🌿 What is an Allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance (called an allergen) such as dust, pollen, certain foods, pets, or medicines.
🤧 Common Symptoms of Allergy
1) Respiratory (Nose/Throat/Lungs) Allergy
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Sneezing
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Runny or blocked nose
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Itchy or watery eyes
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Cough
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Wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma-like symptoms)
2) Skin Allergy
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Red patches
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Itching
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Rashes
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Hives (raised, itchy welts)
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Eczema-like symptoms
3) Food Allergy
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Vomiting, stomach pain
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Itchy mouth or throat
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Swelling of lips, eyes, or face
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Breathing difficulty (in severe cases)
4) Severe Allergy – Anaphylaxis
A medical emergency.
Symptoms:
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Difficulty breathing
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Blue or pale lips
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Drop in blood pressure
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Dizziness or fainting
Immediate treatment is required.
💊 Treatment of Allergy
1) Avoiding Allergens
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Avoid dust and smoke
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Keep away from pet hair if allergic
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Avoid triggering foods
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Use masks during high pollen seasons
2) Medications (must be taken with doctor’s advice)
✔ Antihistamines
Helps reduce itching, sneezing, rashes
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Cetirizine
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Loratadine
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Fexofenadine
✔ Nasal Sprays
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Steroid nasal sprays (e.g., Fluticasone)
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Decongestant sprays (short-term use only)
✔ Skin Creams
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Antihistamine creams
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Mild steroid creams (e.g., Hydrocortisone)
✔ For breathing issues
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Inhalers (for asthma or allergy-triggered breathing problems)
3) Allergy Immunotherapy
A long-term treatment that reduces sensitivity to allergens by giving small, gradual doses.
⚠️ When to see a doctor immediately
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Severe breathing difficulty
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Swelling of lips, face, or throat
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Dizziness or fainting
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Symptoms keep coming back despite medication
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