Causes of Allergies ?
Allergy is a reaction of the human immune system to certain objects, which should not cause reactions in other people's bodies. These reactions can appear in the form of colds, itchy skin rashes, or even shortness of breath. Things that can trigger an allergic response are known as allergens. In most people, allergens do not cause reactions in the body. However, in people who have allergies to these allergens, the immune system will react because it is considered harmful to the body. White blood cells, including basophils , are one component that plays a role in eliciting allergic reactions.Allergic reactions that occur in each person varies, from mild reactions such as sneezing to severe reactions, namely anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions that arise also depend on the type of allergen Allergies generally occur in children and usually will subside with increasing age. But in some people, allergies suffered still appear even though they have entered adulthood. Causes of Allergy Allergies are caused by immune system reactions to allergens that are different in each person. Some examples of allergens are dust, pet dead skin, nuts, insect bites, drugs, plants (such as poisonous plants) and latex. Allergy symptoms are different for each person, can be mild or severe. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, itchy skin rashes, to shortness of breath.

Allergy diagnosis
To diagnose allergies and their causes, the doctor will ask about the symptoms that appear and the activities carried out before the appearance of these symptoms, and do a physical examination. Doctors can also do allergic tests on the skin and blood tests on patients to prove the occurrence of allergic reactions. Treatment and Prevention of Allergies If allergy triggers are known, sufferers can avoid contact with allergens to prevent allergic reactions. To relieve the symptoms of allergies that arise, doctors can give antiallergic drugs, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids
Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear a few minutes after contact with an allergen, either accidentally or while undergoing a skin allergy test. These symptoms can also develop gradually in a few hours.
Allergy symptoms that appear depend on the type of allergen and how you make contact with allergens. However, there are some symptoms of allergies that generally appear in sufferers, such as:
- Sneezing, itchy, runny and stuffy nose.
- Red and itchy skin.
- Dry and cracked skin.
- Eyes are red, itchy and runny.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and eyelids.
- Stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Factors
Allergy symptoms that appear depend on the trigger factor. For clarity, the details can be seen below:
Allergy due to insect bites or stings
In addition to swelling in the bitten part, insect bites can cause itching throughout the body, coughing, feeling full in the chest, shortness of breath, and severe allergic reactions.
Allergy due to particles in the air
Allergy to substances in the air such as dust, pollen, or mites, will usually be characterized by sneezing. These symptoms can develop into runny nose, congestion, to shortness of breath.
Food allergies
Food allergies can cause itching in the mouth followed by swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, throat, or face. In addition, this allergy can also cause red rashes on the skin, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Allergy due to drugs
In addition to insects, food, or particles from the air, drugs can also cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can include itching of the skin, rashes, swelling of the face, shortness of breath.
When to see a doctor
Allergies can cause severe reactions and have fatal consequences, namely anaphylaxis. This reaction will generally occur throughout the body and spread very quickly. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: Dizzy Heart beat Hard to breathe Blue skin and lips Loss of consciousness Anaphylactic reactions can also reduce blood pressure and are an emergency condition. Therefore, if symptoms appear immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room in order to immediately get help.
Causes of Allergy
Allergic reactions arise when the body's immune system reacts to objects that don't cause reactions in other people. Normally, the immune system will react to objects that are harmful to the body such as viruses, bacteria, and toxic substances. This reaction will occur in all people who do not have immune system disorders. However, in people with allergies, the immune system not only reacts to dangerous objects or substances, it also reacts to specific substances that do not cause any reaction to other people. These substances in allergic sufferers become allergens. The immune system will consider allergens or allergens as dangerous substances, so the immune system will react and cause allergic reactions. Some types of allergens that can cause allergies are: Insect bites or stings, for example bee stings. Foods, such as shellfish, beans, seafood, or milk. Particles in the air, such as animal hair, dust mites, or pollen. Medications, for example penicillin antibiotics. Substances that come into contact with the skin directly, for example chemicals in perfume, soap, shampoo, or latex.
Other factors that can increase a person's risk of having an allergy are:
- Living in an environment that has a high level of pollution.
- Smoke.
- Suffering from an infectious disease.
- Having a weaker immune system, such as children.
Allergy diagnosis
To diagnose allergies and their causative substances (allergens), the doctor will ask about the symptoms that appear as well as the activities carried out before the symptoms appear, and do a physical examination.
To confirm whether the patient has an allergy and to determine the trigger for the allergy, the doctor can do some allergy tests, such as:
Patch test
In this test, the allergen will be placed in a certain place, then placed on the skin for two days while monitoring the skin reaction.
Skin prick test
In this test, the patient's skin will be dropped with a common allergen liquid, then gently and slowly pierced with a needle to see the reaction. If a red bump appears and feels itchy, the patient has a positive allergy.
Blood test
This test is used to measure the level of IgE antibodies in the blood that play a role in allergic reactions.
Elimination test
This test is done by avoiding foods that are suspected to be allergens. After a few weeks, the same food is eaten again to find out the reaction.
Allergy Medication
The main treatment for allergy sufferers is to avoid allergens or allergens that trigger these substances. This step can be done if the allergen has been identified with certainty by the doctor.
But if the allergen cannot be avoided, or an allergic reaction has already appeared, the sufferer can take certain medications. Types of medicines for allergies are:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by inhibiting the effects of compounds in the body (histamine) that cause allergic reactions. Antihistamines can be used as tablets, creams, liquid, eye drops, or nasal spray, depending on the area affected by the allergy.
Decongestants
Decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion. This drug is only recommended for short-term use (less than one week). Apart from tablets and capsules, this drug is also available in the form of drops or nasal spray.
Allergy Prevention
Prevention of allergies depends on the allergen. The most effective way to prevent allergies is to avoid triggers. But not all sources of allergies can be easily avoided, such as dust mites, pets, or food.
The following ways you can do to help prevent allergies:
- Wear closed clothing or apply an insect repellent lotion while traveling.
- Avoid wearing perfume that can attract insects.
- Use a mask when leaving the house.
- Clean the house regularly, especially rooms that are often used, such as bedrooms and living rooms, to avoid dust mites.
- Avoid using feather duster because it can spread allergens.
- Clean the surface of the furniture with a clean cloth dampened with water or cleaning fluid or use a vacuum cleaner.
- Open the window or door so that air circulation is smoother so the room doesn't feel
- Place a pet outside the house or in one particular room.
- Wash your pet once a week and clean the cage regularly.
- Note the types of foods that might be a source of allergies so they can be avoided.
- Read the packaging label to find out the ingredients used before buying food.
- Clean the kitchen to avoid moss, especially the sink and washing clothes.
- Do not hang clothes in the house.







