Table of contents:
- 5 facts about allergies that should not be ignored
- Relating to the immune system
- There are various allergens around us
- Heredity
- Negative impact on the mind
- Trigger various types of symptoms in the body
- Tips for preventing and reducing allergic reactions
Some people sometimes experience prolonged coughs and colds. Apparently, coughs and colds can be a sign of allergies, not only caused by fever or other illnesses. Come on, get to know the facts about allergies now.
5 facts about allergies that should not be ignored
Here are important facts about this condition that you must know.
Relating to the immune system
The first allergy fact is that this condition is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to foreign compounds in the body. Allergy triggers or allergens can come in many types.
This unnatural reaction occurs because the immune system considers allergens to be harmful to the body. As a result, the body forms antibodies that trigger the signs and symptoms of allergies experienced by sufferers.
There are various allergens around us
The following facts are pretty much anything that can cause an allergic reaction. Here are the types of allergies and their causes:
- Food allergies caused by food include eggs, milk, dairy products, nuts to seafood
- Skin allergies, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and contact dermatitis, can be caused by exposure to ingredients in soaps, perfumes, detergents, or latex ingredients
- Dust allergies can be triggered by allergens, such as mites, pollen, pet dander
- Allergies due to insect bites are caused by fire ants or bees
- Drug allergies occur because the body reacts to the ingredients of the drug
Heredity
Heredity also plays a role in allergies. For example, a family history of allergies makes a person more susceptible to allergies. A study entitled Genetics of Allergic Diseases also states that a family history of allergies is an effective predictor of allergic disease in other family members.
In other words, a fact that should not be forgotten is that a person is more susceptible to allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis or food allergies if a family member has a history of allergies.
Negative impact on the mind
An allergy fact that should not be underestimated is its long-term impact on the mind. Quoting from The Ohio State University, the link between allergies and mental health is probably caused by cytokine compounds. Cytokines that are present in the immune system's response to allergens are thought to have a negative effect on a person's brain and mental health.
In addition, allergies can cause a variety of symptoms. Nasal congestion and cough caused by allergies can disrupt sleep that should be good. Lack of rest has an impact on stress.
Stress, headaches due to nasal congestion, and itching of the skin can also contribute to decreased productivity.
Trigger various types of symptoms in the body
Allergy facts have previously explained that the body's reaction is capable of causing various symptoms. Common symptoms of various allergies can include:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy rash
- Red rash on the skin
- Hard to breathe
Tips for preventing and reducing allergic reactions
Now that you are familiar with allergy facts, let's take a look at how to prevent or reduce allergic reactions when they occur. Common ways to prevent allergies are by:
- Avoid allergy-causing foods
- Maintain cleanliness of the house and use a mask when cleaning dust at home
- Looking for alternatives if the ingredients in a product (soap, detergent) trigger allergies
- Always read the rules for using medicines and tell your doctor if you have a drug allergy
Then, how do you reduce allergic reactions if they occur?
If you experience itching, avoid scratching the area to avoid further irritation or infection. Your doctor can also prescribe a topical medication to relieve itching. When a cough or cold due to allergies strikes, you can reduce the symptoms by taking a cold cough medicine in the form of a syrup that contains:
- Dextromethorphan Hbr (cough suppressant)
- Chlorphenamine Maleate and Diphenhydramine HCL (antihistamine class)
This type of cough medicine with this ingredient is able to actively complete the cough and is free of sugar or alcohol.
If the allergic reaction causes shortness of breath, vomiting, or swelling in the body, please see a doctor immediately as these symptoms can be an indication of anaphylaxis.