fermentation. It is also best to use only two or three dishes at a meal with bread to avoid overburdening the digestive system.

According to NHS, the following foods are more likely to cause allergies, 

• Cows’ milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts, soybeans, peas, chickpeas
• Wheat and wheat products
• Tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios
• Brazil nuts
• Shellfish such as prawns, crab, and lobster

While these foods commonly cause allergies, the list of possible allergens is vast. It can include unexpected items such as celery, mustard, sesame seeds, and even lupin flour in some baked goods. Therefore, it’s best to work with your healthcare provider to rule out any food leading to an allergic response.

How the Diagnosis of Allergies is Made?

Healthcare professionals generally employ a multi-pronged approach to ascertain whether an individual has an allergy.

First, they will conduct a detailed inquiry into the person’s symptoms and signs, probing for specific details that may indicate an allergic reaction. Following this, they will perform a thorough physical examination, examining various aspects of the person’s body to identify any telltale signs of an allergic reaction.

To further refine the diagnosis, the individual may be asked to keep a detailed diary of their symptoms and potential triggers, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying cause of the allergy. In the case of food allergies, additional steps may be taken, such as keeping track of the foods consumed and any changes in the individual’s diet.

Tests to Confirm the Diagnosis

Additionally, healthcare providers may recommend one or both tests to confirm the diagnosis. However, these tests may sometimes yield false results.

1. Skin Test

In a skin test, a small amount of common allergen proteins are pricked into the skin. If the individual is allergic, a raised bump or hive will likely develop at the injection site.

2. Blood Test

The blood test measures the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, also known as allergy-causing antibodies, in the bloodstream.

When the healthcare provider suspects that the individual’s symptoms are due to something other than an allergy, they may order additional tests to rule out other medical issues.

Effective Treatment Options For Allergies

Although the prevention of exposure is by far the most critical management step for different types of allergies, the effective control of symptoms does require extra support. You can use natural remedies or medications to achieve this extra support and improve the overall quality of life.

Natural Remedies for Different Types of Allergies

If you’re looking for relief from allergy symptoms, it may be worth exploring a few natural remedies, like nasal irrigation or using certain essential oils. Nevertheless, remember that uncovering the root cause of your allergy and heeding your healthcare provider’s advice is paramount in attaining optimal results.

Still, if you want to know more about natural remedies to treat different types of allergies, here are a few recommended options.

1. Saline Nasal Irrigation

In sinus congestion or hay fever, one feasible solution to alleviate the symptoms would be to opt for saline nasal irrigation. It involves flushing out the sinuses with a saline solution made of salt and water. You can use a specialized squeeze bottle for this purpose. The bottle works effectively to eliminate thickened mucus and irritants from the nasal passages. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to note that improper utilization of a neti pot or any other similar device can trigger an infection, which could further exacerbate your already existing symptoms.

2. HEPA Filters

If you’re looking for a way to improve the air quality in your indoor spaces, one option to consider is using an air filter. Specifically, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can be particularly effective at trapping various airborne irritants. In addition, by reducing the allergens in your home, HEPA filters help alleviate allergy symptoms and improve overall air quality.

3. Dehumidifiers

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which are known to aggravate allergies. This is because they work by reducing the amount of moisture in the air, which creates an environment that is less conducive to the proliferation of these allergens.

Other common natural remedies for the symptoms of different types of allergies are,

1. Butterbur provides similar relief for itchy eyes as oral antihistamines. 
2. Bromelain, a protein in papaya and pineapple, helps reduce inflammation. 
3. Probiotics are also an effective option for managing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 
4. Vitamin C; taking a daily dose of around 2000 mg of this mineral can help reduce the levels of histamine in the body, thereby reducing allergic symptoms. 
5. Essential Oils, such as Peppermint essential oil and Eucalyptus essential oil, are also effective in managing allergy symptoms. 
6. Cold and flu bomb is a herbal tea-like mixture of herbs that people use to boost their immune system and to ward off symptoms. It helps reduce symptoms of seasonal flu and hay fever.

Allergy Medications

If you’re dealing with allergies, various medications are available in different forms. These include pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eyedrops, skin creams, and even shots (injections). While some medications can be purchased over the counter, others require a prescription from a healthcare provider. To better understand your options, here is a list of the different types of allergy medications.

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Corticosteroids
• Mast cell stabilizers
• Leukotrienes antagonists
• Emergency epinephrine shots

Precautions Before Using Allergy Medications

It’s critical to understand that even over-the-counter allergy treatments can cause adverse effects. Therefore, it’s important to discuss the following scenarios with your doctor when considering allergy medications:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• A chronic health condition, such as diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or high blood pressure
• Usage of other medications, including herbal supplements
• Allergy treatment for a child since their dosage and medication requirements are different from adults
• Treating allergies in older adults since some allergy treatments can cause urinary tract symptoms or other side effects in this age group

It’s recommended to keep track of your symptoms, medication usage, and quantities taken. This will help your doctor determine your most effective and least bothersome medications. You may need to try multiple medications to determine the most effective with minimal side effects.

Can You Get Rid of Allergies ‘For Good’?

Allergies – a pervasive issue that can hamper your quality of life – have a multitude of treatment options available. Yet, countless individuals yearn for an improved solution. Fortunately, there exist additional measures one can adopt to mitigate allergic response once and for all.

One such effective measure, allergen immunotherapy – referred to as allergy shots – is a long-term treatment option, especially for individuals suffering from severe allergy symptoms. Allergy shots, operating on the principle of desensitization, work to curb your body’s allergic response to offending agents.

With the successful completion of treatment, most people remain free of allergy symptoms for the remainder of their lives. However, a fraction of individuals may experience a resurgence of symptoms once they stop receiving the shots.

When to See a Doctor?

The subject of allergy can be bewildering for some, as the symptoms are often varied and can be mistaken for other health conditions.

For example, suppose you’ve tried over-the-counter allergy medications to no avail and still find yourself troubled by aggravating symptoms. In that case, it might be time to consult a medical professional.

Furthermore, if you’ve recently started a new medication and experience symptoms that could be related to allergies, it’s best to contact the prescribing healthcare provider immediately.

The Takeaway Message

After reading all this high-yield information, you will be crystal clear about one thing – understanding the different types of allergies is crucial for managing and treating the symptoms that may arise. From asthma to eczema, hay fever, and food allergies, various types can affect individuals in different ways. In addition, it is essential to remember that while common symptoms are associated with each type of allergy, the severity and duration of these symptoms may vary. By understanding this concept, we can effectively communicate the complexities of types of allergies and empower individuals to make decisions about their health.