What is Allergy? Types, cause and symptoms.

 Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkatuhu, I hope you are well. The topic that I will discuss briefly today is-

What is Allergy? Types, cause and symptoms.

**Allergy** is an immune system reaction to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless to most people but trigger an abnormal response in some. These substances can be inhaled, ingested, touched, or injected into the body, leading to a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

### **Types of Allergies:**

1. **Respiratory Allergies** (e.g., hay fever or allergic rhinitis)

   - Triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

2. **Food Allergies**

   - Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, and milk.

3. **Skin Allergies** (e.g., eczema, hives, or contact dermatitis)

   - Caused by contact with allergens like certain chemicals, plants (like poison ivy), or insect bites.

4. **Drug Allergies**

   - Allergic reactions to medications such as penicillin, aspirin, or sulfa drugs.

5. **Insect Allergies**

   - Reactions to stings from bees, wasps, or ants.

6. **Latex Allergy**

   - Sensitivity to latex products, such as gloves or balloons.

### **Causes of Allergies:**

1. **Genetics**: Allergies often run in families, with individuals inheriting a predisposition to develop allergies.

2. **Environmental Exposure**: Frequent exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander can trigger an allergic reaction.

3. **Immune System Sensitivity**: In people with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats and overreacts.

### **Common Symptoms of Allergies:**

- **Respiratory Symptoms**: Sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and wheezing.

- **Skin Symptoms**: Redness, itching, swelling, hives, or eczema.

- **Digestive Symptoms**: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea (especially in food allergies).

- **Severe Reactions**: Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction) can occur in severe allergies, causing difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure.

### **Allergic Reactions Severity:**

- **Mild**: Sneezing, itching, rashes.

- **Moderate**: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and swelling.

- **Severe**: Anaphylaxis, requiring immediate medical attention.

If you suspect you have an allergy, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.