Allergies In Adolescents
Allergies are reactions by immune system that are abnormal
in nature to stuff that are usually harmless to majority of the
people. When somebody is allergic to something the immune
system of that person gets confused and thinks that the
substance is detrimental to the body. The substances causing
allergic reactions are known as allergens. The examples of
allergens are dust, food, plant pollen, medicine etc. The body
produces antibodies to protect itself from these allergens. The
antibodies make certain cells present in the system to let
chemicals to mix with the bloodstream and one of them is
histamine. This chemical then acts on nose, eyes, skin, lungs,
gastrointestinal tract and results in allergic reaction
symptoms. Exposure to the same chemicals in future triggers
same response to the antibodies again meaning every time one
comes in contact with the same allergen, allergic reaction is
produced in the body.
Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like runny
nose to more severe ones such as difficulty in breathing.
Teenagers suffering from asthma often have allergic reaction to
cold and get asthma attack is another example of allergies.
Some kinds of allergies trigger multiple symptoms. Allergic
reactions in very rare cases also produce severe reaction known
as anaphylaxis for which the signs are difficulty in breathing,
difficulty in swallowing, swelling in tongue, lips and throat
and dizziness. This allergic reaction occurs as soon as the
system is exposed to substances that trigger allergic reactions
like peanut although some reactions are delayed by as much as
four hours.
The reasons why people get allergies can be various and one
of the reasons could be hereditary but that that does not
necessarily mean that children are bound to get allergies from
their parents. Some of the common allergens include food,
airborne particles, insect bite and sting, medicines, chemicals
etc. Food allergies typically occur in infants and usually
vanish as the child grows. The list of food allergens includes
milk & dairy products, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, and
seafood. Some people are allergic to stings and bites of
certain insects. The venom in the bite is the one which
actually causes reaction and can be as serious as anaphylactic
in some teens. Some teens are also allergic to airborne
particles which are also known as environmental allergens. They
are also the commonest of all the allergens. Examples of these
allergens include dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, grass
pollens, trees and ragweed. Some adolescents are also allergic
to certain antibiotic medicines. Another common allergen is
chemical, certain chemicals present in laundry detergents or
cosmetics can cause rashes that are itchy in nature.
Allergists usually treat allergic problems. They may ask
questions like symptoms of the allergy and whether it is
hereditary. They may also prescribe certain diagnostic tests
like blood or skin test depending on the type of allergy. The
best way to treat allergies is to completely avoid the
substances that cause allergies. However there are certain
medications and injections are also available to treat
allergies.
One can follow certain things to avoid allergies like people
who have food allergies that contain should peanuts and any
food containing smallest amount of peanuts. Also avoid using
cosmetic that contain chemicals allergic to the skin. One can
also avoid airborne allergies by keeping pets in restricted
areas and away from bedroom. Replace carpets and rugs from time
to time. Avoid keeping things that accumulate dust. And also
clean the room and house frequently.
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