subject: Different Types Of Allergy [print this page] Immune system within a human body overreacts to certain substances such as dust or pollen which results in the so called allergy. In most cases, these substances need not be harmful to the person but in certain cases the immune system treats the allergen (substance) as an invader which can prove to be irritating and can be harmful to the person. In such cases, the immune system produces antibodies in order to protect the body. They release chemicals into the blood streams to defend the invader which causes allergic reactions in the body of the patient. When the body tries to get rid of the invader the person gets affected by different types of allergies which affect their skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs, stomach etc. The symptoms can be sneezing all the time, breathing difficulty, vomiting etc.
Discussed below are some of the different types of allergies.
Drug allergy
Drug allergy is a type of allergy caused from the drugs or medicines that you intake for curing some diseases. This type is less common compared to other allergies. These drugs can be effective in curing the disease but can cause allergic reactions on your body which can prove to be disgusting. Most drugs create problem when they work inside your body. The immune system may sometimes react to a drug or to the chemical produced by that drug which causes allergy. This type of drug reaction is called hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms of this can be wheezing, skin rashes due to itchy skin, swelling of the body parts etc. There are different treatments available for this. If the reaction is mild then you just have to stop taking the drug. But, in a more serious reaction the allergists may prescribe an antihistamine in order to defend the histamine released inside your body during the reaction.
Dust allergy
Dust allergy can be caused due to exposure to dusty environment and during dusting your surroundings, sweeping, vacuuming etc. symptoms can be itchy nose or running nose, sneezing, watery eyes. These dust allergies can cause asthma symptoms like tightness in the chest, wheezing etc. which can cause breathing difficulty in some patients. Once identified it should be treated as soon as possible. Take proper medication as prescribed by your allergist and you need to be away from what causes the allergy. The common dust allergy triggers in homes are cockroaches, mites, fungi, animals etc. The only way you can get rid of dust allergy is by keeping your surroundings clean. Use a dehumidifier to keep the inside humidity below 55 percent. Remove the carpets from your bedroom and do not keep pets inside your house.
Food allergy
Food allergy is more common in babies and kids but can occur at any stage of life irrespective of age. The kids have a chance of 75 percent to be allergic if the parents are allergic to certain foods. If any of your parents or your relatives are allergic then you might also be allergic to the same kind of food. Almost all foods cause food allergy but severe allergy is caused by shellfish, peanuts etc. If a person is allergic to some kind of food then its seen that they might be allergic to related foods. For example a person who is allergic to peanuts may have allergy to peas, soya, or any other beans. You should consult with your allergist and take proper medications.
