Allergy is a Greek word meaning ‘different work or different reaction’ and is used to describe medically unexpected “hypersensitivity reactions”. That is, it defines the reaction of the body to some substances that we do not expect to react under normal conditions. Although allergic diseases seem to concern a single organ or system as a symptom, a systemic disease actually concerns the whole body. These diseases; It affects many systems and organs such as eyes, skin, respiratory and digestive systems. In general, allergic complaints; Features such as location, season (seasonal, year-round), relationship with environmental factors, and similar allergic complaints (atopic body) in other family members are also important. If we briefly summarize the allergic diseases and their findings under headings;
1. Allergic rhinitis (= hay fever)
2. Allergic conjunctivitis (=eye allergy)
3. Allergic asthma
4. Atopic dermatitis (=skin allergy)
5. Urticaria (hives) – angioedema
6. Allergic gastroenteropathy (=allergies involving the gastrointestinal tract)
7. Anaphylaxis
8. Drug allergy
9. Insect allergies Allergic rhinitis; It is the most common allergic disease.
It also has names such as hay fever, spring allergy, nasal allergy. There are signs of sneezing, runny nose (such as water), itching in the nose and nasal congestion, at least two of which last more than one hour a day. This disease can be specific to the spring seasons depending on pollen, or it can last all year due to house dust mites (mite) or animal allergens. The disease is generally seen together with allergic conjunctivitis and/or sinusitis and sometimes allergic asthma. allergic conjunctivitis; It progresses with itching, redness and watering in the eyes, and as mentioned before, it can often be seen together with allergic rhinitis. It is mostly seen seasonally due to pollen. allergic asthma; The most common allergic diseases in the clinic are allergic diseases of the respiratory tract. Hay fever and asthma can be seen together or as separate diseases. It should be noted that the majority of patients with hay fever may develop asthma. The development of cough, wheezing and shortness of breath along with hay fever complaints in these patients should suggest asthma. Asthma is one of the most serious allergic diseases of the respiratory tract. Although it generally occurs in people with year-round allergic rhinitis, it may also accompany seasonal allergic rhinitis. It can also be seen alone, although to a lesser extent, without any form of rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis. As with all allergic diseases, complaints begin after contact with the allergen. Urticaria; Itching on the body appears as raised, itchy, red lesions on the skin. It is mostly short-lived (less than 6 weeks) and this condition is called acute urticaria. Foods and drugs are the most common allergens for acute urticaria.
If the complaints last longer than 6 weeks, then chronic urticaria is mentioned. In these patients, other diseases rather than allergic causes cause this situation. In this case, many causes should be screened, from rheumatic diseases to hidden infectious diseases. Anaphylaxis; It is a condition that occurs very soon after the allergen is taken and unfortunately can have dramatic results. Drugs, foods and allergens such as bee venom are the most common causes. Findings such as boredom, itching on the palms and soles, widespread itching, low blood pressure and shock, swelling in the trachea and shortness of breath develop very suddenly and require the patient to go to a health institution as soon as possible.
Allergic skin diseases; Atopic dermatitis, which presents as itching, scaling, color changes, and thickening of the skin, is an important allergic disease due to its frequent occurrence and the fact that this condition, which starts in childhood, is a precursor to diseases such as hay fever and asthma in the future. The second important allergic disease of the skin is urticaria. As mentioned above, urticaria can occur in two forms, acute and chronic. It appears as round or oval, white or red bumps. Lesions can range from a few millimeters to a few inches in size. Urticarial lesions usually disappear within 24 hours. If it stays in the same place for more than 24 hours, different diagnoses such as vasculitis should be considered.
Angioedema appears as swelling in areas where the subcutaneous soft tissue is looser, such as the eyelids and lips. In areas of swelling, there is more mild pain rather than itching and is typically asymmetrical. Skin allergies through contact constitute another type. Depending on many reasons such as various drugs, metals, make-up materials, raised, itchy, red lesions develop from the skin, usually after a 24-48 hour waiting period. In this case, which is defined as late-type hypersensitivity, it is essential for the patient to stay away from the allergen.
Allergic diseases of the digestive system Food-related allergies may also present with lesions in or around the mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal discharge, skin swelling, redness, asthma. In this case, patients can generally distinguish the food that touches them. The basic solution is not to take any food containing this food. insect allergies; Although it is a situation that can occur with many insect venom, the most common one is allergic reactions that occur with a bee sting. The reaction can sometimes lead to anaphylaxis, which unfortunately can lead to death. In such cases, allergy vaccination (allergen immunotherapy), which is applied in some other allergic diseases as well as general prevention methods, produces life-saving and satisfactory results.
Wishing You Healthy Days…
Prof. Dr. Cengiz KIRMAZ
