الرجی کی وجہ مدافعتی نظام کا ردعمل ہے جو کہ ایک قدرت کی طرف سے ایک حفاظتی حصار کے طور پر انسان کو تفویض کیا گیا ہے۔ مدافعتی نظام کا مقصد جسم کو نقصان دہ مادوں سے بچانا ہے لیکن کبھی کبھی یہ نظام کسی ایسی چیز کے خلاف ردعمل ظاہر کرنے لگتا ہے جو کہ نقصان دہ نہیں ہوتی۔ اس صورتحال میں کھانسی، چھینکیں آنا، اور جلد کی خراش جیسی علامات سامنے آسکتی ہیں۔
General Physician, Psychiatrist, Internal Medicine Specialist, Diabetologist
MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCP(London), FRCP(Glas), FRCP(Edin), FACP(USA)
General Physician, Internal Medicine Specialist, Diabetologist, Family Medicine
MBBS, Certified Diabetologist (UK), Certified Hypertension Specialist (PSIM)
Neurologist, General Physician, Hypertension Specialist
MBBS, Certified Course in Hypertension by European Society of Hypertension, ASCVD Prevention Course by PSIM, Hypertension Course by PSIM, FCPS Internal Medicine (PGR), IMM
Gastroenterologist, Liver Specialist, General Physician, Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS, FCPS (Gastroenterology), FCPS (Internal Medicine), FACG (US), SCE (UK), ESEGH ( European Board Of Gastroenterology & Hepatology)
Pulmonologist / Lung Specialist, General Physician, Diabetologist
MBBS, DTCD (T.B and Chest Diseases), MCPS (T.B and Chest Diseases), FCCP (USA)
An allergy is a hypersensitive immune response to specific allergens. These substances may trigger allergic reactions if ingested or inhaled. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, insect stings, latex, or certain foods and medications. When your body is exposed to an allergen, the immune system identifies it as a threat and produces immunoglobulin E antibodies. As a result, histamines are released which cause different allergy symptoms.
Allergies are categorized into the following types:
Respiratory Allergies: The allergies caused by pollen, mold spores, or pet dander, affecting your respiratory system are termed respiratory allergies. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is an example of such allergies. In some people, these allergies also trigger asthma symptoms.
Food Allergies: Certain foods such as eggs, milk, soy, wheat, peanut, or shellfish may trigger allergic reactions. Ingesting even a small amount of such foods deteriorates health.
Insect Sting Allergies: Some people may develop allergies to bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ant stings. In some cases, severe reactions such as anaphylaxis may occur.
Skin Allergies: Certain substances like metal, latex, cosmetics, or poison ivy may cause allergic skin symptoms such as itchiness, hives, or skin rash.
Drug Allergies: Antibiotics such as penicillin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticonvulsants may cause allergies in some people.
Occupational Allergies: Work environments also expose individuals to allergens including chemicals, dust, or animal dander, leading to occupational allergies.
Pet Allergies: Contact with pet dander, saliva, or urine may trigger allergic symptoms in some folks.
The most common symptoms of allergies include:
Swelling
Coughing
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Itchy or watery eyes
Loss of consciousness
Abdominal pain or diarrhea
Dry, itchy, and inflamed skin
Raised, itchy welts on the skin
The common causes of allergies are as follows:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Pet dander found in the hair, saliva, and urine of pets
Mold spores that grow in damp and humid environments
Certain foods such as peanuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, or fish
Dust mites, particularly found in bedding, carpets, and upholstery
Insect stings, especially that of bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants
Certain medications including antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Allergies are often passed down from parents to their kids. The genetic factor is one of the important risk factors for allergies.
The following preventive measures can help you minimize the risks of allergies:
Stay indoors when pollen levels are high, especially during pollen seasons. Also, keep windows closed to reduce pollen exposure.
Encase your mattress and pillows with an allergen-proof cover to avoid dust mites.
Regularly clean and vacuum your home. Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in your vacuum cleaner to trap allergens.
Maintain humidity levels and prevent mold growth by using a dehumidifier indoors.
Limit exposure to pets and keep them out of your house.
Wear protective clothes to avoid contact with the allergens such as poison ivy or insect stings.
Avoid vehicular or cigarette smoke.
Before eating any food, read the ingredient list to make sure that you're not ingesting any allergic substances.