Allergic constitution? Be careful, severe allergies can be fatal

Have you ever had this experience? Every spring, when you walk into the park, pollen will make you sneeze and your eyes and nose itch; or after eating seafood, your lips will not only be red and swollen, but also accompanied by nausea and vomiting; sometimes, even when you put on a pair of seemingly ordinary latex gloves, your hands will be covered with red rashes and itchy.

These symptoms are all allergies! Data shows that about one-third of the world's population is affected by allergic diseases, which seriously affects people's normal lives. Allergy, in simple terms, is a state of oversensitivity. It is an abnormal body immune response caused by substances that are originally harmless to the human body. The substance that causes the allergic reaction is called an allergen.

There are many types of allergens, which can be divided into inhaled ones such as pollen, dust mites, mold and catkins; ingested ones such as seafood, milk, eggs, etc.; contact ones such as metal, latex and certain cosmetics; injected ones such as drugs and insect bites, etc. These allergens are everywhere. If someone says he is allergic to money, don't rush to refute him, maybe he is really allergic! The metal components in coins and the chemicals in the ink used to print banknotes can cause allergic reactions in some people. Of course, electronic payment is very common now, which has solved the trouble of this group of people being allergic to money to a certain extent.

The causes of allergies are complex and are influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. If a parent has a history of allergies, their children are more likely to have allergies, which is called "allergic constitution." So, how do allergic reactions occur?

Our immune system is the body's guardian, responsible for identifying and eliminating foreign invaders. But sometimes, it makes mistakes and mistakes safe substances for dangerous invaders. At this time, the immune system will release a large number of IgE antibodies. After these antibodies bind to allergens, they will activate other immune cells in the body and release chemicals such as histamine, leukotrienes, and interleukins. These substances will cause vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and stimulate nerves, thereby causing symptoms such as erythema, edema, itching, and vomiting in the human body.

In daily life, being able to identify the occurrence of allergic reactions can help us identify and treat them in a timely manner.

For example, allergic reactions of the respiratory system - you may suddenly sneeze frequently, have a runny nose, an itchy throat, or cough continuously, or even have difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be allergic rhinitis or asthma ringing alarm bells.

Allergic reactions of the skin often appear in the form of eczema or urticaria. If it is not only red, but also swollen and itchy to an unbearable degree, then the skin may be crying out for help: "Help me, I have encountered an allergen!"

If your eyes suddenly become red, swollen, and itchy, and are accompanied by annoying sticky discharge, it is likely that allergic conjunctivitis is at work.

Allergic symptoms of the digestive system are also quite common. Food allergies can cause crazy stomach pain, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, as if the body is trying its best to eliminate those unwelcome foods. Because allergies are so common and recurring in life, the World Health Organization has listed allergic diseases as one of the six chronic diseases that need the most attention and prevention in the 21st century. We should not take "allergies" lightly. Severe allergic reactions are rapid and dangerous. It can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening if not treated in time.

Severe allergic reactions usually occur within minutes or hours after contact with allergens. For example, food allergies usually occur within half an hour, and insect bites and drug injections often occur within 5 to 15 minutes. When symptoms of suspected severe allergic reactions appear, please do not wait and seek medical attention immediately. Usually, if the allergens can be identified, it is the best way to avoid them. Keeping a distance is the best relationship between the immune system and allergens. If contact with these allergens is unavoidable, desensitization therapy can be selected. Currently, desensitization treatments are sublingual and subcutaneous. You can also take antiallergic drugs before contacting allergens to prevent allergic reactions. Remember, all of these need to be done under the professional guidance of a doctor.

When you have allergy symptoms but are not sure of the allergen, it is recommended to go to the hospital for allergen testing. Understanding the causes and symptoms of allergies, as well as how to prevent and manage allergies, can help us more effectively deal with this common but complex body reaction.

Long-term attention and treatment, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude, are the best ways to peacefully coexist with allergies. After all, only scientific prevention and rational use of medication can truly "desensitize" the matter of "allergies" both physiologically and psychologically.

This article is a work supported by the Science Popularization China Creation Cultivation Program

Author: Dongdongmiao Popular Science

Reviewer: Wen Liping, deputy chief physician of the Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Produced by: China Association for Science and Technology Department of Science Popularization

Producer: China Science and Technology Press Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongke Xinghe Culture Media Co., Ltd.