Everything About Allergy

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Dust, cats, peanuts, cockroaches. An odd grouping, but one with a common thread: allergies — a major cause of illness in the United States. Up to 50 million Americans, including millions of kids, have some type of allergy. In fact, allergies account for the loss of an estimated 2 million schooldays per year.

What Are Allergies?
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that’s harmless to most people. But in someone with an allergy, the body’s immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately, resulting in symptoms that can be anywhere from annoying to possibly harmful to the person.

In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system of the allergic person produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Those antibodies then cause mast cells (allergy cells in the body) to release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against the allergen “invader.”

Skin asthma attacks are caused by insect bites, dust, contact with grass and certain animals, or food. The skin becomes itchy, become swollen and breaks - the wound doesn’t bleed but it produces fluids that actually protect the skin from infection.

A common treatment for open wounds due to skin asthma is potassium permanganate dissolved in hot water. The affected area is washed with the solution while it is hot, but tolerable. It helps in healing the wound and making it dry. A special cream formulated by a dermatologist is then applied to the open wound and is kept exposed to air until it dries.

When my son was just one-month old, he developed a respiratory infection accompanied by a mild wheeze and rashes all over the face and neck. This quite alarmed our pediatrician, who is also a pulmonologist.

She told me that, although it was too early for a definite diagnosis as to my son being atopic or asthmatic, it was better to put some preventive measures in place. In retrospect, I am thankful for our pediatrician’s sound advice.

According to the WHO, asthma is leading chronic disease among children. It is also the most common cause of hospitalization in this age group. Because of this, experts are continually studying

Experts agree on the following measures to prevent or delay the onset of allergic diseases in children:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 9 months
2. Use of hydrolyzed milk formulas
3. Maternal avoidance of allergenic food during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
4. Delaying the introduction of solid food, especially allergenic ones
5. Exposure to endotoxin

Asthma is an allergic reaction to substances, and may manifest through the lungs where the patient experiences difficulty in breathing. It may also be in the form of allergic rhinitis, where an attack of sneezes occurs. Asthma may also manifest in the skin, which is less dangerous than a lung asthma, but have similar effects - swelling.

Asthma is also hereditary - it is passed on through the family blood line. It is also possible for siblings to have the condition all at the same time. It is likely for children of “asthmatics” to manifest one of the three conditions mentioned above.

True to all disease and illnesses - prevention is the best cure. For “asthmatics”, or people with an asthma condition, they can choose to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy more years free of asthma attacks.

Proper diet and exercise is a must. Although an appropriate exercise plan should be discussed with a doctor to avoid triggers, and a dietician or nutritionist can come up with the right diet plan. Smoking is definitely a no-no for those with lung asthma.

Be aware what triggers an asthma attack - and avoid it. Involve the family so they can make the necessary adjustments like cleaning more often or replacing the carpet with hardwood floorings.

Stick with your treatment. Be disciplined and you’ll be worry free.

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