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Types Of Allergies You Ought To Know About – By Sanofi India

An allergy is a reaction/response by the immune system when it gets exposed to certain foreign substances known as allergens. Allergens can be found anywhere! In some individuals, the body responds and tries to fight them. 

Broadly, the allergies can be distinguished into the below types: 

The indoor and outdoor allergies can be further segregated into different allergy types that individuals suffer from. Typically, the eyes, nose, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract of the body are prone to allergic symptoms. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive individuals.

According to AAFA There are many types of allergies like dust allergy, food allergy, drug allergy, insect allergy etc. Some allergies are seasonal and others are year-round. Some allergies may be life-long. It is important to work with your health care provider to create a plan to manage your allergy. Avoiding your allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

1. Indoor Allergies

What is it: Allergic reaction triggered from a protein found in a pet’s fur, skin flakes, saliva or urine.

Management:  There’s no need to get rid of your furry friends. With proper diagnosis by a doctor, pet allergy can be managed easily.

What is it: All paints give out fumes and chemicals which can act as allergens for some individuals in case of inhalation of fumes or direct contact with skin.

Management: Wearing a mask, gloves can help prevent it. Rinsing it off from the skin can help soothe it as well as keeping the area well ventilated is advisable.

What is it: It’s not the dust, but the tiny organisms living in it called dust mites that can trigger an allergic reaction. Apart from dust mites themselves, bed mites, pollen, cockroaches can also trigger a dust allergy!

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Management: Vacuuming frequently to keep the surroundings clean can help manage dust allergy in a better way.

What is it: A person gets mold allergy when they inhale mold spores causing various symptoms such as itchy eyes, coughing, etc. Favourable to grow in damp areas, it’s pretty common for mold to exist in one’s bathroom or kitchen.

Management: It is challenging but not impossible. Personal hygiene and cleanliness can help manage mold allergies.

Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu. Plain water can irritate your nose.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

2. Outdoor allergies

What is it: Rapidly increasing air pollution is one of the major causes of allergy. Among the various sources of pollution are emissions from factories and industries, automobiles, crop burning and tobacco.

Management: Unfortunately, it’s tough to control pollution but can be managed/prevented by wearing a mask or staying indoors. Individuals need to contribute to a reduction in air pollution by simple methods like planting trees, walking instead of using vehicles whenever possible, etc. 

What is it: Tiny pollen released from the plants, weeds and grass during pollination lead to pollen allergy.

Management: The ratio of pollen increases in certain seasons, so one can avoid going to places where they can inhale them or wear a mask while going outdoors.  

What is it: Inhalation of mold spores that dwell in cold and damp places like gardens or backyards can be one of the many reasons for mold allergy.

Management: Stay indoors on days when mold content is high and keep away from uncut fields and raking leaves.

Most of the allergies mentioned above manifest as nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis. There are also skin and food allergies that may show presence in different ways.

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3. Food allergies

What is it: Often a general/harmless food item is mistaken as something foreign/toxic by our immune system, which leads to an allergic reaction.

Causes: The most common triggers of food allergies are peanuts, walnuts, pecans, soy, milk.

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Management: Determining the allergen is important and can be managed easily if you avoid consuming it. 

4. Skin allergies

What is it: A lot of materials can cause an allergic reaction when they come in contact with your skin.

Causes: Common causes of skin allergy are metals, gold, silver, insects, tobacco and even latex among many others.

Management: Topical ointments and moisturizers can be applied to the affected area to help manage the reaction. It is important to consult your doctor to get the right treatment for your skin allergies.

You must be cautious as allergies may have acute effects many times, it can be lethal for an individual. If you are suspicious about having an allergy, it’s best to reach out to a doctor/physician for an accurate allergy diagnosis.

Also Read: What is the Cause of Nipple Pain? Understanding and Managing Discomfort

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