Allergy

Allergy is the pathological response of the immune system to contact with antigens. These are misdiagnosed as a threat. This chronic disease that should not be underestimated. It causes a range of bothersome symptoms and impairs the patient's daily functioning. 

Allergy - causes

Allergysensitisation is an excessive, abnormal reaction of the immune system to substances in the environment that are foreign to the body. These include alergenswhich he should normally ignore. Among the most common allergenic agents include: pollen, animal dander, moulds, dust mites, cow's milk proteins, hen's eggs, wheat and nuts.

In healthy people, these substances do not cause any discomfort. In allergic individuals, however, the allergens cause a range of unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous reactions. Allergic diseases are widespread. In developed countries, various types of allergies affect approximately 30% of the population.

Allergy - symptoms

Allergy symptoms can occur at any age and vary widely. However, it is possible to show a certain correlation between age and the type of disease. For example, food allergies most often manifest themselves in infancy. They usually manifest themselves in the form of skin lesions (urticaria). Patients also experience gastrointestinal problems, respiratory complaints (cough, wheezing). 

Other allergy symptoms in the youngest include allergic conjunctivitis and atopic asthma. This form of asthma is mainly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Frequent allergy symptoms in adults is in turn a feeling of nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, urticaria and chronic cough.

Allergy - treatment

Allergy treatment usually consists of alleviating the bothersome symptoms of the disease. Therapy may include the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids. In some cases, doctors additionally recommend immunotherapy. This method involves the gradual administration of an allergen to the patient (by injection/sublingually), in order to increase the body's tolerance to the allergen in question and weaken the allergic reactions.