Allergy. Causes of development and symptoms. The manifestation of childhood allergies depends largely. Causes of individual allergies

cutaneous; intestinal; hepatic; immune.

The names of these filters speak for themselves. So, the skin filter is actually our skin. Thanks to this filter, only what the intact skin will allow enters the body. These are solar radiation, oxygen, medicinal or aesthetic and cosmetic substances, which are designed for external use and penetration into the skin layers.

The intestines cope with everything foreign through digestion and exposure to high temperatures in interaction with gastric juice. Large protein molecules, when intestinal functions are disrupted, become the main factors from which allergies originate.

The intestines are designed in such a way that when protein enters it, it breaks down to the required amino acid structure and only after that is used by all organs and tissues as a building element. Unsplit molecules are the reason for the body’s sharp reaction to the invasion of a stranger. Hence such manifestations that are unusual in a normal state: redness, rashes and itching, burning and constant discharge from the nose, spasms, even stopping breathing, swelling of the entire body or its individual parts. Severe cases can occur with loss of consciousness, as a result of severe intoxication of the body caused by allergens.

The liver filter passes all the blood through itself, taking away excess components from it, which is why it more often than others takes blows that harm the organ itself - the liver. Toxic substances, which abound in our blood, settle in the liver filter, are processed by bile and enter the body in a safe form. What is not processed is excreted; what is not excreted remains in the hepatic ducts, forming stones over time. Allergies occur when the liver suffers serious problems that may not be immediately detected. Small worms belonging to the species of flat, favorite place the settlements that the liver serves are capable of causing severe attacks of allergic manifestations. These scale insects were given the name "Giardia". They can only be detected through special analysis carried out on certain days and moments, which also requires special preparation.

There is no need to talk about the immune filter for a long time. Every person knows and understands the principle of operation of our immune system. Everything that is foreign to the body and is superfluous is quickly detected and neutralized. Any weakening in the immune system immediately affects a person’s well-being.

What is an allergic reaction?

Many people have probably asked themselves the question of why allergies occur. The disease is a hypersensitive reaction of the body to a particular stimulus, through tactile or other contact with it.

People can suffer from a wide variety of allergic reactions. This is due to the fact that although the human immune system performs basic protective functions, but in some cases it malfunctions, resulting in symptoms of one or another allergy.

Upon contact with an irritant, tissue damage occurs and the body begins to produce various antibodies, lymphocytes, histamines, which cause similar diseases. Typically, immunoglobulins act as allergens.

An allergic reaction can occur in both mild and severe forms. The mild variety involves itching, erythema, runny nose, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock can quickly occur or Quincke's edema may appear.

Basic symptoms of allergic reactions in the body

Allergies in people come in many different varieties. Its name depends on what the patient is reacting to. It is necessary to distinguish:

Respiratory allergies.

Allergic dermatosis.

Anaphylactic shock.

Each type has individual symptoms.

At respiratory allergies, including rhinitis, and bronchial asthma, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion, mucous discharge from the nasopharynx, sometimes coughing, wheezing and suffocation appear.

Conjunctivitis is accompanied by a burning sensation in the eyeballs, as well as increased lacrimation, redness and itching. In some cases there is pain.

Allergic dermatoses are characterized by: itching, rashes, redness of the epidermis, sometimes eczema, swelling and blisters.

Enteropathy manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Abdominal pain may occur.

The most severe manifestation of an allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock. It is accompanied by loss of consciousness, convulsions, vomiting, and in some cases there is a rash and shortness of breath.

All about allergies.

Causes of an allergic reaction

Almost everything that surrounds you can act as allergens.

As already noted, an allergy is the response of the immune system to a particular influence. external environment. When a person comes into contact with an allergen, sensitization or hypersensitivity occurs. During the second contact, the full range of allergic symptoms already develops.

Scientists still cannot find the answer to the question, which is why one person’s body does not react in any way to an irritant, while other people can very quickly develop a strong reaction. However, despite this, some factors have already been identified that can influence its appearance and signs that make it possible to prevent allergies.

One of these factors is considered to be genetic predisposition or heredity. The disease can also be caused by: lack of hygiene and excessive consumption of chemical products.

In some cases, the disease can have a rather exotic form, for example, photodermatitis (allergy to the sun), a reaction to shampoo, to cold, and even to latex.

Types of allergies

Depending on what substance acts as an allergen, the following types of diseases are distinguished:

food allergies;

allergy to volatile compounds;

allergic reaction to natural substances.

A food reaction occurs as a result of intolerance to certain types of food, for example, fish, milk, nuts.

Volatile compounds include dust, plant fluff and pollen. In some cases, the disease may appear after a person comes into contact with one or another natural compound, by inhalation or by touch.

How to identify the disease?

Skin test.

Diagnosis of the disease consists of identifying the irritant that causes the appearance of signs of the disease.

Completely different substances and compounds can act as the main allergen.

Sometimes the irritant can only be identified by performing a variety of laboratory tests and following the prescribed diet.

A special sign of the disease is increased level eosinophils in the patient's blood.

Very often, patients are prescribed a radioallergosorbent test (RAST), thanks to which the level of immunoglobulins in the blood can be determined. At high rates we can safely say that the sick person has allergies.

For specific types of disease, a skin test is used. As part of the study, an irritant is introduced under the patient's skin and then monitored for the appearance of symptoms of the disease.

In cases where a person may experience a very violent reaction to even a small amount of an allergen, a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is prescribed.

Allergy treatment

Immunotherapy.

The plan for combating an allergic disease is based on what irritant causes the disease. With some varieties, you should first suppress the symptoms, and only then begin the main treatment. For other types of allergies, treatment should immediately begin with the causes of the disease, and the symptoms will disappear by themselves. Some species will remain with a person for life.

It is still worth starting treatment by eliminating the patient’s contact with the irritant.

If this cannot be done, the doctor prescribes additional ways fight the disease: taking or injecting medications that block allergic manifestations.

Injection intervention involves the gradual introduction of a small amount of allergen under the patient’s skin. The dosage is gradually increased until the required level is reached.

As a result of this technique, the human body gradually begins to produce antibodies that neutralize the effect of the allergen. Such treatment must be carried out with extreme caution, since it is too a large number of an irritant introduced in a short time can provoke an allergic reaction.

Most allergists confirm that immunotherapy is sufficient effective way combat allergies, however, the risks with this treatment are quite high. The purpose of this particular technique depends entirely on the individual reaction of the patient. Typically, this treatment option is used for patients suffering from allergies to pollen, mites, poisons, and wool. In no case should you prescribe immunotherapy for food allergies, since there is high probability anaphylaxis.

The sampling schedule consists of injections once a week at the first stage and once every 4-6 weeks at the final stage. The total duration of therapy is one year.

The best option to combat the disease is to exclude the patient from contact with the irritant. For example, if you have allergic rhinitis, you should avoid using nasal drops, and if you are allergic to wool, you should give up your pet.

If a person has an allergic reaction to dust, then it is worth removing carpets, drapes and other things that contribute to the formation of dust from the room. It is also recommended to do wet cleaning of the premises more often.

For food allergies, a strict diet can be an excellent solution.

If the manifestations of allergies are very serious, then you should immediately consult a doctor and be treated under his full control.

In mild forms of the disease, various antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, suprastin, tavegil, will cope well with the problem. More complex shape The disease is treated with corticosteroid drugs, such as an injection of epinephrine (which includes epinephrine).

Is there an allergy to

Honey has been known to us since ancient times as a very sweet and healthy delicacy, however, until now, opinions about it are far from ambiguous.

People can be roughly divided into two groups - those who believe that honey is useful and can treat allergies, and others who believe that it bee product, in itself, is a very dangerous allergen.

Which of them is right and which is wrong - we will figure it out in this article.

Can you be allergic to honey?

To answer this question, you need to understand what is honey made of? which we eat.

Pure honey is not an allergen; it contains sugars, i.e. carbohydrates that cannot affect the human immune system.

Pseudoallergic reactions can occur in infants (due to underdevelopment of the digestive system) or in adults in the presence of disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Such intolerance is no more common than an allergy to sugar, and is usually not at risk for a healthy adult. Other products are dangerous, which may be present in honey.

Honey can be store-bought or natural, and there is a big difference between them.

A store-bought product undergoes special processing, as a result of which pollen residues are removed. Next, there are two possible options:

The honey that the beekeeper collects in the apiary does not contain anything superfluous, but it still contains a small amount of incompletely processed honey. pollen, as a result of the activity of bees.

If you exclude all these risk factors and eat 100% pure treats, then there will be no allergies, because honey is not an allergen.

But it’s not possible to completely eliminate them, so let’s look at what the symptoms of an allergic reaction to what we eat may be.

Allergic reactions to honey products manifest themselves in much the same way as food allergies. Substances that cause irritation to the body spread through the digestive system and are absorbed through the mucous membranes during their processing.

The first signs are not long in coming: you can notice them on the skin redness, small rash or swelling. With prolonged exposure to the allergen, allergic dermatitis may develop.

What an allergy to honey looks like, look at the photo:

The respiratory system also suffers, respiratory system:

• an allergic cough and sore throat appears;
• breathing becomes heavy, with whistling and wheezing;
• possible development of allergic rhinitis - nasal congestion with liquid transparent discharge;
• bronchospasms and exacerbation bronchial asthma.

In young children, diathesis appears on the face, possibly regurgitation, colic and diarrhea.

In adults gastrointestinal disorders appear as:

Other reactions are also possible, caused by chemicals and antibiotics that enter the body along with low-quality honey.

If you experience a drop in blood pressure, fainting, pallor, severe and sudden swelling of the face with difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately. Such signs may indicate an anaphylactic reaction or Quincke's edema.

How to check your reaction to honey?

To find out for sure whether a bee treat can irritate your immune system, you need to undergo special allergy tests.

Contact an allergist; he will prescribe appropriate procedures for you to identify reactions not only to honey, but also to any other common irritants.

Mostly, carry out skin tests: a small amount of a solution containing an allergen is applied, then the skin in this area is scratched or gently pierced with a needle, and the reaction is observed.

Diagnostics can be carried out on one's own, at home:

• put half a teaspoon of honey in your mouth, rub it with your tongue, but do not swallow. Wait a few minutes. If there is swelling or redness of the skin around, a runny nose or a sore throat, then you should not eat honey.
• spread honey on reverse side hands (forearms), where the skin is more sensitive to irritation. If redness or a rash appears after a few minutes, the diagnosis is clear.

Before you think about complete refusal from honey, try to find a better product or another variety(for example, replace linden with buckwheat, because the main allergen is pollen).

To remove allergic symptoms, antihistamines are used. They act quickly, weakening reactions within half an hour and continue to have an effect for 24 hours after use.

Clinical picture

What doctors say about antihistamines

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Emelyanov G.V. Medical practice: more than 30 years.
Practical medical experience: more than 30 years

According to the latest WHO data, it is allergic reactions in the human body that lead to the occurrence of most fatal diseases. And it all starts with the fact that a person has an itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, red spots on the skin, and in some cases, suffocation.

7 million people die every year due to allergies, and the scale of the damage is such that the allergic enzyme is present in almost every person.

Unfortunately, in Russia and the CIS countries, pharmaceutical corporations sell expensive medications that only relieve symptoms, thereby hooking people on one drug or another. This is why in these countries there is such a high percentage of diseases and so many people suffer from “non-working” drugs.

On sale you can find:

It is enough to take just one tablet.

If swelling occurs, you can take decongestants:

Used against skin irritation and rashes hormonal and non-hormonal ointments:

Carefully read the contraindications in the instructions for use or consult your doctor. Hormonal drugs are not recommended for the treatment of children and during pregnancy.

Decongestants increase blood pressure, which can also be dangerous for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Unfortunately, allergies are not a completely curable disease at present. You can relieve the symptoms, but what to do next?

As an option - give up all products where honey is found. There is another way - allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT). It can relieve the disease for several years, but does not provide any guarantees.

If the child had an illness caused by intolerance Due to undeveloped gastrointestinal organs, you should not completely give up honey. After 2 years, the body is already fully formed and functional. You can slowly introduce honey into your diet, and if there is no negative reaction, then there is nothing to worry about.

If allergy tests in adults do not show a positive result for a bee product, but when eating it, symptoms continue to appear - you need to visit a gastroenterologist and check the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Useful properties of honey

Allergic reactions to honey are extremely rare, but its beneficial properties are used very often to treat both allergies and other diseases.

The best medicine for many diseases is honeycomb with natural honey. They are recommended to be chewed to relieve hay fever, allergic rhinitis or exudative diathesis in young children.

Taking honey orally promotes the healing of skin damage due to various dermatitis and seborrhea.

In addition, honey has a soothing and antibacterial effect, and also strengthens the immune system.

For bronchial asthma, this delicacy helps relieve exacerbations, eliminate wheezing and ease breathing. Before use, it is recommended to skin tests at an allergist.

Video on the topic

Video about why bee product is not an allergen:

Is there an allergy to

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Allergy is a pathological overreaction of the body to foreign substances. Is there a human allergy?

An allergy to a person is a rejection of another person as a person or their effect on you. Manifestations of allergies to the human immune system can be expressed by pain in the eyes, swelling, runny nose, hives, sneezing and coughing.

Allergies to a person are often caused by the inability to breathe the same air. It seems that this person is secreting a substance that is not compatible with your Ego. It happens that your neighbor can become the most powerful allergen, provided that he begins to mind his own business, and therefore causes irritation in the lining of the nose and leads to sneezing.

Human allergies, once considered outlandish, are now becoming more popular and aggressive. You can develop an allergy to a person, including your neighbor, right from school, as well as at retirement age. The disease affects residents of highly civilized, economically developed countries.

An allergy to another person is retribution for our selfishness. The growth of selfishness includes a mechanism for the development of allergic reactions to one's neighbor, and this disease is incurable. The crowds are sneezing...

Allergies to humans - causes

Why does this disease occur? The answer is genetics. There is a predisposition to allergies to people. A child is 100% likely to sneeze on others if his parents did the same. Allergies are often caused by decreased immunity. But it happens that a person does not perceive another and believes that his illnesses are caused by this person.

Causes psychological allergy:

- a person nearby with a different mindset, temperament; is the opposite of your character, and the human body tends to deny someone who is very different from it;

- resemblance to a person in shortcomings leads to a strong release of hormones that cause allergic reactions;

- a specific smell of a person to which there is an acute reaction.

Medical theory of human allergies

An allergy to people is an autoimmune disease, expressed in an allergy to saliva, epithelium (skin), human hair, accompanied by itchy skin, a rash on the head and face. Symptoms gradually increase, leading the patient to severe exacerbation (scratching). Antiallergic drugs are ineffective for this disease.

Psychological theory of the development of human allergies

There is a connection between hatred and the development of egoism, and there is no person free from these qualities. Nowadays, all structures of human society are susceptible to such allergies: children sneeze on parents, students on teachers, young people on old people, old people on youth, leaders on people.

Human allergies were not so obvious 100 years ago. This is all due to pollution of the human environment. Every year the ego of people grows at an accelerated pace, while saturating society with its poison and creating an increasingly dirty living environment with the new generation. Inhaling air from particles of people's egos, and if interests do not coincide, you will have an allergic reaction. If interests coincide, then the air will seem pleasant and clean. It follows that the cause of sneezing is a mismatch of interests and their acute opposition. People become more aggressive, not wanting to adapt to the habits and personalities of others, and allergic manifestations intensify: cough, runny nose, itchy skin. The development of egoism led to dire consequences, and the world strives to destroy humanity with its own hands. Allergies equate to hatred. People's selfishness prevents the emergence of love, as the only cure for human allergies.

Allergy in the sense of philosophy is a kind of selfishness, as well as cynicism, expressed in inflated demands on others. You make yourself an indulgence: “I am good, normal, and let the other person change.” And if you look at the opponent’s position, then the point of view is definitely the same. And where is the truth?

Allergy to humans - treatment

There are no specific tests to diagnose and treat allergies in humans. You can, of course, conduct skin tests and donate blood for IgE and, after the examination, do ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy), which is carried out with precisely those allergens that caused the maximum reaction. This is the only treatment method that significantly reduces the disease and prevents the development of new allergic reactions. Examination and treatment are strictly prescribed by an allergist.

For treatment to be successful, it is necessary to remove the allergen from contact. Coexistence and tolerance of the allergen is not acceptable. And in order to be more tolerant of a person who is an allergen, you need to understand him and stop being prejudiced. The disease is often caused by decreased immunity. But it happens that a person does not perceive another and believes that his illnesses are caused by this person. Allergists consider the disease to be an exception to the rule, so it is necessary to seek help from a psychologist, since the reasons are not related to physiology, but lie in psychological characteristics the identity of the sick person.

Preventing human allergies

Remember that an allergic reaction to a person refers to rare events and is caused in most cases by psychological characteristics.

Is there an allergy to

Why are allergies dangerous for children and adults, and is it necessary to follow the advice of an allergist? full course treatment, or the pathogenic reaction will go away on its own over time - doctors often talk about all this using the media.

The problem of allergic reactions and serious illnesses arising due to an incorrect attitude towards this state of the body, worries all inhabitants of planet Earth. The main danger of an allergen getting inside the body is that no one can predict the development of further events.

Allergists recommend taking antihistamines immediately when minimal signs of an atypical reaction of the body to any irritant appear. A minor rash or sneezing can lead to the development of other symptoms, the treatment of which can last for many years and greatly reduce the quality of life.

Important! Timely disclosure of the causes of occurrence helps to protect the body during contact with an aggressive environment and save the body from destruction.

In children and the elderly, the allergic reaction is much more severe, and they always require qualified assistance from a specialist. Anyone who takes their health lightly will have to learn in practice why allergies are dangerous. Adults for whom taking an antihistamine does not provide relief should visit an allergist to prescribe adequate treatment.

Allergists recommend taking antihistamines immediately when minimal signs of an atypical reaction of the body to any irritant appear.

What complications can be expected with a developing reaction?

If a person has experienced the body’s reaction to an allergen for the first time, he still does not know how dangerous an allergy is. It can be complicated by the development of pathological conditions that threaten health and life. Tissue swelling is one of the commonly observed reactions to an introduced allergenic agent. This condition is dangerous because swelling can develop not only on the outer layers of the skin, which causes unbearable itching and irritation, but also in the respiratory organs, which makes it impossible to breathe.

Death from suffocation is the most terrible complication during a developing allergic reaction to the bite of a snake, bee, wasp, or hornet. Sudden swelling of mucous tissues can begin as a reaction to food containing preservatives, spices, and fungi.

Anaphylactic shock is another danger that you need to watch out for after being bitten by a poisonous reptile or insect. When it occurs, the following is observed:

• a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
• sweating;
• severe weakness;
• facial redness;
• paleness of the extremities;
• thready pulse;
• breathing problems;
• convulsions;
• fainting state.

Anaphylactic shock is a big danger that you need to beware of after being bitten by a poisonous reptile or insect.

This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Important! Bronchial asthma is a consequence of long-term allergies caused by household allergens.

Many patients suffer from this disease long time and they know well the dangers of advanced allergies in adults.

If a person ignores the signs of the disease and continues to be in contact with the allergen, believing that the body will soon stop reacting to it and the disease will go away on its own, he is deeply mistaken. Symptoms from constant penetration of the allergen inside will increase, and the agent will affect more and more body systems. In order to normalize their activity, you will have to undergo long-term treatment, during which you will have to completely abandon your usual lifestyle.

The number of pathological reactions upon contact with objects of the surrounding world will constantly increase. A cross-reaction begins when agents that are similar in action are added to the main allergen.

The situation is worsened by intoxication of the body, observed after drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking. Bad habits significantly worsen the course of allergic reactions. The disease will not stop in an adult on its own. Adequate comprehensive treatment is required to cleanse the body of toxins and enable it to function normally.

Bad habits significantly worsen the course of allergic reactions

Gestation period and allergic reactions

Whether allergies will be dangerous during pregnancy depends on the general condition of the body and the period. During this period, the body actively produces hormones, and the internal secretion organs work in enhanced mode. In healthy women, cortisol is actively produced, and the course of allergic reactions in pregnant women is often weakened. The relief of the condition in women prone to allergies is explained by the fact that this hormone controls the reactions of the mother’s defense system, which try to reject the foreign body from the body. The developing embryo is a foreign agent, just like an allergen, and the hormone cortisol helps a woman tolerate allergies more easily. It suppresses the production of histamine, which is the main culprit in all allergic reactions. Suppression of immune activity by cortisol leads to an increased risk of contracting an infectious disease.

Women with a history of diseases of the endocrine system, bronchial asthma and suffering from hay fever when an allergen enters the blood may experience strong reaction body. They may need urgent medical attention, without which they can easily die.

Symptoms developing allergies may be highly pronounced in women due to progesterone

Whether an allergy during pregnancy is dangerous, if a woman has a compromised immune system, can only be found out by experiencing it. Symptoms of developing allergies can be severe in women due to progesterone. This hormone, produced during pregnancy, in some cases affects the mucous tissues of the respiratory organs and causes slight swelling, which is aggravated by the introduction of an allergenic agent. Women with a history of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma are especially affected.

A woman should remember why allergies are dangerous in the last trimester. The enlarged uterus props up the diaphragm, and this leads to the inability of the muscular septum to actively move. This pathology leads to a decrease in the tidal volume of the lungs. This causes oxygen starvation of the fetus. At allergic edema In the lungs, the lack of oxygen increases even more, and the fetus experiences hypoxia.

Allergists explain to patients why allergies are dangerous during pregnancy and recommend that they preventive rules which should be followed. These include:

• rinsing the nose with salt water after walking;
• compliance with sanitary standards;
• carrying out wet cleaning;
• avoiding contact with a potential allergen;
• adherence to an anti-allergenic diet;
• use of adsorbents;
• increasing fiber in the daily menu.

Important! If there is an allergy during pregnancy, why it is dangerous for a woman in a particular case can be found out by visiting a specialist’s office.

Doctors say that the fetus does not suffer from allergens that cause concern to the expectant mother

Blood tests are needed that indicate the amount of hormones in the blood and general indicators to determine the level of risk.

Doctors say that the fetus does not suffer from allergens that cause concern to the expectant mother. He is being harmed oxygen starvation and active substances that penetrate the placental barrier along with medications. This may cause disruption of the formation of the central nervous system and low body weight.

A woman suffering from allergic reactions must be prepared for the fact that the baby will inherit her individual characteristics of the endocrine system, structure connective tissue, central nervous system, which will lead to increased sensitivity to allergenic agents.

What is the threat of an allergen to children under one year old?

Many mothers are looking for an answer to the question of whether allergies are dangerous in newborns and infants. Physiological features The development of the body of children under one year old allows the body to cope with pathology, and over time, allergic reactions may disappear forever. This only happens when parents approach the issue of treating the child with full responsibility and carry out all preventive measures.

Those parents who ignore the advice of a pediatrician and an allergist have children suffering from diseases that arise due to an incorrect attitude to the problem. Doctors warn young parents about the dangers of allergies in children.

It should be remembered that there is a risk of developing an acute disease - anaphylactic shock. Its symptoms develop very quickly, and the child dies before the ambulance arrives. Anaphylaxis can develop at the first encounter with an allergen, and the body is often powerless in the face of an irritant that affects several systems at once.

If a nursing woman eats food that contains a potential allergenic agent, the infant will begin to suffer from allergies.

You can find out how dangerous allergies are in infants from an allergist, who will tell you about Quincke's edema. The reaction can develop in an infant whose mother neglected the diet. If a nursing woman eats food that contains a potential allergenic agent, the infant will begin to suffer from allergies. This will continue until she changes her menu.

Swelling of the mucous tissues of the larynx, leading to the death of the baby, can begin after the bite of a poisonous insect. It can be caused by cold or direct sunlight. Angioedema should be prevented with the timely use of an antihistamine, which should be in your home medicine cabinet. It may go away without a trace after taking the pill in a few hours or last for several days. A complete exclusion of contact with the allergen and consultation with an allergist is required.

The danger of allergies in childhood can be understood by looking at children suffocating from attacks of bronchial asthma.

Allergic reactions that occur in infancy and are not properly treated are the cause of this disease.

Allergic reactions that occur in infancy and are not treated correctly can lead to bronchial asthma

Children can get chronic diseases because parents doubt whether allergies are dangerous. They are threatened:

Even the subtle course of allergic reactions in a child’s body, which manifests itself in flaky skin on the face and body, rashes, leads to increased irritability and impaired immune system. Opportunistic microflora is easily added to swollen mucous tissues. The baby begins to suffer from constant colds, which cause complications in all body systems.

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The inner surface of the nose is covered with a huge number of small vessels. When an allergen or antigen enters the nasal cavity, the vessels of the nasal mucosa dilate and blood flow increases, this is a kind of defense system of the immune system. A large influx of blood causes swelling of the mucous membrane and provokes copious mucus secretion. Decongestants act on the walls of mucosal vessels, causing them to narrow, which reduces blood flow and reduces swelling.

These drugs are not recommended for children under 12 years of age, as well as for nursing mothers and people with hypertension. It is also not recommended to use these drugs for more than 5-7 days, since with prolonged use they can cause a backlash and increase swelling of the nasal mucosa.

These drugs may also cause side effects such as dry mouth, headaches, and weakness. Very rarely, they can cause hallucinations or an anaphylactic reaction.

You should consult your doctor before starting to use these medications.

Leukotriene inhibitors(Montelukast (Singulair) are chemicals that block reactions caused by leukotrienes (leukotrienes are substances released by the body during an allergic reaction and cause inflammation and swelling of the airways). Most often used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors can be used together with other medications, since no interactions with them have been found.Adverse reactions are extremely rare and can manifest themselves in the form of a headache, earache, or sore throat.

Steroid sprays(Beclomethasone (Beconas, Beclazon), Flucatisone (Nazarel, Flixonase, Avamis), Mometasone (Momat, Nasonex, Asmanex)) - these drugs are essentially hormonal drugs. Their action is to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions, namely nasal congestion. The absorption of these drugs is minimal so that all possible adverse reactions disappear, however, with long-term use of these drugs, in rare cases, such adverse reactions as nosebleeds or sore throat are possible. Before using these medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Hyposensitization(immunotherapy) - In addition to avoiding contact with allergens and drug treatment There is such a treatment method as: immunotherapy. This method involves the gradual, long-term introduction of gradually increasing amounts of allergens into your body, which will lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of your body to a given allergen.

This procedure involves the administration of small doses of the allergen in the form of a subcutaneous injection. Initially, you will be given injections at intervals of a week or less, while the dose of the allergen will be constantly increased, this regimen will be followed until a “maintenance dose” is reached, this is the dose at which there is a pronounced effect of reducing the usual allergic reaction. However, once this “maintenance dose” is reached, it will need to be administered every few weeks for at least another 2-2.5 years. This treatment method is usually prescribed when a person has a severe form of allergy that does not respond well to conventional treatment, as well as for certain types of allergies, such as allergies to bee stings, wasp stings. This type treatment should only be carried out in a specialized medical institution under the supervision of a group of specialists, since this treatment method can provoke a severe allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis(Anaphylactic shock)

• Respiratory tract (provokes spasms and pulmonary edema)
• Act of breathing (breathing disorder, shortness of breath)
• Blood circulation (lowering blood pressure)

Causes of anaphylaxis

• Insect bites
• Certain types of food
• Some types of medications
• Contrast agents used in diagnostic medical studies

Food– peanuts are the main cause of anaphylactic reactions among food products. However, there are a number of other foods that can cause anaphylaxis:

• Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and Brazil nuts
• Milk
• Shellfish and crab meat

• Bananas, grapes and strawberries

• Antibiotics (most often from the penicillin series ( penicillin, ampicillin, bicilin))
• Anesthetics (substances used during operations, intravenous anesthetics Thiopental, Ketamine, Propofol and inhalational anesthetics Sevovlurane, Desflurane, Halothane)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (drugs used in the treatment of hypertension Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril)

However, the risk of any allergic reactions when taking any of the above drugs is very low and cannot be compared with the positive medical effects achieved in the treatment of various diseases.
Eg:

• The risk of developing anaphylaxis when taking penicillin is approximately 1 in 5,000
• When using anesthetics 1 in 10,000
• When using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 1 in 1500
• When using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors 1 in 3000

Risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction when using contrast agents is approximately 1 in 10,000.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:

• Red rash with severe itching
• Swelling in the eye area, swelling of the lips and limbs
• Narrowing, swelling and spasms of the airways that can cause difficulty breathing
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Feeling of fear
• A sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to severe weakness, dizziness and loss of consciousness

Diagnosis of anaphylaxis

After the occurrence and treatment of an anaphylactic reaction, studies are carried out aimed at detecting the allergen that caused this reaction. If this is your first manifestation of anaphylaxis and allergies in general, you will be prescribed a range of tests used to make an allergy diagnosis, including some of the following specific tests:

• Skin tests
• Blood test for IgE
• Skin or patch tests (Patch-testing)
• Provocative tests

Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) This study allows you to determine the allergen that caused an anaphylactic reaction in the following way: a small amount of blood is taken from the patient, then small amounts of suspected allergens are placed in this blood; if a reaction occurs, namely the release of a large number of antibodies, the identified allergen is considered the cause of the reaction.

Treatment of anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate qualified medical attention.

If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone else, you must immediately call an ambulance.

If you notice a possible cause for the development of symptoms, such as a bee sting site with a protruding sting, it is necessary to remove it.

If you, as an allergy sufferer or a survivor of anaphylactic shock, or a victim, have adrenaline auto-injectors, you must immediately administer a dose of the drug intramuscularly. These autoinjectors include:

• EpiPen
• Anapen
• Jext

If a person is unconscious, it is necessary to turn him on his side, bending the leg on which he lies at the knee and placing the hand on which he lies under his head. This way he will be protected from vomit getting into the Airways. If a person is not breathing or has no pulse, a resuscitation measures, but only if you know how to do it, resuscitation measures are carried out until breathing and pulse appear or until the ambulance team arrives.

Treatment in a hospital will be carried out with drugs similar to those used in the treatment of allergies.

Typically, the patient can be discharged from the hospital 2-3 days after anaphylaxis.
If you know allergens that can cause you an allergic reaction or even that can cause anaphylactic shock, you should avoid contact with them as much as possible.

How long does an allergy last?

If by allergy we mean its symptoms and manifestations, then their duration is very difficult to predict, since this is influenced by many different factors. The functioning of the immune system and the pathological mechanisms underlying allergic reactions are not fully understood. Therefore, no specialist can give a guarantee when the manifestations of the disease will disappear.

The duration of an allergic reaction is influenced by the following factors:

• Contact with an allergen. Everyone knows that an allergic reaction occurs due to contact of the body with a specific substance - an allergen. The first contact in life does not cause an allergic reaction, since the body “gets to know” and recognizes the foreign substance. However, repeated contact leads to the appearance of pathological changes, since the body already has a set of necessary antibodies ( substances that react with the allergen). The longer the contact with the allergen, the longer the symptoms will be. For example, an allergy to pollen will last the entire flowering period of a certain plant if a person is constantly outdoors. If you try to spend more time at home, away from forests and fields, then contact with the allergen will be minimal, and the symptoms will disappear faster.
• Allergy form. Allergic reactions after contact with an allergen can take various forms. Each of these forms has a certain duration. For example, hives can last from a few hours to several weeks. Watery eyes, coughing and irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are usually caused by the allergen and disappear within a few days after stopping contact with it. An attack of bronchial asthma caused by allergens can last several minutes ( less than hours) after termination of contact. Angioedema ( Quincke's edema) occurs upon contact with an allergen and is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. After the start of treatment, it stops increasing, but completely resolves only after a few days ( sometimes hours). Anaphylactic shock is the most severe but short-lived allergic reaction of the body. Vasodilation, drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties do not last long, but without medical attention they can lead to the death of the patient.
• Treatment effectiveness. The duration of the allergy manifestation largely depends on what drugs are used to treat the disease. Most quick effect observed from glucocorticoid drugs ( prednisolone, dexamethasone, etc.). That is why they are used for severe allergic reactions that threaten the patient’s life. Antihistamines act somewhat slower ( suprastin, erolin, clemastine). The effect of these drugs is weaker, and allergy symptoms will disappear gradually. But more often, antihistamines are prescribed for allergies, since glucocorticoids are similar in action to a number of hormones, which is why they can cause serious side effects. The sooner treatment is started, the faster it will be possible to eliminate allergy symptoms.
• Immune system status. A number of diseases of the thyroid, adrenal glands and other endocrine glands ( endocrine glands), as well as some pathologies of the immune system can affect the duration of allergy manifestations. When they occur, systemic disorders are observed that enhance the body’s immune response to various substances. Treatment of such pathologies will also lead to the disappearance of allergic manifestations.

How quickly does an allergy appear?

Upon repeated contact with an allergen, the body begins to release special substances, class E immunoglobulins ( IgE). They affect several types of cells scattered throughout the body, destroying their membrane. As a result, so-called mediator substances are released, the most important of which is histamine. Under the influence of histamine, the permeability of the vascular walls is disrupted, and some of the fluid leaves the dilated capillaries into the intercellular space. This causes swelling. Histamine also stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchi, which can cause breathing difficulties. This whole chain takes some time. Nowadays, there are 4 types of allergic reactions. In three of them, all biochemical processes occur quickly. In one, a so-called delayed-type immune reaction occurs.

The rate of occurrence of various manifestations of allergies is influenced by the following factors:

• Type of allergic reaction.There are 4 types of allergic reactions. Usually immediate reactions predominate.
• Allergen quantity. This dependence is not always visible. Sometimes even a small amount of an allergen causes certain symptoms to appear almost instantly. For example, when a wasp stings ( if a person is allergic to their poison) almost immediately there is severe pain, redness, severe swelling, and sometimes rash and itching. In general, however, it is fair to say that the more allergen that enters the body, the faster symptoms will appear.
• Type of contact with allergen. This factor is very important, since different tissues of the body have different numbers of immunocompetent cells that recognize the allergen. If such a substance comes into contact with the skin, for example, itching or redness will appear after a longer time. Inhalation of pollen, dust, exhaust gases ( contact of the allergen with the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract) can almost instantly cause an attack of bronchial asthma or rapidly increasing swelling of the mucous membrane. When an allergen is introduced into the blood ( for example, contrast in some diagnostic procedures) anaphylactic shock also develops very quickly.
• Clinical form allergies. Each of the possible allergy symptoms is a consequence of exposure to mediators. But it takes different times for symptoms to appear. For example, redness of the skin is due to the dilation of capillaries, which can occur very quickly. The smooth muscles of the bronchi also contract rapidly, causing an asthma attack. But swelling occurs due to the gradual seepage of fluid through the walls of blood vessels. It takes more time to develop. Food allergies usually do not appear immediately. This is due to the digestion of food and the release of the allergen ( it is usually a component of the product) takes time.
• Individual characteristics of the body. Each body has a different number of cells, mediators and receptors that take part in an allergic reaction. Therefore, exposure to the same allergen in the same doses in different patients can cause different symptoms and at various intervals.

What can't you eat if you have allergies?

For patients with any form of allergy, it is advisable to exclude the following foods from their diet:

• Most seafood. Seafood contains a very large amount of various microelements and vitamins. This explains their benefits for most people. However, it should be remembered that contact with new substances puts a strain on the immune system, and for people with allergies, there is an additional risk of exacerbation of the disease. You should limit your consumption of fish ( especially sea), and it is better to avoid caviar and seaweed completely.
• Dairy products. They should be consumed in moderation. From fresh milk and fermented milk products homemade should be abandoned completely. They contain a large amount of natural proteins, which are potential allergens. Factory-made dairy products go through several stages of processing, during which some of the proteins are destroyed. The risk of allergies remains, but is significantly reduced.
• Canned foods . Most industrial canned food is prepared with the addition of a large number of food additives. They are necessary to preserve the taste of products, extend shelf life and other commercial purposes. These additives are harmless to a healthy person, but they are potentially strong allergens.
• Some fruits and berries. A fairly common option is an allergy to strawberries, sea buckthorn, melon, and pineapples. Sometimes it manifests itself even when eating dishes made from these products ( compotes, jams, etc.). Citrus fruits are very strong potential allergens ( oranges, etc.). In this case, it will be regarded as a full-fledged food allergy. However, even for people, say, with allergies to bee stings or pollen, consuming these products is undesirable due to the burden on the immune system.
• Products with a large number of nutritional additives. A number of products already include a wide range of different chemical food additives in their production technology. These include sweetened carbonated drinks, marmalade, chocolate, and chewing gum. All of them contain a large number of dyes, which themselves can be allergens. Sometimes sweeteners and dyes are found even in improperly prepared dried fruits.
• Honey. Honey is a fairly common allergen, so it should be consumed with caution. You need to be equally wary of nuts and mushrooms. These products contain many unique substances that the body rarely comes into contact with. The risk of developing an allergy to such substances is much higher.

If you have a food allergy, you need to completely exclude those foods that contain a specific allergen. For example, if a patient is allergic to strawberries, they should not eat strawberry ice cream or drink fruit tea with strawberry leaves or flowers. You need to be very careful to avoid contact with even small amounts of the allergen. In this case, we are talking specifically about pathological sensitivity to a previously known substance. Modern methods treatments can help gradually get rid of this problem ( for example, using immunotherapy). But for preventive purposes, the diet should still be followed. More precise instructions regarding permitted products for a particular patient can only be given by an allergist after all the necessary tests have been carried out.

Do allergies happen during pregnancy?

In pregnant women, allergies can take the following forms:

• Bronchial asthma. This disease may be of an allergic nature. It usually occurs when an allergen is inhaled, but can also be a consequence of skin or food contact. The cause of the disease and the main problem is spasm of smooth muscles in the walls of the bronchioles ( small airways in the lungs). Because of this, breathing difficulties arise, which severe cases may result in the death of the patient. In case of pregnancy, prolonged breath holding is also dangerous for the fetus.
• Hives. Represents a skin allergic reaction. Most often it occurs in pregnant women in the last trimester. Itchy rashes appear on the stomach, less often on the limbs, which cause a lot of discomfort. This form of allergy is usually easily relieved with antihistamines and does not pose a serious threat to the mother or fetus.
• Angioedema ( Quincke's edema). It occurs mainly in women with a hereditary predisposition to this disease. Edema can be localized in almost any part of the body where there is a lot subcutaneous tissue. The most dangerous swelling is in the upper respiratory tract, as it can lead to respiratory arrest and hypoxic damage to the fetus. In general, this form of allergy in pregnant women is quite rare.
• Rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a very common problem in pregnant women. This form is especially common in the 2nd – 3rd trimester. Rhinitis is caused by allergen contact with the nasal mucosa. As a result, swelling occurs, fluid begins to leak from the dilated capillaries, and nasal discharge appears. At the same time, breathing difficulties arise.

Options for drug treatment of exacerbations in various forms of allergies in pregnant women

The most severe type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. It manifests itself as serious circulatory disorders. Due to the rapid expansion of capillaries, blood pressure decreases. At the same time, breathing problems may occur. This creates a serious threat to the fetus, since it does not receive enough blood and, accordingly, oxygen. According to statistics, anaphylaxis in pregnant women is most often caused by the administration of any pharmacological drug. This is quite natural, since different stages During pregnancy, a woman receives a significant amount of various medications.

Anaphylaxis in pregnant women is most often caused by the following medications:

• penicillin;
• oxytocin;
• fentanyl;
• dextran;
• cefotetan;
• phytomenadione.

Why are allergies dangerous?

• rash;
• skin redness;
• peeling of the skin;
• nasal discharge;
• burning in the eyes;
• redness of the eyes;
• dry eyes;
• tearfulness;
• sore throat;
• dry mouth;
• dry cough;
• sneezing.

The most dangerous forms of allergic reactions are:

• Bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a disease in which the small bronchi in the lungs narrow. Often this occurs precisely after contact with allergens, if the patient has hypersensitivity. An asthma attack is a very serious and dangerous condition because breathing is impaired. Air does not enter the lungs in sufficient quantities, and the person may suffocate.
• Angioedema ( Quincke's edema) . With this disease, the entry of allergens into the body causes swelling of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In principle, swelling can develop in almost any part of the body, but most often it is localized on the face. A life-threatening form of Quincke's edema is localized near the windpipe. In this case, due to swelling, the airways will close, and the patient may die.
• Anaphylactic shock. This form of allergic reaction is considered the most dangerous, as it affects various organs and systems. Highest value in the development of shock there is a sharp expansion of small capillaries and a drop in blood pressure. At the same time, breathing problems may occur. Anaphylactic shock often ends in the death of the patient.

What to do if your child has allergies?

A special approach to treating allergies in a child is necessary for the following reasons:

• young children are not able to complain about subjective symptoms ( pain, burning in the eyes, itching);
• a child’s immune system is different from the immune system of adults, so the risk of allergies to new foods is higher;
• Due to their curiosity, children often come into contact with various allergens in the house and on the street, so it is difficult to determine what exactly the child is allergic to;
• some strong drugs Allergy suppressants can cause serious side effects in children.

Of the medications used in the treatment of allergies, preference is given to antihistamines. They block receptors for the main allergy mediator, histamine. As a result, this substance is released, but has no effect pathogenic effects on the tissue, so the symptoms of the disease disappear.

The most common antihistamines are:

• suprastin ( chloropyramine);
• tavegil ( clemastine);
• diphenhydramine ( diphenhydramine);
• diazolin ( mebhydrolin);
• fenkarol ( quifenadine hydrochloride);
• pipolfen ( promethazine);
• arolin ( loratadine).

In emergency situations ( Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, bronchial asthma attack) urgent administration of corticosteroids is necessary ( prednisolone, beclomethasone, etc.). Drugs in this group have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The effect of their use comes much faster. Also, to maintain the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, it is necessary to administer adrenaline or its analogues ( epinephrine). This will dilate the bronchi and restore breathing during an asthma attack, and increase blood pressure ( important for anaphylactic shock).

With any allergies in children, it is important to remember that the child’s body is more sensitive in many ways than an adult. Therefore, even ordinary manifestations of allergies cannot be ignored ( watery eyes, sneezing, rash). You should immediately consult a doctor who will confirm the diagnosis and give appropriate preventive recommendations and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Self-medication is always dangerous. The growing body's response to an allergen can change with age, and the risk of developing dangerous forms of allergy if not treated correctly is very high.

What are some folk remedies for allergies?

Of the folk remedies that affect the immune system as a whole, the following are most often used:

• Mumiyo. 1 g mumiyo dissolves in 1 l hot water (high-quality product dissolves even in warm water quickly and without sediment). The solution is cooled to room temperature ( 1 – 1.5 hours) and taken orally once a day. It is advisable to take the product in the first hour after waking up. The course lasts 2 – 3 weeks. Single dose for adults – 100 ml. Shilajit solution can also be used to treat allergies in children. Then the dose is reduced to 50 - 70 ml ( depending on body weight). This remedy is not recommended for children under one year of age.
• Peppermint. 10 g of dry peppermint leaves are poured with half a glass of boiling water. Infusion lasts 30 - 40 minutes in a dark place. The product is taken three times a day, 1 tablespoon for several weeks ( if the allergy does not go away for a long time).
• Calendula officinalis. 10 g of dried flowers are poured into a glass of boiling water. Infusion lasts 60 – 90 minutes. The infusion is taken twice a day, 1 tablespoon.
• Swamp duckweed. The plant is collected, washed well, dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder should be taken 1 teaspoon three times a day, washed down with a large amount boiled water (1 – 2 glasses).
• Dandelion root. Freshly picked dandelion roots are well scalded with boiling water and ground ( or rub) into a homogeneous paste. Pour 1 tablespoon of this slurry into 1 glass of boiling water and mix thoroughly. The mixture is drunk, shaking before use, 1 glass per day in three doses ( one third of a glass morning, afternoon and evening). The course can last 1 – 2 months if necessary.
• Celery root. 2 tablespoons of crushed root should be poured into 200 ml of cold water ( approximately 4 - 8 degrees, temperature in the refrigerator). Infusion lasts 2 – 3 hours. During this period, you should avoid direct sunlight on the infusion. After this, the infusion is taken 50–100 ml three times a day, half an hour before meals.

The above remedies are not always effective. The fact is that there are several different types of allergic reactions. There is no universal remedy that suppresses all these types. Therefore, you should try several treatment regimens to determine the most effective treatment.

As a rule, these recipes relieve symptoms such as allergic rhinitis ( for allergies to pollen), conjunctivitis ( inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes), asthma attacks. For skin manifestations of allergies, preference should be given to local treatment methods. The most common are compresses, lotions and baths based on medicinal plants.

For skin manifestations of allergies, the following folk remedies best help:

• Dill juice. The juice is best squeezed from young shoots ( in the old ones there is less of it, and more dill will be needed). After squeezing out approximately 1 - 2 tablespoons of juice, they are diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2. Gauze is moistened in the resulting mixture, which is then used as a compress. You need to do it 1 - 2 times a day for 10 - 15 minutes.
• Mumiyo. Shilajit can also be used as a lotion for skin allergies. It is diluted in a concentration of 1 to 100 ( 1 g of substance per 100 g of warm water). Clean gauze or a handkerchief is generously moistened with the solution and the affected area of ​​skin is covered. The procedure is done once a day, and it lasts until the compress begins to dry out. The course of treatment lasts 15–20 procedures.
• Pansies. Prepare a concentrated infusion of 5 - 6 tablespoons of dried flowers and 1 liter of boiling water. Infusion lasts 2 – 3 hours. After this, the mixture is shaken, the petals are filtered and poured into a warm bath. Baths should be taken every 1 to 2 days for several weeks.
• Nettle. Mash freshly picked nettle flowers into a paste and pour boiling water over them ( 2 – 3 tablespoons per glass of water). When the infusion has cooled to room temperature, moisten gauze in it and apply lotions to the area of ​​allergic eczema, itching or rash.
• Hop cones. A quarter cup of crushed green hop cones is poured with a glass of boiling water. The resulting mixture is mixed well and left for at least 2 hours. After this, gauze is soaked in the infusion and compresses are applied to the affected area. The procedure is repeated twice a day.

The disadvantages of treating allergies with folk remedies are:

• Nonspecific action of herbs. Not a single medicinal plant can compare in strength and speed of effect with modern ones. pharmacological drugs. Therefore, treatment with folk remedies, as a rule, lasts longer, and the chances of success are less.
• Risk of new allergic reactions. A person who is allergic to something is usually predisposed to other allergies due to the way the immune system works. Therefore, treatment with folk remedies can lead to contact with new allergens that the patient’s body cannot tolerate. Then the manifestations of allergies will only worsen.
• Masking symptoms. Many of the above folk remedies do not affect the mechanism of allergy development, but only its external manifestations. Thus, the state of health when taking them can only improve externally.

Is there a human allergy?

Each person comes into contact with a very large number of potential allergens. At the same time, the carrier himself does not suspect that he is a carrier of allergens, since his body does not have increased sensitivity to these components. However, for a patient with an allergy, even a tiny amount of a foreign substance is enough to cause severe symptoms of the disease. Most often, such cases are mistaken for “human allergies.” The patient cannot figure out what exactly he is allergic to, and therefore blames the carrier.

Most often, sensitivity to the following allergens is mistaken for human allergies:

• Cosmetics. Cosmetical tools ( even on natural basis ) are strong potential allergens. Contact with lipstick, inhalation of perfume, or tiny particles of powder can be taken as an allergy to a person. Of course, during everyday contact these substances enter the environment in negligible quantities. But the problem is that for people with specific hypersensitivity, even this is enough.
• Industrial dust. Some people who work in manufacturing are carriers of specific allergens. The smallest particles of dust settle on the skin, clothes, linger in the hair, and are inhaled by the lungs. After work, a person, coming into contact with his friends, can transfer dust particles to them. If you are allergic to its components, it may cause a rash, redness of the skin, watery eyes and other typical symptoms.
• Animal fur. The problem of “human allergies” is well known to people with allergies to pets ( cats or dogs). Owners usually have a small amount of their pet's hair or saliva on their clothes. If you are allergic ( person with allergies) comes into contact with the owner, a small amount of the allergen may come into contact with him.
• Medications . Not many people think about what happens in the human body after taking any medications. Having fulfilled their therapeutic function, they are usually metabolized by the body ( bind or split) and are output. They are mainly excreted in urine or feces. But a certain amount of components can be released during breathing, with sweat, tears, sperm or secretions of the vaginal glands. Then contact with these biological fluids is dangerous for a person with an allergy to the medications used. In these cases, it is very difficult to detect the allergen. It is misleading if the patient believes that the rash occurred after, say, contact with the sweat of another person. Indeed, it is easier to mistake this for a human allergy than to trace the path of a specific allergen.

In rare cases, human allergies can occur in some mental disorders. Then symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or watery eyes are not caused by contact with any allergen, but by a certain “psychological incompatibility.” At the same time, manifestations of the disease sometimes appear even when a person is mentioned, when physical contact with him is excluded. In these cases, we are not talking about allergies, but about mental disorders.

Is there an allergy to alcohol?

Typically, an allergic reaction to alcoholic beverages is explained as follows:

• Ethyl alcohol is an excellent solvent. Many substances that are insoluble in water dissolve easily and without residue in alcohol. Therefore, any alcoholic drink contains a very large amount of dissolved substances.
• A small amount of allergen sufficient to trigger a reaction. The amount of allergen is not critical for the development of an allergic reaction. In other words, even negligible impurities of any substance in alcohol can cause an allergy. Of course, the more allergen enters the body, the stronger and faster the reaction will appear. But in practice, even very small doses of an allergen sometimes cause anaphylactic shock - the most severe form of an allergic reaction that threatens the patient’s life.
• Low quality control. High-quality alcoholic products always indicate the composition of the drink and the number of ingredients. However, currently the production and sale of alcohol is a very profitable business. Therefore, a significant proportion of products on the market may contain some kind of impurity that is not listed on the label. A person may be allergic to these unknown components. Then it is very difficult to determine the allergen. Alcoholic drinks produced at home are even more dangerous for people with allergies, since the composition is simply not carefully controlled.
• Incorrect storage conditions. As mentioned above, alcohol is a good solvent, and only a small amount of the substance is needed to develop an allergy. If an alcoholic drink is stored incorrectly for a long time ( Usually we are talking about plastic bottles), some components of the material from which the container is made may get into it. Few buyers know that plastic packaging also has an expiration date and must also be certified. Low-quality plastic or plastic that has expired begins to gradually deteriorate, and complex chemical compounds gradually pass into the contents of the vessel in the form of a solution.
• Drinking alcohol internally. Allergies can occur through various types of contact with an allergen. When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages, the allergen gets into gastrointestinal tract. This contributes to the development of a more intense and faster allergic reaction than if the allergen came into contact with, say, the skin.

Patients may experience the following manifestations of allergies to alcoholic beverages:

• attack of bronchial asthma;
• redness of the skin ( spots);
• hives;
• angioedema ( Quincke's edema);
• anaphylactic shock;
• eczema.

You should consult a doctor if there are any signs of an allergic reaction after drinking alcohol. The fact is that in this case we are often talking about a bad habit ( alcoholism), which is a drug problem, and about allergies that can pose a threat to the health and life of the patient. Therefore, the allergist should, if possible, identify the specific allergen and notify the patient about his sensitivity to this component. The patient will definitely be advised to undergo a course of treatment for alcoholism ( if such a problem exists). Even if in the future he drinks drinks that do not contain the detected allergen, the very influence of alcohol will only aggravate the situation, further disrupting the functioning of the immune system.

Can you die from allergies?

Most often, allergies manifest themselves with the following symptoms:

• runny nose with “watery” nasal discharge;
• the appearance of spots or rashes on the skin;
• dry cough;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes.

In some patients the reaction is more severe. Biological mediators released during allergies disrupt the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Symptoms typical of ordinary allergies simply do not have time to develop, as much more dangerous disorders come to the fore. This condition is called anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis.

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of allergy and without special treatment can lead to the death of the patient within 10 - 15 minutes. According to statistics, the probability of death without first aid reaches 15–20%. Death during anaphylactic shock occurs due to the rapid expansion of capillaries, a drop in blood pressure, and, as a consequence, a cessation of oxygen supply to tissues. In addition, a spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi often occurs, which causes the airways to narrow and the patient practically stops breathing.

Main distinctive features Anaphylactic shock from common allergies are:

• rapid spread of redness or swelling at the site of contact with the allergen;
• breathing problems ( noisy breathing, shortness of breath);
• drop in blood pressure ( disappearance of pulse);
• loss of consciousness;
• sharp paleness of the skin, sometimes blueness of the fingertips.

Another dangerous form of allergy is Quincke's edema. With it, the same mechanisms lead to rapidly increasing swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. Swelling may appear in various parts of the body ( on eyelids, lips, genitals). This reaction in rare cases can also lead to the death of the patient. This happens mainly in children when the swelling spreads to the mucous membrane of the larynx. The swollen mucous membrane closes the airway, and the patient simply suffocates.

Are there any allergies to medications?

Allergies to medications are considered a very dangerous phenomenon. It often takes serious forms ( Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis), threatening the patient's life. If contact occurs at home, there is a risk of death. In medical institutions, the risk is less, since any department must have a special first aid kit for anaphylactic shock.


The danger of allergies to medications is due to the following reasons:

• many medications are administered intravenously in large quantities;
• modern medications have a high-molecular structure and a strong potential for provoking allergic reactions;
• patients who are allergic to a certain drug are already sick ( because the drug is prescribed for a disease), therefore they suffer an allergic reaction even more severely;
• frequency of anaphylactic shock ( most dangerous shape allergies) higher than with allergies to other substances;
• many doctors neglect special tests for drug tolerance and immediately administer large doses of drugs to patients;
• neutralize the effect of certain drugs and completely remove them from the body within short term it can be difficult;
• Much of today's pharmaceutical products come from the so-called black market and may therefore contain various impurities ( which cause allergic reactions);
• It is difficult to immediately diagnose an allergy to a drug, since it can give other side effects of a non-allergic nature;
• sometimes patients are forced to take medications to which they are allergic, simply because there are no effective analogues against the underlying disease.

Manifestations of drug allergies can be very diverse. Immediate reactions include anaphylactic shock, acute urticaria or angioedema ( Quincke's edema), which may appear within the first minutes after administration of the drug. Within 3 days after contact, so-called accelerated reactions may occur. Their manifestations range from a minor rash or spots on the body to a fever with severe general condition. The latter is more common if the drug is taken regularly. There are also cases of delayed reactions that develop only a few days after administration of the drug.

The severity of allergy symptoms to medications is very difficult to predict. It is also almost impossible to predict in advance a patient's sensitivity to a particular drug. The fact is that some drugs do not detect their allergic activity in reactions in vitro with the patient’s blood. Intradermal tests can also be false negative. This is due to the influence of many different factors ( both external and internal).

The likelihood of an allergy and the severity of its manifestations may depend on the following factors:

• patient's age;
• patient's gender;
• genetic factors ( hereditary predisposition to allergies in general);
• accompanying illnesses;
• social factors ( place of work - doctors or pharmacists are more likely to come into contact with drugs, and the likelihood of developing specific sensitivities is higher);
• simultaneous use of several medications;
• duration of first contact with a certain medication;
• quality of medicine ( largely depends on the manufacturer);
• shelf life of the drug;
• method of drug administration ( on the skin, subcutaneously, orally, intramuscularly, intravenously);
• drug dose ( does not play a decisive role);
• metabolism of the drug in the body ( how quickly and by what organs it is normally excreted).

Are there allergies to water, air, sun?

Over the past decades, several reports have been made of cases of allergies specifically to water molecules. However, most experts question their reliability. Perhaps the researchers simply could not isolate the impurity that causes the allergy. Be that as it may, there are very few such cases, so there is still no reliable information on them. More often we are talking about allergies to substances dissolved in water. In city water supplies this is usually chlorine or its compounds. The composition of well, spring, or river water depends on the specific geographic area. There are, for example, areas with high content fluorine and others chemical elements. People who are allergic to these substances will experience symptoms of illness after contact with ordinary water. At the same time, contact with water in other geographical areas will not cause such a reaction.

An allergy to impurities in water usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• dry skin;
• peeling of the skin;
• dermatitis ( skin inflammation);
• the appearance of red spots on the skin;
• the appearance of a rash or blisters;
• digestive disorders ( if the water was drunk);
• swelling of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx ( rarely).

Allergic reactions to air are usually explained by the following mechanisms:

• Impurities in the air. Gases, dust, pollen or other substances that are often present in the air are the most common cause of such allergies. They get on the mucous membrane of the nose, larynx, respiratory tract, skin, and mucous membrane of the eyes. Most often, the patient's eyes become red and watery, a cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge appear. In severe cases, there is also swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and an attack of bronchial asthma.
• Dry air. Dry air cannot cause an allergic reaction in the generally accepted sense. Most often, such air simply causes dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat, nose, and eyes. The fact is that normally ( at humidity 60 – 80%) cells of the mucous membranes secrete special substances that protect tissues from the effects of harmful impurities in the air. Due to dry air, these substances are released in smaller quantities, and irritation occurs. It can also manifest itself as a cough and sore throat. Patients often complain of dry eyes, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, and redness.
• Cold air. Allergies to cold air exist, although there is no specific allergen that triggers the reaction. It’s just that in some people, exposure to cold air causes the release of histamine from special cells in the tissues. This substance is the main mediator in allergic reactions and causes all the symptoms of the disease. Allergy to cold air is very rare disease. People suffering from it usually have allergies to other substances. Often they also have some hormonal, nervous or infectious diseases. In other words, there are third-party factors that explain such a non-standard reaction of the body to cold.

Increased sensitivity to sunlight may manifest itself in the following ways:

• the appearance of a rash;
• rapid redness of the skin;
• thickening of the skin ( its coarsening, roughness);
• peeling;
• rapid appearance of pigmentation ( tan, which is usually unevenly distributed in patches).

Thus, allergies to water, air or sunlight, by and large, do not exist. More precisely, exposure to these factors under certain conditions can cause symptoms similar to allergies. However, these manifestations do not cause severe attacks of asthma, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema and other life-threatening situations. If there is a severe allergic reaction to water or air, it is most likely due to the impurities they contain.

Are allergies inherited?

Numerous studies conducted around the world show in practice the importance of hereditary factors. Parents who are allergic to anything have a very high chance of having a child with similar immune system characteristics. However, it should be noted that the correspondence of allergens is not always observed. In other words, both parents and children will suffer from allergies, but one of the parents may have it, for example, to pollen, and the child may have it to milk proteins. Hereditary transmission of hypersensitivity to any one substance over several generations is quite rare. This is explained by the fact that in addition to genetic predisposition Other factors also play a significant role.

The following factors may predispose to the development of allergies:

• artificial ( not breastfeeding) feeding in childhood;
• early contact in childhood with strong allergens;
• frequent contact with strong chemical irritants ( strong detergents, industrial toxins, etc.);
• live in developed countries (It has been statistically shown that natives of third world countries are much less likely to suffer from allergies and autoimmune diseases );
• the presence of endocrine diseases.

Despite the fact that the occurrence of allergies is influenced by hereditary factors, it is almost impossible to predict it in advance. Often parents with allergies give birth to children without this disease. Currently, there are no special genetic tests that can determine whether the disease is inherited. However, there are recommendations prescribing what to do in case of allergies in a child.

If a child shows signs of an allergy to something, and his parents also suffer from this disease, the situation should be approached with the utmost seriousness. The fact is that a child can be hypersensitive to a number of different substances. In addition, there is a risk of an extremely strong immune system response called anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. Therefore, at the first suspicion of an allergy, you should consult an allergist. He can perform specific tests on the most common allergens. This will allow you to promptly identify the child’s hypersensitivity to certain substances and avoid contact with them in the future.

Below, we list typical allergen irritants, the reaction to which is most often found among patients with this problem.

Food allergies

One of the most common problems is that a number of products or their components can cause an allergic reaction. Grains, fruits, eggs, certain vegetables and more. Usually, allergies to certain foods are detected in childhood, but there are cases when it manifests itself in 30-year-olds.

Allergy to wool

Animal hair can become a powerful allergen when it comes into contact with mucous membranes. This problem is primarily related to household fluffy cats And with dogs, there is no simple solution to be found here - the only way out is to stop contact with the animal and get rid of it.

Cold allergy

During the autumn-winter period, a number of people suffer from allergies to cold. Even small temperature fluctuations, cold winds and other environmental factors can become a kind of thermal “trigger” to the beginning of a negative process.

Allergy to protein

Quite often, proteins found in vaccines, donor plasma, and even commonplace cow’s milk act as allergens. This kind of hypersensitivity is very unpleasant, but by limiting contact with the allergen as much as possible and following all the doctor’s instructions, you can feel relatively comfortable.

Nerve allergies

A specific secondary form of allergy caused by severe stress and experiences. It usually goes away after the nervous condition has stabilized, but can reappear in a similar situation. Neurological symptoms in this case act as a kind of allergen.

Allergy to pollen or dust

Another serious allergen, in almost 30 percent of cases, is finely dispersed components - dust and pollen. Both types of irritants quite easily enter the mucous membranes of the upper and even lower tracts, causing a number of negative manifestations.

Drug allergy

Almost all modern medications have a number of side effects, even if the dosages and doctor’s recommendations are followed. Complex allergic manifestations from skin irritation to angioedema and even anaphylactic shock - be careful!

Spores, fungi, and helminths not only greatly irritate the immune system, but can also introduce a number of other diseases and problems into the body.

Allergy to insects

A very common type of allergy, often leading to serious allergic-pathological symptoms. Typical allergens include mites, spiders, cockroaches/deer, and bee/wasp stings.

Allergy to latex and chemical products

Regular contact with chemical industry products, even healthy people can cause irritation and itching, not to mention in patients with a predisposition to allergies. The only correct solution in this situation is to completely exclude them from everyday life or replace them with “softer” and safer ones.

Allergy symptoms include a huge range of different manifestations, one way or another, negatively affecting a person.

Respiratory forms

1. Constant urge to sneeze.
2. Regular dry cough.
3. Wheezing in the lungs.

Visual forms

1. Swelling around the organs of vision.
2. Tearing.
3. Burning and irritation of the eyes.

Dermatic forms

1. Dryness and flaking of the skin.
2. Redness and itching of the epithelium.
3. Swelling and changes in skin clarity/color.
4. Blisters and rashes of the eczema type.

Gastrointestinal forms

1. Constipation and diarrhea.
2. Colic.
3. Vomiting and nausea.

In the absence of proper qualified treatment and in the case of frequent contact with the allergen, serious complications and reactions may develop, the most dangerous of which is anaphylactic shock. Does a person have constant vomiting and excessive bowel movements, a red or bluish rash all over the body, or does he have involuntary urination? Is the negative condition accompanied by shortness of breath, convulsions or loss of consciousness? You need to urgently seek medical help!

It is almost impossible for a person or even a doctor to independently determine the allergen based on a simple external examination and patient complaints. That is why modern medicine has a whole range of tools and a number of tests to identify a substance/component that causes a hypersensitive response of the immune system to an irritant.

Skin tests

A classic diagnostic method if the patient’s allergen type has not yet been identified. Its principle is the subcutaneous introduction of potential irritants and the expectation of an appropriate reaction. As a rule, skin tests are performed on the back, as well as certain areas of the forearm.

Using a scratching instrument, a solution containing particles of a possible allergen is applied to the local area of ​​the epithelium - from one to twenty varieties per analysis. Where the reaction is positive (swelling or redness after a short period of time) and the desired component is present.

Blood test for antibodies

A less traumatic, but slower method is the collection and subsequent analysis of venous blood for the amount of specific IgE antibodies. Typically, this method is additional and clarifying when at least a group of possible allergens has been identified.

Some experts consider it less reliable, since changes in the concentration of antibodies can be caused by various factors (including third-party diseases), and using the described analysis it is impossible to assess the severity of a possible allergic reaction. In some cases (for example, when constant reception corticosteroids or antihistamines), however, it can be the main one if it is impossible to conduct classical tests with a high degree of reliability.

Application tests

They are an optimized variation of skin tests designed to identify an allergen that causes exclusively pathological skin reactions. Mixtures with potential allergens are applied to a special metal plate, after which it is attached to the back for two days and doctors wait for the corresponding pathological reaction. A convenient, albeit highly specialized method.

Provocative tests

The most radical, but also reliable diagnostic test, the essence of which is the direct introduction of a potential allergen into the body - by injection or ingestion. It can only be carried out in a hospital setting under the constant supervision of doctors who can stop a possible allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock if necessary.

Modern medicine cannot yet completely cure allergies. The entire range of proposed therapeutic measures is aimed at eliminating contact with the allergen and inhibiting the negative manifestations of hypersensitivity.

Complete or partial elimination of contact with the allergen

If possible, first of all, the doctor will advise completely eliminating the identified allergen or at least limiting its interaction with the patient’s body. Filtration and humidification of the air, expulsion of animals from the apartment, careful selection of chemicals used in everyday life and at work, refusal to consume a number of products, choosing the right wardrobe, and in some cases even changing place of residence - these are typical actions in this situation.

Drug therapy

1. Antihistamines. Histamine blockers, which are catalysts for the external manifestations of the syndrome. They are used both short-term (during attacks and exacerbations) and long-term (prevention of the appearance of negative symptoms). Classic drugs in this group are loratadine, clemastine, cetirizine, Zyrtec. With long-term use, it is necessary to develop an individual regimen and dosage, since antihistamines have a number of side effects.
2. Decongestants. Vasoconstrictor drops and nasal sprays intended for long-term use. Make breathing easier, especially with seasonal allergies to pollen, plants, and dust. Classic representatives are oxymetazoline, xylometazoline. Like antihistamines, they require a special regimen of administration and rest between courses, since with constant use the positive effect decreases (larger and larger doses are required to obtain the desired result), and medicinal rhinitis can also form in the form of a reverse pathological process of nasal congestion.
3. Leukotriene inhibitors. These types of drugs block leukotriene reactions that cause swelling and inflammation of the airways. Typically used for bronchial asthma, but also used to eliminate acute symptoms of a wide range of allergies. A typical representative is the singular.
4. Corticosteroids. They are used for complex types of allergies with the potential danger of anaphylactic shock. Hormonal drugs of this type are tablet (dexamethasone, prednisolone) and liquid (mometasone, fluticasone sprays) forms of drugs, respectively for oral general and local use.

Immunotherapy

An alternative technique of hyposensitization, the essence of which is the gradual increasing introduction of an allergen into the body with its subsequent adaptation to the immune system, which begins to get used to the antibodies of the irritant and not give such a violent response.

It is carried out only in a hospital setting, requires periodic renewal in the form of maintenance doses, but at the same time gives a long-term effect (from a year to five to ten years).

Treatment with folk remedies

It should immediately be noted that most of the traditional medicine against allergies offered to the general public are either not effective or can themselves potentially cause an allergic reaction. Below, we will list the most reliable and safe ones, but they can only be used after consultation with your therapist and allergist!

1. Brew the dried string like tea and drink the decoction instead of this drink for several months.
2. Take burdock and dandelion roots in equal proportions and chop thoroughly. Pour two tablespoons of the mixture into three glasses of boiled water at room temperature and leave in a dark place for twelve hours, then put on the stove for 10 minutes (low heat) and boil. Cool the broth, strain it and drink ½ cup up to five times a day for a month.
3. Brew a tablespoon of dried celandine herb in ½ liter of water, let it brew for four hours. Drink a quarter glass twice a day for three months.
4. Take one tablespoon each of motherwort and valerian infusions, dilute with a liter of water and gargle 4-5 times a day. Helps against pollination reactions in plants.

There is no specific diet for allergies. Individual products or their groups can be excluded by an allergist, nutritionist or therapist based on a confirmed allergen. In some cases, even in the absence of food allergies, some dishes or their components must be limited in your diet. daily ration- for example, if you are hypersensitive to pollen, it is advisable to avoid nuts and honey; if you are allergic to aspirin, you can limit your diet of fruits containing salicylic acid; Avoiding products with chitinous shells, etc. will help against a strong immune response to insects.

In any case, the exact elimination diet plan should be selected individually by the treating specialist!

Prevention

Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures that can completely prevent allergies 100 percent. However, it is still worth listening to a number of recommendations in order to minimize the possible risks of a problem:

1. Avoid substances that cause allergies.
2. Keep your home clean by regularly cleaning and ventilating the premises.
3. Use only hypoallergenic synthetic clothing and chemical household products, if possible replacing them with natural analogues.
4. Try not to succumb to stress or depression - “triggers” of many negative processes, including allergies.

1. Be sure to keep an “emergency supply” of medications with you in case of a severe allergic reaction - these are antihistamines, corticosteroids and a dose of epinephrine.
2. Do not look for a magic allergy remedy that can completely and permanently rid the patient of the problem. Only careful control with the exclusion of the allergen from everyday life and a set of measures to eliminate the manifestations of the syndrome can normalize the quality of your life.
3. Be positive. Allergies are not a death sentence and, with the right approach/methodology, may not bother you for months or even years.

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Contact dermatitis and other allergies

Skin dermatitis is quite common. Clinical manifestations occur 2–3 days after contact with the allergen, and more often occur with repeated contacts.

Depending on the severity and duration of the disease, contact dermatitis can manifest itself in a variety of skin changes - from mild redness to pronounced weeping blisters from swelling in the skin. early stage to thickened scaly plaques in a chronic course. The presence of a chaotic and asymmetrically located rash suggests that the cause of its development is external factors. This is evidenced by the presence of a lesion of an unusual shape. They say that nature does not draw corners, and if the area of ​​​​the skin lesion is square in shape, then contact dermatitis is always the cause. Allergens: metals (chrome), jewelry, watch bracelets, cosmetics and perfumes, hair dyes, creams, perfumes, formaldehyde, photoreagents, polymers, rubber, rosin, for health workers in the pharmaceutical industry - medications (antibiotics, vitamins). The most recent report came from Barcelona - people who held a coin of one or two euros in their hands found a rash on their skin. The allergy in this case was caused by the presence of nickel in the banknote. This metal generally often provokes allergies. Ointments (fluorocort, flucinar) are used for treatment. For prevention, it is necessary to avoid contact with the allergen. In everyday life, each of us must be attentive, observant and moderately careful.

There is an expression: “I am allergic to this person.” It is fair because there are allergic diseases purely on nerves, during communication with one or another person unpleasant for you.

Poor women can be insidiously lured by modern cosmetics, the scale and types of application of which are truly global. The fact is that an allergic reaction sometimes occurs to any component of cosmetics. It is almost impossible to protect yourself, as well as to give up beauty altogether. There is only one way out - the simpler the substance, the less the risk.

Your office can also cause allergies. British Allergy Association chairman Muriel Simons says the growing problem is only just beginning to receive attention. Allergies can be triggered by ozone emitted by modern equipment, modern detergents, plastic coatings - in just one office there are more than 300 harmful substances.

Inflammation at the end of the penis - dermatitis from diapers (according to N. Semenova)

Sometimes boys develop sores around the opening of the urethra. In this case, the inflamed tissues can swell and block the passage of the canal, making urination difficult. Such wounds appear due to diaper rash. In this case, it is best to keep the wound open for as long as possible. When the penis needs to be covered, the wound must be lubricated with an ointment containing Vaseline or lanolin; this must be done before going to bed. If your child is in severe pain because he or she cannot urinate for a long time, you can sit him in a bathtub of warm water and encourage him to urinate in the water. If this does not help, you should consult a doctor.

Inflammation at the tip of the penis and urinary tract infection, in our opinion, are a natural consequence of using diapers when caring for a baby boy. The named diseases are just “flowers” ​​from the great joy of pediatricians that “boys’ butts are dry.” When you look at happy faces doctors advertising diapers, there is always the thought that on the screen there are not doctors, but robots with a program to destroy the human race.

Every doctor, every nurse and every person who is more or less interested in the health of a boy - a young man - a man, of course, knows how Nature has taken care of the male reproductive system. The testicles, as “a special laboratory where the mind of Nature turns into human seed,” are removed from the body and must have their own temperature regime and individual physical parameters. An increase in temperature of even one degree immediately turns off spermatogenesis, and the growth and development of the reproductive system slows down.

In England, the prototype of diapers has been used for a long time in sheep farming. If many rams were born, then several sires were left in the herd. They grew up as usual, ate grass and very soon showed their sheepish interest in the sheep. Lambs were born. A lot of breeding rams in the herd were not required, so that they did not organize ball fights and did not divide the lambs. The rest had to fatten up the meat, so that later they could go to barbecue, pilaf, shurpa and the like. These rams were put on a warm bag over the testicles, very similar in drying properties to today's diapers. The testicles of the rams did not develop. The rams grew up calm, had no complaints about life and the sheep, due to their mutton obedience, went to the slaughter. And their testicles were dry.

Our boys in diapers today are going the way of calm sheep. Distracting parents from the danger of impotence fostered by diapers, pediatricians talk in advertisements about the “dry bottoms” of babies, while keeping silent about drying out testicles. One can only be surprised that the honest people in Russia do not hear how “22 pieces of silver ring” in the palms of those selling the future of Russia already in diapers.

In addition, boys in diapers, providing peace to lazy mothers, do not require changing wet underwear. This means that no one practices the conditioned reflex of asking to use the potty. It may very well be that in the future our boys will have a quiet life in adult diapers. There are already plenty of them in stores. But the “butts are dry.”

Could my husband be allergic?

Theoretically, there is a possibility of an allergy to some human tissue components: dandruff, hair, sperm. The latter is an extremely rare option. In particular, after sexual intercourse, irritation, burning in the genital tract, and sometimes vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling may occur. The trouble is that most married couples prefer to hide such ailments if they occur in a less aggressive form, which in turn poses a risk of developing a more serious illness in the future. The worst thing is that infertility may occur, hence the breakdown of the family.

But all this may be associated not only with allergies. More often this is a sign of an infectious process. We must forget about the emotional reaction associated with the relationship between people. If people are in a state of conflict, constant opposition, then such a tense situation can lead to an exacerbation of existing not only allergic, but also other chronic diseases.

A similar picture is found in men: asthma in men from dandruff, hair, even from favorite perfumes and cosmetics used by the wife.

Aquarium owners know that fish develop better if there are plants, and plants if there are animals (fish).

Allergy to animals

One of the most common allergens are animal allergens, their source is both domestic and farm animals. Allergenic activity is caused by wool, dander, feathers, saliva, as well as urine and excrement of animals. Dogs, cats, horses, sheep, Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, rats and parrots - all of them can cause allergic disease.

Allergic reactions to animals most acutely manifest themselves in the form of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Moreover, they can play a significant role in the development of bronchial asthma, despite the fact that the main allergens in bronchial asthma are household ones. People who are allergic to animals find it very difficult to part with their beloved dog or cat. But, unfortunately, often this decision is the only correct one. Hard to achieve positive result in treatment if, if you are allergic to animal fur, you continue to come into contact with it.

In the opinion of experts, The best decision The problem is to avoid contact with the source of allergens, and above all, to give up keeping pets.

Unfortunately, sometimes this is enough for a complete recovery, because animal allergens, including epidermal ones, are easily transported in the air and on the clothes of other people.

Nevertheless, the first thing the patient should do is to minimize contact with the animal; if removing the animal is unacceptable to you, wash it at least once a week, but carry out this procedure yourself. Make your bedroom a place that is isolated from all other rooms and completely inaccessible to your dog or cat. To reduce the content of animal epidermis particles in the room, it is better to remove carpets, upholstered furniture and anything that can accumulate dust. Air purifiers must be used.

And one last thing. Even if you don't have allergies and decide to get a pet, remember that the relationship between early exposure to animal allergens in infancy and later manifestations of animal allergies is widely accepted. You should seriously weigh the pros and cons, especially if your close relatives have had or have allergies.

The main symptoms of an allergy to animals:

1) nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing;

2) itching and redness of the eyes, lacrimation;

3) wheezing in chest, dry cough;

4) difficulty breathing (shortness of breath, suffocation);

5) signs of eczema or urticaria.

In spring and summer, the gardening season begins. Urban and rural residents will begin cultivating land, trees, and plants. In this case, various chemicals will be used. Can they cause allergies?

Of course, any chemical compounds can act as allergens. But those chemical compounds that are used to treat plants against pests are most often not allergens, but strong chemical irritants. Therefore, there are certain rules for working with these connections. The mouth and nose must be covered with respirators. A person must ensure that chemicals do not come into contact with exposed areas of the body: skin, mucous membranes. And each such chemical compound for treating plants is given special instructions, which you can read carefully before you start working with this or that drug. After working with chemicals, you need to take a shower, wash yourself thoroughly, and wash your hands with soap so that no traces of these compounds remain on the skin and mucous membranes.

Which pillows cause allergies?

Can feather and down pillows become allergens?

Any feather pillows can cause allergic reactions. House dust accumulates in down and feather products, fluffy carpets, fleecy surfaces of sofas and armchairs, in which microscopic mites easily settle. They feed on desquamated particles of human epidermis. The mites themselves and their metabolic products easily become airborne. IN favorable environment Mites reproduce easily and quickly, eventually reaching such a concentration that causes a severe allergic reaction in the respiratory tract. In a house where there is a patient suffering from allergies, it is undesirable to have down and feather pillows and blankets. It is better to use padding polyester products in which mites do not reproduce.

Bedding should be cleaned regularly.

Well, what if you don’t want to part with your favorite pillow?

The pillow of a person who does not want to suffer from allergies should be such that it can be easily washed once every three weeks, constantly ventilated or fried in the sun (balcony, loggia). You also need to clean other bedding: blankets, mattresses, thick bedspreads. Small house dust mites love to settle in fluffy carpets and fleecy surfaces of sofas and armchairs. The man who decided to cure allergic runny nose Before taking hormonal pills and drops, you should pay attention to the interior that is dear to your heart with an abundance of carpets, pillows and other dust collectors.

Reaction to the Mantoux test

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the Mantoux test?

Intradermal Mantoux tests are a common test for the early detection of tuberculosis. They must be carried out for adults and children. An excessively expressed test indicates that a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

There are exceptions to this rule: some patients with allergic reactions may react to the introduction of tuberculin with a strong reaction. In this case, the allergist and TB specialist should work together to understand the causes of the excessive reaction. There are skin tests for glanders, brucellosis and other diseases.

Is there such a thing as a “cold allergy”?

Cold can provoke a worsening of the condition of patients with other manifestations of allergies. For example, it is well known that patients with allergic rhinitis, when exposed to cold air, begin to feel worse, and their nasal congestion may increase. When exposed to cold air, their bronchospasm may increase. Such forms of manifestation of exacerbation of the disease are not a real irritant, a nonspecific factor provoking an already existing allergic process.

For example, girls went to cold period years (in the 40-50s of the 19th century) without stockings - and their skin became bluish, swollen, and vascular veins appeared on the knees.

When walking in winter without hats, young people lost hair on their heads (baldness).

As the song says: there is no fluff or feather on your head.

Some people experience cold urticaria after swimming.

Dead air

Do you ever wonder why you get tired quickly when you spend a long time in a room that is not ventilated at all, or in a room where there are a lot of people. The fact is that in the air there is a “skew” in the natural ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide. As you know, our body (primarily the brain) needs oxygen for normal functioning, and we exhale carbon dioxide. Increased carbon dioxide content in the air - lethargy, drowsiness. Thoughts begin to get confused, and my head doesn’t think well. If the situation worsens, that is, the room still remains closed, then the accumulation of carbon dioxide causes a headache, even fainting. According to statistics, more than 30% of men and more than 50% of women noted at least one of the above symptoms in the office workplace. Moreover, air conditioners do not solve the problem because they are not able to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. They only cool the air and slightly clear dust. Also, indoors, an imbalance occurs between positively and negatively charged air ions. The number of positive ions increases, which is unnatural for the air composition necessary for human health. In addition, pollutants of animal, human and plant origin are added to the air, which are constantly carried in it. Thus, according to Swedish research, the largest dust particles remaining after cleaning settle 1 m in 2 s, and the smallest (the same distance) settle in 6 days. Further, there are open combustion products from gas stoves, volatile substances from various perfumes and detergents that irritate the respiratory tract, and various microorganisms. For example, peeling oranges causes an increase in volatile organic compounds by hundreds of milligrams per cubic meter of air over many hours, and children's games can incredibly increase the amount of dust in the air.

All these factors together significantly worsen the composition of the air, and an increase in the content of various particles increases the load on the respiratory tract. In addition, they can be carriers of pathogens, as well as irritants and allergenic agents, if they themselves are not such. All pollutants can be absorbed by indoor surfaces and then released from them, as well as interact with each other, creating new substances, including allergens.

Drug allergy

As a result of the development of industry, including the chemical industry, a large number of various medicines have been obtained, which have become firmly established in practical medicine. Along with the positive therapeutic effect, they also have side effects. There is an increase in the use of medicines among the population throughout the world. Moreover, quite often people prescribe medications to themselves, that is, they self-medicate. The most popular among people in this sense are antibiotics, sulfonamides and antipyretics. Accordingly, cases have become more frequent side effects arising from drug therapy. Among them, drug allergies occupy a significant place. With drug allergies, there is an increased sensitivity of the body to drugs. As a rule, a reaction occurs with repeated use of drugs, less often with a long initial course of treatment.

A.D. Ado divides drug allergies into 3 groups: acute, subacute and prolonged. Acute ones develop instantly or within the first hour from the moment of entry into a sensitized organism and are clinically manifested by anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, and an attack of bronchial asthma. Subacute reactions occur during the first day after administration of the drug. These include urticaria and sometimes fever. Protracted reactions develop several days or weeks after administration drug allergen. Clinically they manifest themselves as eczema, urticaria, and bronchial asthma.

In an infant, an allergy can also manifest itself through breast milk if the mother received the medicine.

Prevention of drug allergies consists of primary and secondary measures. Primary activities are carried out in the following cases. We share the opinion of B.E. Votchal, who pointed out that medications should be prescribed only when they are absolutely necessary, when it is impossible not to prescribe, because the harm of inaction will undoubtedly be greater than the medicinal effect. You should not take the same medications for a long time. When carrying out treatment, it is necessary to remember the possibility of drug allergies.

The goal of the second prevention is to prevent the development of an allergic reaction in an organism sensitized to medications. Before taking the medicine, you should exclude the presence of hypersensitivity (itching, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma).

The patient may find himself in a situation of choice - to be treated in order not to suffer, or not to be treated in order to suffer even more.