Respiratory sensitization. Respiratory Allergy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Allergy (allergic reactions- hypersensitivity reactions) is a reaction of the immune system, accompanied by damage to healthy tissues of one's own body. The mechanisms by which the immune system protects the body from "foreign" and the mechanisms of hypersensitivity reactions in which "own" tissues are damaged are similar. Thus, antibodies, lymphocytes and other cells that are normally components of the immune system, in addition to fighting infections, are involved in the development of allergic reactions, as well as in reactions to blood transfusion, in autoimmune diseases and in rejection of transplanted organs.

As a rule, the term allergic reaction refers to processes in which antibodies of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) class are involved. These antibodies bind to specialized cells such as basophils in the blood and mast cells in tissues. Upon encountering an antigen (in this case, it is called an allergen), cells associated with IgE begin to secrete substances that damage surrounding tissues. Theoretically, an allergen can be anything that acts as an antigen to elicit an immune response: dust, pollen, a drug, or a food.

The term atopic disease is sometimes used to describe a group of diseases in which IgE is involved, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma (often hereditary). These diseases are characterized by the production of IgE in response to various substances contained in the air, such as pollen, mold, animal hair, as well as dust mites.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is also classified as an atopic disease, although the role of IgE in this disease is less well understood. A person with atopic disease, however, does not have an increased risk of producing IgE when allergens (such as drugs or insect venom) enter the skin.

Allergic reactions can be mild or severe. As a rule, they are limited to irritation and itching of the eyes, watery eyes and sneezing, but can become life-threatening if breathing is suddenly difficult, heart function is disturbed, and blood pressure drops sharply (that is, shock occurs). This condition is called anaphylaxis and can occur in sensitive people in a wide variety of situations, such as shortly after eating certain foods, taking certain medications, or being stung by a bee.

Allergy symptoms

There are various forms of allergy: respiratory tract allergy, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic dermatoses, allergic enteropathy and, most severely, anaphylactic shock. The symptoms vary depending on the type.

Respiratory Allergy(this includes allergic rhinitis (runny nose) and bronchial asthma) manifested by sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge, possible coughing, wheezing in the lungs and choking.

allergic conjunctivitis manifested by burning in the eyes, lacrimation, redness of the eyes, they itch, hurt.

With allergic dermatosis (allergic dermatosis) there is itching and redness of the skin, rashes on the skin like eczema, there may be peeling and dryness, swelling, blisters ...

Allergic enteropathy manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, abdominal pain is possible.

Anaphylactic shock- the most serious manifestation of allergies. Its signs: loss of consciousness, severe shortness of breath, convulsions, rash all over the body, vomiting is possible.

All allergy symptoms: nausea/vomiting, loss of consciousness, convulsions, pruritus, abdominal pain, watery eyes, itching of the eyelids, redness of the eyes (conjunctiva), bloating, diarrhea, constipation, itchy, scaly rash, loss of consciousness, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, mucous discharge from nose, whistling sound when breathing, wheezing when breathing.

Causes of Allergy

An allergic reaction is an inadequate response of the immune system to an ordinary, in general, irritant. Upon initial contact with it, sensitization (hypersensitivity) occurs, so that when you meet again, the whole spectrum of symptoms of an allergic reaction develops.

Why one organism responds to the allergen correctly (that is, in no way), while the other falls into anaphylactic shock, is not yet fully understood. However, factors that influence the predisposition to allergies have been identified: first of all, these are hereditary factors, as well as environmental factors (the theory of the influence of hygiene and the increase in the consumption of chemical products).

Allergies can be caused by food - the so-called food allergy, sun allergy - exotic photodermatitis, allergy to shampoo, water when washing, allergy in contact with substances, things, dust, smell, etc. Allergies can be caused by psycho-emotional states with urticaria, but not only by them.

Children can be allergic to milk, just like adults, allergic rashes can occur in children, there is an allergy to pollen, there is even an allergy to a Christmas tree, an allergy to cold, household allergies, an allergy to latex, an allergy to animals and other types of allergies.

Types of allergies

Doctors divide allergic reactions into three main categories, depending on the pathogen:

Allergy to food Allergy to volatile drugs Allergy to natural substances

food allergy includes intolerance to dairy products, nuts, soy, corn, fish.

Among the volatile drugs that cause allergies, include dust, pollen, plant fluff. Besides, Chemical compounds can also cause an allergic reaction. found in nature and in contact with the skin or inhaled into the body.

Allergy diagnostics

Since each allergic reaction is caused by a specific allergen, the main goal of diagnosis is to identify this allergen. It can be a plant or plant product that appears at a certain time of the year (for example, some herbs, pollen), as well as medicines, products or pet hair. An allergen can cause an allergic reaction if ingested, on the skin or eyes, inhaled or injected. Often the allergen can be identified only as a result of the persistent joint efforts of the doctor and the patient.

Various tests help identify the allergen and determine if the symptoms are related to the allergy. For example, many eosinophils can be found in the blood, which usually increase during allergic reactions.

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) measures the level of IgE specific to individual allergens in the blood, which helps diagnose allergic skin reactions, seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Skin testing is usually effective in identifying specific allergens. For their implementation, diagnostic allergens prepared from plant extracts, pollen, dust, animal hair, insect venom, product or medicine are injected into the patient's skin in a small amount and separately. If a person is allergic to one or more of these substances, then an edematous blister (swelling resembling hives) develops in the area where the appropriate solution was injected within 15-20 minutes. If a skin test is contraindicated, a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) may be used. Both tests are highly specific and accurate, although the skin test is slightly more accurate and less expensive, and results are available immediately.

List of allergy diagnostic methods:

Determination of the number of eosinophils. The number of eosinophils usually increases during allergic reactions. Skin tests (in vivo). For their implementation, diagnostic allergens prepared from plant extracts, pollen, dust, animal hair, insect venom, product or drug are injected into the patient's skin in a small amount and separately. If a person is allergic to one or more of these substances, then an edematous blister (swelling resembling hives) develops in the area where the appropriate solution was injected within 15 to 20 minutes. A skin test is slightly more accurate and less expensive than a radioallergosorbent test, and results are available immediately. Radioallergosorbent test (in vitro) – definition of general and specific ige. The radioallergosorbent test measures the level of IgE specific to individual allergens in the blood, which helps diagnose allergic skin reactions, seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Immunoglobulins E are produced locally, mainly in the submucosal layer of tissues in contact with the external environment: in the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, tonsils, adenoids. Normally, the content of IgE in the blood is negligible. Elevated levels of total IgE are associated with immediate hypersensitivity. In allergic individuals, IgE is elevated, both during and between atopic attacks. The concentration of IgE depends on the duration of the disease and the number of previous exposures to the allergen.

Allergy treatment

Because contact with some allergens, especially inhaled allergens, cannot be avoided, doctors often use special methods to block the allergic response and prescribe medications to reduce symptoms.

If exposure to an allergen cannot be avoided, allergen immunotherapy (allergen injections) is used. When it is carried out under the skin, a very small amount of the allergen is injected and the dose is gradually increased until the optimal level is reached. This treatment stimulates the body to produce blocking (neutralizing) antibodies that can prevent an allergic reaction. In addition, the content of antibodies in the blood that react with the antigen and cause allergies (IgE) may gradually decrease. Carrying out immunotherapy requires caution, since too rapid an increase in the dose of the allergen can in itself cause an allergic reaction.

Although allergen immunotherapy is used quite widely and statistical studies show that it gives good results, it is not always advisable to carry it out, since in some cases the risk of complications exceeds the positive effect, which depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the type of allergy. Immunotherapy is generally used to treat people who are allergic to pollen, dust mites, insect venom, and animal dander, but not to food, as there is a risk of anaphylaxis.

The best effect is noted if maintenance injections are continued for a year. At first they are usually done once a week, and then once every 4-6 weeks.

Instead of treating an allergic reaction, it is better to avoid contact with the allergen. To do this, you may have to stop using some medicine, give up a pet or a particular type of food. A person who is allergic to a substance related to their job may need to change it. People with severe seasonal allergies may move to places where the allergen is not present.

Other measures are related to reducing exposure to the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to house dust, you should remove carpets, draperies, dust-collecting furniture and use mattresses and pillows with plastic covers. It is often necessary to do wet cleaning of the room. It is also helpful to use an air conditioner to reduce the humidity that encourages dust mites to thrive, or to install air conditioners with high efficiency filters.

Since immunotherapy may develop adverse reactions, the patient must remain under medical supervision for at least 20 minutes after the injection. Possible symptoms of an allergic reaction are sneezing, coughing, feeling hot, as well as tingling, itching, chest tightness, wheezing, and hives. For mild symptoms, the allergic reaction can be relieved with an antihistamine tablet, such as diphenhydramine (Diphenhydramine). More severe reactions require an injection of adrenaline (the active ingredient is epinephrine).

If the body is too sensitive, an allergy diet can help.

How to deal with childhood allergies

Allergies manifest differently in different age groups. In infants and young children, allergies take the form of atopic dermatitis (eczema) or food allergies. Children with atopic dermatitis are at an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma, which is especially likely between the ages of one and a half to six years. This pattern of transition from one form of allergic disease to another is known as the "atopic march".

"Atopic"- a term that doctors use to refer to the allergic nature of a disease (for example, atopic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, atopic rhinitis, atopic asthma, and others). Allergens, that is, the causative agents of the disease, can be food, external triggers: pollen, mold, hair and pet dander.

Atopic dermatitis

As a rule, atopic dermatitis is the earliest manifestation of allergy, occurs in 10-20% of children, often in infancy. Atopic dermatitis (diathesis or childhood eczema) is characterized by itching and rash on combed areas of the skin. The rash is red and dry, many small blisters may appear, which eventually peel off with the release of contents.

In infants and young children, the rash most often occurs on the face (especially on the cheeks), chest and abdomen, and on the arms and legs. This distribution of the rash over the body is explained by the fact that it is these areas that are easy for the child to comb when itching occurs. In older children, the localization of the rash changes, and atopic dermatitis spreads to the elbows and popliteal folds, to the sides of the neck, upper chest and hands. Food and external allergies lead to exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.

food allergies

Many children have food allergies. As a rule, they occur after the transition from soft to solid foods. Almost all children with food allergies develop skin symptoms after eating an allergen product: hives, swelling, itching, or redness of the skin. These symptoms usually appear within minutes of ingesting the allergen product, but in some cases, symptoms may not be noticeable until several hours later.

Other symptoms of food allergies in young children include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath (a sign of asthma), runny nose, sneezing, and dizziness. In some cases, children experience a severe allergic reaction - anaphylactic shock, which poses a threat to life.

Atopic rhinitis

Atopic rhinitis occurs in about 50% of children with atopic dermatitis. In most cases, atopic rhinitis appears only at school age, but sometimes the first symptoms appear earlier. As a rule, the impetus for the manifestations of atopic rhinitis are external triggers: pet hair, dust and mold (in young children) and pollen (in older children).

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, nasal congestion. Sometimes the nose “flows”, dark circles appear under the eyes (“allergic lights”), the child constantly rubs the nose and bridge of the nose (“allergic salute”).

Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is observed in 8% of the world's population, it is the most common chronic childhood disease. In most cases, asthma is caused by allergies; one in four children with atopic rhinitis develop asthma. Asthma can occur at any age, although it is most common in pre-pubertal men and adolescent women. Sometimes asthma is difficult to diagnose in young children, so it's best to see a specialist rather than a therapist.

Asthma symptoms:

Cough. In some cases, coughing may be the only symptom. The cough is often dry, hacking, aggravated at night and by physical exertion. In some children, the cough is so severe that it causes vomiting. Wheezing breath. Inhalation and exhalation are accompanied by a high whistle. As a rule, wheezing worsens when other asthma symptoms worsen, after physical exertion, and exposure to other asthma triggers. Dyspnea. Some children experience shortness of breath, which makes them less active than their peers. Children with more severe asthma suffer from shortness of breath even at rest and during sleep. Sensation of constriction in the chest. The child has a feeling that someone is tightly squeezing him in his arms, he may complain of chest pain. Other symptoms that are not specific to asthma include poor appetite, constant fatigue and apathy, unwillingness to participate in games with other children, sleep disturbances.

If a child has one or more of the above symptoms, they may have an allergy. We recommend that you consult an allergist or immunologist and undergo a medical examination.

How do children's allergies manifest?

Indigestion, colds and rashes are the most common health problems in young children. However, the appearance of one or more of these symptoms often becomes the first signal of a serious allergy in a child. In some cases, when the treatment of allergies is not given due attention, the disorder can lead to the inferiority of the child.

Allergies to various types of food can lead to severe stomach upset, skin problems, and respiratory problems. In most cases, an allergy in a child is quite difficult to recognize - the symptoms of an allergic reaction are very similar to the symptoms of other diseases, which can mislead both young and even experienced parents.

Allergy symptoms in children

Certain signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses. It is best to consult a specialist when you find the first signs of an allergy in a small child. In addition, doctors will help prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction in the future.

Perhaps, most common allergen reaction- the appearance of a rash or redness of the skin. As a result of an allergic reaction, small red bumps form on a certain area of ​​​​the skin, resembling an insect bite mark in appearance and size. If the cause of the allergic reaction was the interaction of the child with the allergen, the rash will appear on the area of ​​the skin that was in contact with the causative agent of the allergic reaction. If the cause of the allergy was certain foods eaten, the rash can appear anywhere - on the stomach, face, back, arms.

Since the itching sensation of an allergic rash is not yet adequately expressed in infants, newborn babies may cry inconsolably. Parents should pay attention to the child's attempts to comb the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin.

Another symptom of allergies in babies can be eczema - dry, scaly skin. On the head, eczema is often confused with seborrheic dermatitis in newborns. If such a skin condition occurs in the ear area, it looks as if the ears are not clean enough, although it is impossible to wash off such scales.

Swelling of eyes, lips and face- Another important sign of an allergic reaction. In the case of swelling, it is very important to control the child's breathing - if the throat swells, the airways can block, leading to anaphylactic shock and possible death of the baby.

Also Allergy symptoms include persistent snot and watery eyes.

Some children with sinus problems in an allergic reaction may result in a cough as the throat is inflamed due to draining during sleep.

Child suffering from allergies takes much more time to sleep than a healthy baby. However, the opposite is also true a sick child can sleep very little and cannot calm down in any way. These children need constant attention from their parents.

In adults, allergies can also cause poor sleep and the need for more sleep to restore the body.

Allergies to certain foods can cause a kind of domino effect - child begins to overeat while the body tries to deal with toxins by storing them as fat. These children usually have a noticeable tummy and, conversely, thin arms and legs.

Allergic reaction to wheat gluten occurs in the form of a rash on the buttocks and thighs and is known as dermatitis herpetiformis.

How to deal with food allergies

Certain types of food are most likely to trigger allergies in babies. These include:

Wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats Chicken eggs and poultry Sugar Fish Peanuts Colors and preservatives Yeast Pork Chocolate Citrus fruits

These types of food cause allergic reactions in adults, so adults need to identify the food that leads to allergies and eliminate it from the diet.

There are two main methods by which parents can reduce their young child's exposure to various types of food allergies and reduce the severity of such disorders.

Wait until 6 months of age before starting solid food.

Since the digestive system of newborns is not fully formed, young children cannot digest solid food until all the functions of the digestive system begin to work properly. Usually the process of formation of the digestive system is completed at the age of 4-6 months. In the first six months of a child's life, it is necessary to feed with breast milk or milk mixtures, and only then begin to accustom the child to solid food.

The 4-Day Rule for First-Time Foods

Sometimes an allergic reaction to certain foods does not occur immediately, but after three to four days. The best thing to do when feeding your baby something for the first time is to wait four days before offering him any more new foods. If, after the child has tried food for the first time, there are signs of an allergic reaction, it is necessary to exclude products from the children's diet.

If the parent's medical history includes susceptibility to allergic reactions, doctors recommend avoiding feeding the baby cow's milk and wheat until the age of 12 months or even older. If an allergic reaction occurs suddenly, is severe and lasts a long time, you should definitely consult a doctor.

If the child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and lips, nausea and indigestion, you should immediately call an ambulance. Severe cases of allergies require immediate medical attention.

For example, it only takes a couple of minutes for a child's airway to become blocked, and at this stage the help of doctors is required as soon as possible.

As a rule, doctors recommend that parents carry a self-injecting syringe for epinephrine (“Adrenaline”) with them in case of a sudden onset of an allergic reaction in a child. After all, Quincke's edema, suffocation and quick death within a few minutes of an adult and a child can occur. Such a syringe automatically determines the correct dose of epinephrine to stop an allergic reaction. See below for details.

Quincke's edema (Angioneurotic edema)- a reaction to the effects of various biological and chemical factors, often of an allergic nature.

It is named after the German physician Heinrich Quincke, who first described it in 1882.

Manifestations of Quincke's edema - an increase in the face or part of it or limbs. The color of the skin does not change.

Treatment for angioedema includes, in addition to drugs, the mandatory identification of an allergen or other provoking factors and their elimination.

Angioedema differs from ordinary urticaria only in the depth of the skin lesion.. Edema of considerable size most often appears in places with loose fiber - on the lips, eyelids, cheeks, oral mucosa, genital organs. In typical cases, it disappears without a trace after a few hours (up to 2-3 days). Patients with moderate to severe reactions should be hospitalized.

hereditary form

A special form is distinguished: hereditary angioedema associated with insufficiency of the C1-inhibitor of the complement system. Men are more likely to get sick, a family history is typical, the development of edema is provoked by microtraumas and stress. Swelling of the larynx often develops. The disease is treated according to other principles than allergic edema. Before surgical interventions, it is necessary to take preventive measures. If not treated on time, it can lead to death.

Treatment of angioedema

For the treatment of angioedema, antihistamines are used, including the 2nd and 3rd generation:

Desloratadine (trade names: Erides, Eden, Erius, Loratek); Cetirizine (trade names: Cetrin, Alerza, Allertec, Zetrinal, Zincet, Zirtek, Zodak, Letizen, Parlazin, Cetirinax, Allercaps, Aleron); Fexofenadine (trade names: Telfast, Fexofast, Fexadin). As well as glucocorticosteroids: prednisolone, dexamethasone.

Sources and additional information:

zdorovieinfo.ru - allergy treatment, symptoms, diagnosis, causes of allergies and allergic reactions; Radioallergosorbent test (in vitro) - determination of general and specific IgE Skin tests (in vivo) Determination of the number of eosinophils tammytanuka.livejournal.com - an allergic reaction, from which angioedema, suffocation and death. Which drug should be injected urgently; apteka.potrebitel.ru - Adrenaline (active ingredient - epinephrine) - a drug for the treatment of insect allergies. en.wikipedia.org - Quincke's edema or angioedema on Wikipedia. Allergy Symptoms: A Spring Survival Guide How to Deal with Children's Allergies Food Allergies Sun Allergy Is Such an Exotic Photodermatitis Shampoo Allergy: A Common Occurrence How to Get Rid of Allergies? Diet for allergies - if the body is too sensitive Milk allergy in children: wait until it outgrows? Allergic rash in children - will it go away on its own? Allergy to pollen - treatment of "flower disease" Allergies during pregnancy: the main caution Seasonal allergies in children: causes and treatment Allergy to the Christmas tree: a nuisance on a holiday How to deal with childhood allergies: observation and calm how it manifests itself How to deal with childhood allergies: observation and calmness - how to deal with food allergies? Allergy Symptoms: A Spring Survival Guide Spring Allergies - Feeling Bad in Good Weather Milk Allergy Diet - For Mother and Child Latex Allergy: A Reason to Throw Away Condoms Stress Cause of Allergic Rash: Take Care of Your Nerves Household Allergies - Get Out of the House Allergic Reactions: how to understand why you have a sore throat Allergy to cold - inadequate immune response of the body Allergies in children - basic rules of personal hygiene Allergy to animals - if you do not want to part with your pet Food allergies in children - be careful Alternative treatment of allergies - Indian Aladdin magic lamps

Allergy- this is a condition in which the body of a particular person non-standard, reacts too actively to seemingly quite ordinary external factors that do not cause similar reactions in other people.

The mechanism of occurrence of respiratory allergies - a dangerous disease is complex, but in a simplified form it looks like this. A certain substance that is part of the food, or comes into contact with the skin, or is present in the air we breathe, for some unknown reason, is considered by the body as a source of danger, encroaching on the genetic constancy of its internal environment.

immune system, whose main task is precisely to protect the body from everything foreign, regards this substance as an antigen and reacts quite specifically - it produces antibodies. Antibodies remain in the blood.

After a while, the contact is repeated. There are antibodies in the blood. The re-encounter causes the antigen and antibody to come into contact with each other, and this contact is the cause of the allergic reaction. The anonymous “substance” we mentioned can provoke the development of respiratory allergies, a dangerous disease.

The allergen can be contained in the inhaled air and provoke the occurrence of allergic reactions from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It will be a respiratory allergen and, accordingly, a respiratory allergy.

The principal feature of respiratory allergy, a dangerous disease, is that the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract interact with almost all types of allergens, that is, food allergens directly contact the oropharyngeal mucosa, and contact allergens easily end up in the child's mouth.

What is the result? The result is an obvious disease: allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, etc.

Is it an allergy?

There are differences between respiratory allergies and banal acute respiratory infections and they cannot be confused with anything. With respiratory allergies, a runny nose and (or) cough are detected, but at the same time:

The general condition is not significantly disturbed;

Saved activity;

Saved appetite;

Normal temperature.

It is clear that all of the above may well take place with mild SARS. So what to do? Run to the doctors at the slightest sniffle? Of course not! But it is necessary to think, analyze, keep in mind. And to facilitate thinking and analyzing, let's pay attention to some points that are fundamentally significant in situations related to respiratory allergy.

When in contact with an allergen respiratory symptoms appear very quickly. That is, just a minute ago I was healthy, and suddenly snot was in a stream ... And the temperature is normal and the child asks for food ... And if contact with the allergen has stopped, then the recovery is almost instantaneous. Went to a neighbor's birthday party. As soon as they entered, he began to cough, his nose was blocked ... They returned home, after five minutes everything was gone.

Once again, I draw your attention: respiratory allergy develops rapidly. If suspicious symptoms have already appeared, it means that contact with a possible allergen happened quite recently - minutes, hours ago. Therefore, you should always analyze, think, remember: what happened before? To a sneeze, to a cough, to a runny nose? And what could be?

We visited a room where you rarely visit: went on a visit, to a store, a circus, a theater, a cafe, etc .;

Hygienic procedures and beauty guidance: soap, shampoo, cream, deodorants, perfumes;

Cleaning, repair, construction, etc.: dust, detergents, new wallpaper, linoleum;

Something smelled nearby and it is not at all necessary to stink: any aerosols, smoke, spices;

- "bird cherry blossomed outside my window": contacts with plants, especially during flowering periods, a bouquet in the house, a trip to the country, to the forest, to the field;

Something fundamentally new appeared in the house: new toys, new furniture, new carpet, new clothes;

Communication with animals - domestic, wild, shaggy, feathered: dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, mice, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs; contact with animal food, especially food for aquarium fish;

New washing powder and everything that is used in washing: bleaches, conditioners, rinses;

Ate unusual food;

They took medication.

Perhaps the most common respiratory allergen is plant pollen.

Potentially harmful plants are numerous. They are usually divided into three groups: weeds (ragweed, dandelion, quinoa, wormwood, etc.), cereals (rye, wheat, buckwheat, etc.), trees and shrubs (oak, birch, willow, alder, ash).

Respiratory allergy

An allergic inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is not called the term acute respiratory infections. Does not indicate when the allergic nature of the disease is known.

Once again in other words. The centuries-old experience of folk self-treatment will not help here in any way! Healers and healers do not have methods against allergies! Some hundred years ago, no one even knew what it was!

The main, strategic and in most cases self-sufficient treatment for any acute allergic respiratory disease is to stop contact with the source of the allergy.

As everything is simple at first glance, there are only two “little things” left: firstly, to find the source of the allergy and, secondly, to be able to get rid of it.

In the case of the girl Sveta, no medication was needed: they went out into the yard, and the runny nose immediately stopped.

Treatment

But there is also a real reason to start treatment.

So let's start.

All methods of drug treatment of allergies can be divided into two areas:

Taking antiallergic drugs inside;

Local effects on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

The main antiallergic drugs for oral administration are antihistamines. Pharmacologists are constantly improving these drugs and coming up with new ones that are more active and with fewer side effects.

It is not surprising that there are numerous classifications of antihistamines, in which they are divided into generations that differ in their pharmacological properties.

First-generation antihistamines are well known to the vast majority of the adult population of our country, but their international names are even scary to pronounce - diphenhydramine, chloropyramine! But these are the famous Diphenhydramine and Suprastin!

Principal features first generation antihistamines:

Side sedative (hypnotic, sedative) effect on the nervous system;

The ability to cause dry mucous membranes;

Antiemetic action;

The ability to enhance the properties of sedatives, antiemetics, painkillers and antipyretics;

The effect of the application is very fast, but short-lived;

Decreased activity with prolonged use;

Good solubility, so most of these drugs are available not only in oral forms, but also in injection solutions.

Second-generation antihistamines are characterized by the fact that they are practically devoid of the two main side effects of first-generation drugs - sedation and the ability to cause dry mucous membranes.

Features of second-generation antihistamines:

Large, in comparison with drugs of the first generation, antihistamine activity;

The therapeutic effect is fast and long-lasting, so it can be taken rarely (once, sometimes twice a day);

With prolonged use, the effectiveness of treatment does not decrease;

The main negative point is the side effect on the heart rhythm.

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. The risk of this effect is greatly increased if second-generation antihistamines are combined with antifungal antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, and certain foods, such as grapefruit juice.

Antihistamines third-generation drugs retain all the advantages of second-generation drugs, but are devoid of the main drawback - the effect on the heart rhythm.

Concluding the topic of antiallergic drugs for oral administration, you should pay attention to two more important circumstances.

Firstly, in addition to antihistamines, there are also preventive drugs. A typical representative of such drugs is Ketotifen.

An atypical overreaction of the immune system to the usual factors of the outside world is called an allergy. The allergen, when it first enters the body, forces the immune system to produce antibodies - protection from the enemy. Upon repeated contact, a meeting of a “foreign” substance (antigen) with antibodies occurs. This is how an allergic reaction occurs, which is awakened by allergy mediators - histamine, serotonin. Allergens can come into contact with the body in various ways - contact with the skin, with mucous membranes, and ingestion into the gastrointestinal tract.

Respiratory allergies are the most common. That is, the antigen provokes an allergic response from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Features, causes and manifestations of respiratory allergies

Its specificity is that the mucous surface of the respiratory tract comes into contact with almost all groups of allergens (both food and contact allergens come into contact with the oral and pharyngeal mucosa). A feature is the transience of the resulting reaction. The response develops within minutes or hours after contact with the provocateur.

Aeroallergens are called microscopic particles of antigenic substances that are in the air and provoke such an immune response. They enter the body by inhalation of air. The smallest concentrations of pathogens of the immune response in it can cause sensitization. Such substances can be encountered in completely different conditions - at home, shop, school, street, forest, sea and other places.

Aeroallergens:

• plant pollen;
• mold;
• and dust mites;
• bed bug;
• wool, skin particles;
• household chemicals;
• building materials;
• chemical substances.

The provocateurs of such a reaction are the following factors:

• seasonal;
• household;
• chemical;
• infectious.

The peak of sensitization falls on the spring-summer time. During this period, the air is most saturated with allergenic substances. But the nature of the course of pathology can be year-round.

Risk factors

There are a lot of circumstances that contribute to the occurrence of a respiratory form of allergy. They can have both a complex effect on the body, and act as a single cause.

Factors provoking specific immune responses:

1. Hereditary. If one of the next of kin has an allergy, then the child will inherit this predisposition in 50% of cases.
2. Ecological - unfavorable environment. Every year the atmosphere is polluted, the air is saturated with allergens, the human body is weakening. Constant exposure to antigens, especially on a child's body, increases the chances of getting sensitization.
3. Harmful working conditions - constant contact with allergens.
4. Decreased protective functions of immunity against the background of diseases: regular exacerbations of chronic diseases, acute infectious pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, SARS. In moments of illness, the body is most vulnerable.
5. Wrong behavior of parents - untimely introduction of a new product to a child, premature termination of breastfeeding
6. Taking medications, in particular antibiotic therapy. Certain medicines may not be right for a particular person on an individual basis.
7. Incorrect selection of cosmetics, household chemicals.
8. Immaturity of the body (applies exclusively to children). An immune system that is not yet fully formed may react incorrectly, with growing up the problem may disappear on its own.
9. Emotional stress.
10. Bad habits, especially smoking. The child's body can act as a passive smoker - this is an extremely dangerous role for the baby.

Symptoms

Many parents confuse respiratory allergies with colds. Indeed, the symptoms are very similar. The doctor must differentiate the disease.

With respiratory allergies, there is a runny nose or cough, but there are no signs of general toxicosis. The child behaves actively, body temperature is within the normal range, there is a good appetite. A distinctive feature of an allergic manifestation is the almost instantaneous development of symptoms after contact with the allergen and its rapid disappearance after the elimination of the antigen. For example, they came to visit - stuffy nose, coughing, and returned home - the symptoms disappeared in a short period of time.

The signs that have arisen indicate that contact with the allergen has occurred recently. It is necessary to analyze all the events that occur before the onset of symptoms. This will help identify the allergen.

It is worth paying attention to the season. Pollen reactions occur in spring or summer, rarely in autumn. Colds appear regardless of the season. At this time, the mucous membranes of the eyes may also be affected. Sometimes this happens with colds, but if there is no deterioration in the general condition, then it is most likely an allergy.

A separate immunological respiratory reaction is characterized by the following manifestations:

• nasal congestion;
• sneezing
• flow from the nose and eyes;
• cough;
• irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose;
• redness and swelling of the mucous membranes;
• wheezing.

In most cases, not the entire respiratory system reacts to the "enemy", but its certain area - the sinuses, nose, larynx, bronchi, trachea. An allergic process occurs on a more sensitive area. Basically, there are several signs that indicate a specific type of disease.

In children, the symptoms are more pronounced, manifestations occur and spread much faster than in adults. Similar conditions can also occur in infants - these are deadly situations that require immediate medical attention.

Diagnostics

When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor - therapist (pediatrician), allergist, ENT. Diagnostic measures may be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

According to the results, the doctor prescribes treatment. First of all, it is necessary to exclude contact with the allergen. Further, complex treatment is required, which will eliminate the symptoms:

• antihistamines: Tavegil, Tsetrin, Edem, Loratadin, Fenistil (from the first month), Zodak (0+), Zirtek (from 6 months);
• hormonal agents: Hydrocartisone, Prednisolone, Advantin, Sinaflan;
• enterosorbents: Smecta (0+), Polysorb (0+), white coal, activated carbon, Laktofiltrum, Enterosgel (0+);
• eye preparations: Cromohexal (from 4 years old), Lekrolin, Opatanol;
• means for eliminating rhinosymptoms: Vibrocil (1+), Cromosol, Nazaval, Nasonex, Nazarel, Allergol, Aqualor, Merimer, Aquamaris (0+), Nazl baby (1+).

Drug treatment can be supplemented with traditional medicine recipes, but before using them, you must obtain the approval of the attending physician.

You can use drops with aloe juice, they will help facilitate nasal breathing and strengthen the immune system. Infusions of chamomile and string herbs will relieve inflammation, it is recommended to take a decoction three times a day before meals. Burdock root and dandelion will remove all toxins and allergens from the body. Hyssop and licorice root will speed up the withdrawal of sputum.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is used only if all causative sources are clearly established. It is the introduction of an allergen with a gradual increase in dose in the following ways:

• subcutaneous injections;
• drops, tablets under the tongue;
• injection into the nasal cavity;
• inhalation.

A similar procedure is carried out within the walls of the hospital under the strict supervision of the medical staff. It is forbidden to people who have suffered anaphylaxis. Children under five years of age and adults over 60 are not treated like this, since the immune system is difficult to correct at this age. The danger of the technique lies in the unforeseen reaction of the body. A negative response during treatment can lead to serious complications.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing respiratory allergies, it is necessary to reduce the number of possible allergens. For this, the following rules must be observed:

1. Maintain a hypoallergenic lifestyle.
2. Regularly carry out wet cleaning of the room.
3. Replace all powdered household chemicals with gel and paste.
4. Remove all kinds of dust collectors from the house - carpets, soft toys.
5. Replace all down (feather) pillows, mattresses, blankets with accessories with synthetic filler. It is important to choose a material that can be washed at 50°C.
6. Avoid wearing fur.
7. Constantly ventilate the room.
8. Use humidifiers and air purifiers.
9. Install an air conditioner or cover windows with damp gauze folded in several layers. This will reduce the chance of penetration of pollen components into the apartment.
10. Do not use fragrances.
11. Choosing the right cosmetics
12. Wear protective masks and goggles when working in hazardous industries.
13. Avoid contact with animals and birds.
14. Spend more time in favorable environmental conditions.
15. Minimize stress.
16. Eliminate bad habits, in particular smoking.
17. Minimize being outside during the period of rapid flowering.
18. Observe the regime of work and rest.
19. Timely treat emerging pathologies of the body.
20. Do not self-medicate.

respiratory allergy

Allergic reactions are caused by allergens. A particularly severe form of an allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock, which often occurs upon contact with food allergens, drugs, or insect bites. Allergy symptoms can also occur due to the inhalation of allergens. These are substances that are in the air, in particular: grass and tree pollen, waste products of dust mites, mold spores and particles of the epidermis and pet hair. Although inhaled allergens do not cause anaphylactic shock, they can cause many distressing respiratory symptoms.

Allergy symptoms in asthma patients

Most common manifestations of respiratory allergies these are: allergic rhinitis, as well as bronchial asthma. However, it should be remembered that such symptoms may occur in the course of diseases caused by a cause other than allergies. Therefore, a thorough diagnosis by a specialist doctor plays an important role.

To respiratory allergy symptoms relate:

• watery nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing;
• dry, tedious cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath;
• watery, itchy, and inflamed eyes;
• headache, inflammation of the sinuses;
• sleep problems;
• difficulty concentrating, feeling irritated and tired.

Symptoms of an allergy to plant pollen appear only at certain times of the year, that is, during the period of pollen formation of this plant. In turn, in the case of household allergens, allergy symptoms can accompany the whole year, becoming more active in the winter. Asthma patients' allergy symptoms may improve with climate change or in places that are very warm and dry or very cold.

The main causes of respiratory allergies

Attacks of allergic asthma are very difficult to tolerate by patients.

The allergen that most often stimulates the immune system of an allergic person is the droppings of house dust mites. It is very dry and breaks down into small particles, penetrating with air into the human respiratory tract. Fragments of mite feces accumulate in the recesses of pillows, mattresses, blankets, curtains and carpets.

In many allergy sufferers, allergy symptoms also appear when they come into contact with the hair and particles of the epidermis (skin) of pets. The desquamated cells of the animal enter the body of an allergic person with air and cause symptoms from the respiratory system, itchy eyes and general symptoms. It should be understood that every animal, even devoid of hair, can become a source of allergic reactions.

A common occurrence is an allergy to mold spores. Mold usually appears in damp, warm rooms (bathroom, kitchen), but can develop, for example, in the mattress of a bed. Mold spores sometimes hide under wallpaper or in plant soil. Respiratory Allergy Symptoms caused by mold grow, as a rule, on cloudy days, with high humidity. And in the case of an allergy to plant pollen, allergy symptoms become especially annoying on dry, windy days.

Determining which allergen is causing a reaction in a patient is critical to controlling the disease by limiting exposure to that substance.

respiratory allergy

Respiration is a very important process for the body as a whole, since disturbances in its work impair heat transfer and lead to a decrease in protective and immune functions. Respiratory allergies are one of the most common diseases of the respiratory system.

The first manifestations of respiratory allergies most often occur in childhood. However, such an allergy can be detected for the first time in an adult, for example, as a consequence of one of the past diseases of the respiratory system.

Due to the similarity of symptoms, the respiratory immune response is often mistaken for other inflammatory diseases: rhinitis, bronchitis, etc.

Respiratory allergies and their causes

The disease occurs when an allergen enters the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Allergens that cause a respiratory immune response are microscopic in size. They are in the air, getting into the body when you inhale. Therefore, they are called aeroallergens.

Even in small amounts, they can cause a response in a person prone to hypersensitivity.

Aeroallergens can easily enter the body both at home and in public places, while walking, on vacation outside the city. Examples of aeroallergens are:

• pollen and fungal spores;
• dust mite;
• song;
• animal hair or dander;
• household chemicals;
• aromatics;
• building materials.

Depending on the cause of occurrence, the following types of respiratory allergic reactions are distinguished:

The disease is exacerbated in the spring-summer period, because. it is during these seasons that a large amount of pollen and odors are in the air.

Common diseases of the respiratory allergic type are:

A feature of respiratory allergy is the transience of the development of the disease after the allergen enters the body (from several minutes to a couple of hours). Manifestations of such an immune reaction are similar to a cold.

But unlike acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, the patient's general condition is normal, there is no headache, fever is not observed, appetite and activity do not worsen.

Respiratory allergies include the following symptoms:

• sneezing
• cough;
• nasal congestion;
• irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat;
• redness, burning and tearing of the eyes;
• wheezing in the lungs;
• swelling of the throat and eyelids.

As a rule, the patient has 1-2 of the listed symptoms. Based on these signs, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the nature of the allergic disease.

allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic inflammation of the outer layer of the eye. The causes of allergic conjunctivitis are often dust mites that live in feather pillows, mattresses, etc.

The presence of an aquarium in the house can also cause the disease, because. the chitinous cover of daphnia crustaceans, which are used as food for fish, is very strong allergen. Mold spores, animal hair and dander, feathers, bird droppings, pollen, and plant particles can also cause allergic-type conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

About 15% of the population suffer from this disease. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs as a concomitant reaction in many systemic immunological disorders. The disease often occurs with allergic bronchitis and rhinitis, atopic dermatitis.

allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa of the allergic type.

The disease is seasonal and is caused by pollen. This seasonal allergic rhinitis is called hay fever. Often hay fever is accompanied by allergic conjunctivitis.

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• runny nose;
• nasal congestion;
• sneezing
• increased lacrimation;
• swelling of the eyelids.

Allergic laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx of an allergic type is called allergic laryngitis.

Polluted, gassed air in industrial areas, chemical emissions from factories, exhaust gases can cause the development of the disease.

The characteristic symptoms are:

The most common comorbidities are allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma.

asthmatic bronchitis

Allergic bronchitis (asthmatic) - inflammation of the bronchial mucosa of an allergic type. Allergens that we encounter in everyday life (dust, wool, animal dander, pollen or spores) can provoke the development of the disease.

Asthmatic bronchitis can occur after contact with viral and bacterial allergens (staphylococcus aureus). Often such bronchitis occurs against the background of SARS.

With the disease, the following symptoms appear:

In 10-15% of cases, advanced asthmatic bronchitis develops into bronchial asthma.

Allergic alveolitis

An inflammatory process of an allergic type that occurs in the alveoli of the lungs is called allergic alveolitis. A common cause of occurrence is the presence of bird protein contained in the litter.

There are also vegetable (sawdust, pollen) and animal allergens (woolen dust).

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

Treatment and prevention of respiratory allergies

The first thing to do is to avoid contact with the allergen. In the treatment, antihistamines are used, which contribute to the rapid removal of antigens from the body and the restoration of the immune system. In addition to them, local treatment of the respiratory tract mucosa is used. Antihistamines include:

• antiallergic drugs 1-3 generations;
• corticosteroid drugs;
• preparations for local treatment: sprays, drops, ointments.

The drug is selected individually, based on factors such as the severity of the disease, the age of the patient. Allergy treatment necessarily includes strengthening the body's immunity.

In order to reduce the risk of allergies, it is enough to reduce the number of potential allergens and follow simple rules:

• regularly vacuum, carry out wet cleaning in the room;
• remove possible sources of dust mites: remove carpets, replace feather pillows with pillows with synthetic filling;
• do not keep pets and indoor plants;
• do not use clothes and shoes containing animal hair and fur;
• Do not smoke;
• do not use aromatic substances, perfumes and air fresheners;
• avoid excessive humidity in the room;
• ventilate the room;
• do not go out into nature during the flowering season of plants;
• install an air conditioner or air filter in the room;
• wear goggles outdoors.

What to do if the allergy does not go away?

You are tormented by sneezing, coughing, itching, rashes and redness of the skin, or maybe your allergies are even more serious. And the isolation of the allergen is unpleasant or even impossible.

In addition, allergies lead to diseases such as asthma, urticaria, dermatitis. And the recommended medicines for some reason are not effective in your case and do not fight the cause in any way ...

Differences between immediate and delayed type allergies.

Symptoms and treatment of cumulative allergies.

What foods are contraindicated for use with this allergy.

What are the symptoms of such a disease and how to cure it.

Allergy symptoms in adults

Alveolitis after tooth extraction

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

An allergy is a condition of the body when the body gives an atypical reaction and is active in relation to the usual external factors.
Describing the process of formation of respiratory allergies is not so simple. If we put it in a simplified form, it turns out that any substance in the food that came into contact with the skin or is present in the air was perceived by the human body as a danger.

Respiratory allergy is the most common type of allergic reaction and affects a large number of allergy sufferers. Small substances that are in the air lead to it. Most often, plant pollen, dust, pet hair, book dust, and cigarette smoke lead to such a reaction. It is clear that we have to deal with all these substances on a daily basis. If a person has a weak immune system, he has a genetic predisposition to allergies, which means that most likely he will soon show the first symptoms.

Symptoms of respiratory allergic reactions

All the symptoms that accompany respiratory allergies concern the eyes and respiratory organs. The eyes begin to redden, itching appears in the nose, a runny nose, a dry cough occurs, the throat begins to tickle, and it becomes difficult to breathe.
But if you use the language of medical terms, then each symptom will have its own name. Let's talk about allergic conjunctivitis first. This is when the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes inflamed. Along with this, lacrimation begins, eyelids swell, eyes itch, fear of light appears. As a rule, these symptoms appear in combination with others.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects approximately 15% of the world's population. So this problem is still relevant today.

Getting rid of allergic conjunctivitis is easy. First you need to protect yourself from contact with the substance that led to such a reaction. Next, be prepared to use special eye drops, plus antihistamines. As soon as you eliminate the causative agent of the allergy, the inflammation will decrease.
The next most common symptom is allergic rhinitis. It can also be found often, somewhere in 10% of children. The disease is more favorable towards adults and is less common among them. Its symptoms include itching, sneezing, runny nose and stuffy nose. If we talk about treatment, then the tactics are the same as in the previously described case - eliminate the cause, use nasal sprays, plus antihistamines.
Now let's talk about allergic laryngitis. There is a hoarseness of voice or, in severe cases, its loss. Treatment may be more difficult. It also tickles and itches the throat, plus a cough that is not eliminated by syrups or tablets. Again, the first step is to find out what led to such a reaction and minimize contact with this substance. Tablets are prescribed directly by the doctor who selects the treatment. Individual treatment is selected for each, depending on the characteristics of the patient.
Asthma also belongs to the category of respiratory allergies. Rather, it is already a consequence of the allergy itself. When the systematic inhalation of an allergen leads to difficulty breathing, asthma attacks can sometimes occur. And they can be so strong that you can’t do without bronchodilators. And here it is necessary to actively fight the disease.

We have considered almost all the symptoms with the exception of allergic alveolitis. The danger of this disease is given by inflammatory processes that are localized in the alveoli. Most often, it affects those people who, due to their profession, are forced to deal with respiratory allergens. Sometimes, in order to cope with the disease, one has to take drastic measures, it even comes to changing the type of activity. In addition, the treatment will take a very long period.

How is an allergy different from a cold?

Many parents are wondering how to distinguish a respiratory allergy from a common cold, yet the symptoms are almost the same.
How to understand what exactly worries children? Show more attention to the condition of the child and conduct an analysis.

For example, a respiratory allergy is accompanied by a runny nose and cough, but in general the condition remains the same: the children are active, they feel satisfactory, their appetite is normal, the temperature is stable.
It also happens that the symptoms appear unexpectedly during the interaction with the allergen and then abruptly disappear. For example, the children were walking and began to cough, they developed a runny nose. But when you return home, everything goes away.
If it seems to you that the child has an allergy, then you should consult a doctor to establish a diagnosis, determine the allergen and prescribe treatment.
How should a person who is prone to respiratory allergies behave?
It is clear that the most important recommendation when showing symptoms of a respiratory allergy is to limit your contact with the allergen.
It is necessary to free your living space, as far as possible, from carpets, textile curtains, feather pillows and mattresses, and soft toys. You need to do a wet cleaning every once in a while. Do not have pets, do not use perfume with a pungent odor. Refrain from smoking as well as alcohol.

Allergy symptoms in children

If you take children, then their reaction to the allergen is expressed as a rash or redness on the skin. If the allergen has come into contact with a specific area of ​​the skin, then it is in that place that red bumps will begin to appear, which look like insect bites. In the case of food allergies, the rash can appear anywhere.
In addition, symptoms in children include stuffy nose and watery eyes. Some children who have sinus problems develop a cough due to the throat becoming inflamed.
Children who suffer from allergies need more time to sleep.
Children between the ages of two and four are most susceptible to respiratory allergies. At this time there is a transition from breastfeeding to other foods, and this is certainly one of the reasons.
In general, children can observe the following forms of respiratory allergies:

allergic laryngitis, in which there is swelling of the larynx, hoarseness of voice;

allergic tracheitis, which is accompanied by cough, redness of the face and vomiting;

allergic bronchitis;

allergic pneumonia;

allergic rhinitis, along with which comes difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing, headache.

Treatment of respiratory allergies in children

The most important thing in this matter is to protect the child to the maximum from contact with the cause of the allergy. The condition of the baby will immediately become easier. Of course, this alone will not be enough. Requires medical intervention. The drugs are prescribed by a pediatric allergist.
If there is no way to limit contact with the substance that causes allergies, then you will have to inject the allergen under the skin. In medical parlance, this is called immunotherapy. Some children have high sensitivity to allergens. If the procedures did not aggravate the condition and well-being of the child is normal, then immunotherapy can be continued with an increase in the amount of the allergen. It happens that the treatment can take several years.
There is also such a method of treatment as therapeutic exercises. With its help, the body is easier to resist the disease. Physiotherapy exercises will be prescribed by the doctor.