Allergies

The medical condition of having an allergy is more common than it seems. In the United States, over 50 million children and adults are the victims of this medical condition annually (“Allergy Facts”). In comparison, the population of the United States is over 333 million, which means that approximately 15% of the American population has an allergy (“U.S. and World”). The implications and subsequent consequences of having an allergy can be more serious than is commonly thought. Having an allergy leads to the body reacting to an allergen or the trigger (“Allergies”). Treating and monitoring allergies can cost a lot of money. In 2018, the approximate amount of money that was spent on medical costs related to allergies was around 16 billion US dollars (“Allergy Facts”).

Every body is different and therefore has a different trigger and different reaction. The condition of having an allergy is when the body creates an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). When the body interacts with an allergen, the IgE reacts to it, causing an allergic reaction (“Allergy Overview”). Each body reacts differently in an allergic reaction; some reactions are more serious, while others just cause physical discomfort. Some reactions are more serious than others and can become fatal. One type of serious reaction is known as “anaphylaxis.” The reaction can be described as a swelling in the throat and mouth, which can lead to the inability to breathe and suffocation (“Allergy Overview”).

Not only does everybody have a different reaction to an allergen, but there are also many different allergens. Some people may have allergic reactions to pets, while others have allergic reactions to certain foods. Allergies can be broadly classified into a few groups: medical, food, insect bites/stings, pets, pollen, latex, and mold (“Allergy Overview”). Medical allergies are when an individual’s allergen is drugs or medicines. Food allergies are allergic reactions to certain kinds of foods, the most common being dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and seafood (“What Is”). Not all feelings of discomfort as reactions to eating a particular food are a food allergy, but it could be a food intolerance. Food intolerance can be defined as the inability to digest certain foods, which can lead to nausea, stomachaches, and other symptoms that may resemble an allergic reaction. Food intolerance is less serious than allergies, as it only affects the digestive system, while an allergic reaction also affects the immune system (“Food Allergy Vs.”). Next, insect bite/sting allergies are when an individual has an allergic reaction to being stung or bitten by an insect. Some of the most common types are bee, wasp, and hornet stings and mosquito, flea, and cockroach bites (“Insect Allergies”). In general, pet allergies can be caused by the pet’s fur, hair, feathers, dead skin cells, saliva, and urine. When these particles get into the eyes and nose, they can cause allergic reactions. Contrary to common beliefs, there are no actual “hypoallergenic” dogs or cats; it’s just that some people are more or less sensitive than others (“Pet Allergy”). Pollen allergies are considered “seasonal” or dependent on the season. During some seasons of the year, plants release pollen to reproduce, and when humans come into contact with the pollen grains through the wind, this can cause an allergic reaction (“Pollen Allergy”). Lastly, latex/mold allergies are when an individual is allergic to the bacteria mold or the material latex. Latex can be found in many different objects like erasers, balloons, and many more. Latex allergies can be caused when the latex particles are breathed in or when the individual comes in contact with the material (“Latex Allergy”). Not all kinds of mold can cause an allergic reaction, only certain types. The mold particles, called spores, enter the body, which causes an allergic reaction.

Each allergic individual will have a different reaction to the allergen, but there are treatments for all kinds of reactions. Some treatments are for immediate use, while others can take more time and be a long-term solution. One treatment used immediately in an allergic reaction is antihistamine, which can be taken through oral consumption or injection. Antihistamine can be used to alleviate symptoms like discomfort in the eyes and nose, hives, or swelling (“Allergy Medication”). Although itchiness of the eyes and nose are considered mild symptoms, hives are when the skin breaks out and swells. This can be fatal when the throat swells up and closes off airways. Swelling in the throat would be considered “anaphylaxis,” a serious allergic reaction where an epinephrine shot would be needed to save the patient. The epinephrine shot is injected directly into a patient to treat the individual, while antihistamines taken through the mouth may take more time to treat the reaction. Some other medications that can be taken to treat allergic reactions are nasal sprays and eye drops, which are used for persistent itchiness in the eyes and nose (“Allergy Medication”). The allergies that are treated by these medications are usually long-lasting and environmental. Besides immediate treatments for allergic reactions, there are also ways to get over an allergy. One treatment would be immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy is when a patient is gradually exposed to an allergen to build immunity against it. This can be done through injections or sublingual immunotherapy. Sublingual immunotherapy is when the allergen is in a tablet that is put under the tongue to absorb it (“Allergy Medication”). Despite the perceived benefits of immunotherapy, some people are not suited for it and cannot go through the process of becoming immune to their allergies. These people just have to learn to be cautious and watch out for their allergens.

Although allergies are quite common, it does not make them any less serious. Everyone should be educated on what allergies are, their effects, and how to treat them. Many people in a single community may be allergic to something or another, and it is safer for everyone to understand how to treat and help them if they do have an allergic reaction; for some people, it could even be the line between life and death.