A Worldwide Perception of Allergies, Essay Example

Introduction to Allergies

An allergy is described as a response of the immune system to a foreign substance within the body, that poses no threat to the body (Kalpaklioglu, Kalkan, Akcay, Reisli, Can, Uzuner, & Ediger, 2011, p 21). Allergies are depicted in different ways around the world to the extent that some countries and communities have different treatment methods for similar allergic reactions.

Types of pf allergies

• Respiratory allergies
• Food allergies
• Skin allergies
• Drug allergies,
• Eye allergies (Kalpaklioglu, Kalkan, Akcay, Reisli, Can, Uzuner, & Ediger, 2011, p 21).

Causes of allergies

When the immune system makes a mistake, rather, mistaking a harmless substance to being a threat to the body, an allergic reaction starts. This leads to the release of antibodies, which puts the body into an alarm state for the particular allergen. When the body is then exposed to similar allergens, the body releases several chemicals such as histamine, which leads to allergic symptoms. The symptoms include irritation to some body parts such as eyes, nasal passage, skin, gut, airways, or sinuses.

Allergic triggers

• Dust and pollen
• Food
• Stings from insects
• Drugs, both medical and unprescribed.

Anaphylaxis

This is a severe reaction that is triggered by some types of allergies.

Diagnosis of allergies

• Skin testing,
• Pricks or scratch testing
• Check skin rashes,
• Checking for blood pressure
•  Vomiting, and nausea.

Treatment

The best way to treat and manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen (Kalpaklioglu, Kalkan, Akcay, Reisli, Can, Uzuner, & Ediger, 2011, p 23). If not, one can seek medical treatment such as antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and antileukotrienes.

Controversy

• It is possible to treat a food allergic reaction by putting the food under the tongue for some time before eating it
• Children are more exposed to allergies that adults

Conclusion

• Genetic or not allergies are treatable
• Similar allergens affect people differently
• A strong immune system reduces the prevalence of allergies.

Reference

Kalpaklioglu, A. F., Kalkan, I. K., Akcay, A., Reisli, I., Can, D., Uzuner, N., … & Ediger, D. (2011). (Un) Awareness of allergy. World Allergy Organization Journal, 4(11), 170-178.https://scholar.google.com/scholar?output=instlink&q=info:sF1R_JJgnFAJ:scholar.google.com/&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&scillfp=2142359313033226314&oi=lle