Allergic diseases are conditions caused by abnormalities in the immune system, where the body reacts sensitively to allergens or irritants, leading to allergic symptoms. Nowadays, with urban lifestyles combined with the environment of big cities filled with pollution such as various dust and smoke, PM 2.5, the incidence of allergic diseases has increased.
Different symptoms… when the body responds, different allergies occur
Allergic diseases are a group of conditions that can show symptoms in various body systems, such as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, including chronic urticaria, with different symptoms as follows:
- Respiratory system symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, itchy eyes, eye irritation, red eyes, postnasal drip, frequent colds, chronic colds, ear fullness, cough, shortness of breath, coughing more at night, coughing after exercise, wheezing, snoring, nosebleeds
- Skin symptoms such as red rashes on the face and body, intermittent urticaria, dry skin, itching on the skin
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, regurgitation, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Other system symptoms such as headache, poor sleep, fatigue
These symptoms can affect learning, work, and daily life.
Causes of allergic diseases come from both genetics and the environment
- Genetic causes It has been found that if either the father or mother has an allergic disease, the child has about a 30-50% chance of developing allergies. If both parents have allergies, the child’s chance increases to 50-70%. Children with no family history of allergies have only about a 10% chance of developing allergies.
- Environmental causes are important factors because allergens entering our body come from the environment and can enter through various routes such as breathing, eating, or contact with substances. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, weeds, dog hair, cat hair, cockroaches, mold, certain foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat flour, seafood. Other factors that promote allergic symptoms include weather changes, exposure to irritants such as incense smoke, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, air pollution, PM 2.5 dust.
Treatment of allergic diseases
If allergic symptoms occur, patients should be tested to identify which allergen causes the reaction to avoid the allergen, which can improve allergic symptoms. There are two methods to test for allergens:
- Testing for allergens by skin prick test (can be done from 6 months of age onwards)
- Testing for allergens by blood test
Once the cause of the allergy is known, treatment and continuous monitoring should be done. Effective allergy treatment techniques include:
- Avoiding allergens Even if allergy medications are used, if allergens are not avoided, allergic symptoms can still flare up.
- Using medications regularly and correctly Because respiratory allergies have many medications available, including oral and inhaled drugs, regular and proper use of medication can improve allergic symptoms.
- Maintaining good health by exercising regularly and getting enough rest.
- Treating comorbid conditions such as sinusitis and obesity.
Although some allergic diseases cannot be completely cured, we can control the disease to have no or minimal symptoms. Therefore, if symptoms suspected to be allergies occur, the cause should be identified and treated continuously for a better quality of life.
