Alergijoms

Alergijoms, or allergies, are a common health condition where the body's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. These substances, known as allergens, can include things like pollen, dust mites, certain foods, insect venom, or medications. When someone with an allergy encounters an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals, such as histamine, which cause allergic symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies can vary widely depending on the allergen and the individual. Common reactions include sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes like hives, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Allergies can affect different parts of the body, leading to conditions like allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, eczema, and food allergies.

Diagnosing allergies typically involves a review of medical history, a physical examination, and specific allergy tests. These tests may include skin prick tests, where small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin, or blood tests that measure the levels of antibodies produced in response to allergens.

While allergies cannot be cured, their symptoms can often be managed. Treatment options include avoiding known allergens, taking antihistamines to relieve mild symptoms, using nasal corticosteroids for nasal allergies, and in some cases, undergoing immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. For severe reactions like anaphylaxis, an epinephrine auto-injector is essential. Managing allergies is crucial for improving quality of life and preventing complications.