Allergy

We define allergy as an abnormal, excessively intense or disturbed reaction of the immune system to various foreign substances referred to as allergens, resulting in damage to our own tissues.

The most important types of hypersensitivity are I-IV

Type I hypersensitivity - commonly known as allergy

It is a reaction in which Immunoglobulin E antibodies are involved. The reaction occurs immediately (within a few minutes to several hours) - the antigen (sensitizing product) is combined with the IgE class antibody. The resulting antigen-antibody complex stimulates mast cells from which inflammatory mediators, including histamine, are released.

Symptoms include: skin redness, blisters, urticaria, pruritus, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, circulation disorder, anaphylactic shock.

Type II hypersensitivity - cytotoxic

It is a reaction in which IgM and IgG antibodies are involved. Tissue damage occurs as a result of killing foreign cells or cells that have new antigens on the surface. An example of this type of allergy is haemolytic anemia of newborns, post-invasive reaction

Type III hypersensitivity - complexes

It is caused by the immune response of the body. This type of allergy is associated with IgG antibodies, defensive reactions are delayed and occur from 8 to 72 hours after contact with a foreign substance.

Type IV, tuberculin like delayed hypersensitivity -

there is a cellular reaction involving T lymphocytes. An example is contact hypersensitivity, granulomatous hypersensitivity.

Allergens

The allergens can be all foreign substances of plant and animal origin as well as various simple chemical compounds.

We can be sensitive to foreign substances in many ways:

by inhalation (dust, pollen, mites, animal remains); 

by ingestion of food, herbs or medicine, that is, those that get into our body with food, such as gluten from cereals that contain it, egg, nuts ... they are the cause of food allergies;

or by direct contact, causing an allergic reaction after contact with the skin, e.g. latex, metals;

When we cross our body defense mechanisms like intravenous medications ie. antibiotics.

The most common type of allergy is type I

In the initial stage of treatment of this type of hypersensitivity, complete elimination of the allergen is important. In the case of food allergies, products containing even traces of the substance to which you are allergic should be eliminated. In the case of allergens in the form of plant pollen, hair, dust and chemicals, contact with the allergen should be restricted as far as possible. It should be remembered that some foods may cause symptoms such as cross-allergy results or eating high-histamine products. It is important that the diet is selected individually, taking into account products that are allergic and cross-allergies!

For example, a daily diet should eliminate:

• highly processed products

• artificial food colors, in particular tartrazine;

• benzoates, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate derived from food sources; 2-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 4-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (mixture of isomers) (BHA) and 2,6-dibutyltoluene (BHT);

• products containing His (histamine), for example: ripened cheese, sausage, some fish (tuna, mackerel), cabbage, spinach;

• direct releasing products from the cells in which it is collected, e.g. strawberries, tomatoes, bananas, egg white, crustaceans, raw pineapple, papaya, chocolate;

• products containing monosodium glutamate (in spices or ready-made sauces, like ketchup etc.) - intensify allergic symptoms, and their consumption may even lead to tingling in the cage, faster heart rate or lowering of pressure.

Recommendations for people allergic to plant pollen

• go for a walk after the rain, when the concentration of pollen is the lowest.

• spend your holidays by the sea or in the mountains, where the concentration of pollen is the smallest.

• spend time in enclosed spaces,

• avoid outdoor activities,

• close the windows and doors at times when the pollen concentration is highest,

• use air filters where possible,

• travel by car with closed windows,

• when leaving the house, put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen,

• after returning home, change clothes, wash your hands and face or take a bath to remove the sediment