5 Steps to Combat Asthma and Allergies

75 Pages·2011·2.24 MB·English

by  Dr. Anjali Arora

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5 Steps to Combat
Asthma and Allergies
© 2010, Dr. Anjali Arora
[email protected]
ISBN 978-81-207-4920-7
E-ISBN 978-81-207-9042-1

The author wishes to thank all academicians, scientists and writers who have
been a source of inspiration.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk,
whatsoever, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly
or indirectly of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

All rights are reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording
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Printed and Published by Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi-110020.
Contents
1. Allergy: Type and Treatment
2. Histamine and Histamine Releasing Foods
3. Insect Allergy and Anaphylaxis
4. Drug Allergy: An Overview
5. Asthma: Its Management and Treatment
Myths and Fact File
Find out the level of your awareness about allergy and asthma.
1. If a rash appears and disappears over a period of time a. It may be chicken
pox b. Rash
c. It may be prickly heat
2. You are allergic to hair dye
a. There is no itching after application b. There is itching behind ears and nape
of neck after 24 hours of application c. There is itching after two months of
application 3. Continuous coughing in an asthmatic throughout the day
and night can lead to a. Whooping cough b. Status asthmaticus c. Allergy
4. Air pollution can be due the presence of one of the following gases a.
Oxygen
b. Nitrous oxide
c. Manganese oxide Answer the above questionnaire and the more you answer
(b), the more knowledgeable you are about this problem.

1 Allergy: Type and Treatment
Anything which enters the body is foreign to it. The list is endless starting from
your food, drinks to cosmetics and even medication.
The immune system deals with these foreign substances continuously. It is
only when an “allergic substance” comes in contact with the body that it reacts
to suppress or eliminate it. This allergic reaction may be in the form of mucous
secretion, itching, or eruption. The foreign substances activate the immune
system in order to fight and protect the body.
An immune system which is deficient provides a lower defense mechanism
than required. On the other hand, a hypersensitive reaction occurs when the body
overreacts to certain substances.
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system. It is also called atopy. Allergic
reactions can occur due to the presence of certain substances known as allergens.
Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma and food
allergies. Reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are
also allergic in nature.
All over the world mild allergies like hay fever, conjunctivitis, itching and a
running nose are highly prevalent among human beings. Similarly, conditions
such as asthma are common. In an asthmatic attack, the body reacts by releasing
mucous. It also causes constriction which can be between a gentle wheeze and a
tight feeling which can make breathing very difficult. Asthma can often be
accompanied with other problems like eczema. In some people, severe allergies
to dietary allergens, environment or medication may result in lifethreatening
anaphylactic reactions.
Antibodies, Antigens and Immunoglobins
Antibodies
are found in the blood serum and are produced against foreign bodies (virus,
bacteria).
Antigen
is a substance that causes the production of antibodies which act against the
allergen.
Immunoglobins
is a scientific term for antibodies.
Immunoglobins are divided into five groups
IgE or Immunoglobulin E is the antibody responsible for allergic reactions.
Ig is the first to appear during an immune response but remains for a short
period.
IgA is concerned with protection in the gut or mucosal surfaces. It is only
present in a small quantity. It is also available in sweat, saliva and tears.
IgG is the largest amount of antibody found in the body. It is present in response
to the presence of bacteria or virus. It also helps in blocking IgE from triggering
an allergic response.
IgD responds against food antigens.
Allergic Reaction
Type I – immediate or anaphylactic. This involves the presence of IgE
immunoglobulin and the release of powerful chemicals from the cells of the
body. It is present in diseases like asthma and hay fever.
Allergies Which Commonly Occur
Urticaria
It is also known as hives or nettle rash. The rash becomes worse on scratching.
In urticaria the rash can appear anywhere on the body. The rash appears as welts.
The welts come in groups – big or small. The welts which spread over a large
area of the body are referred to as “giant urticaria”. Angioedema is the twin
condition of urticaria. It does not itch but has more complications and
disfiguring. Both these conditions may occur in individuals who appear to have
no other allergies.
Causes of urticaria:–
Certain foods e.g. fish, shellfish, peanuts and eggs
Food additives like azo dyes, benzoates (preservation used in manufacture of
foods).
Salicylates : Aspirin can also be a cause of an allergic reaction resulting in
urticaria.
The skin lesions caused in urticaria are due to the inflammatory reaction in the
skin. The leakage of capillaries in the dermis, a layer of the skin results in
oedema (swelling of the area).
Common types of urticaria:–