Mould
Pollen
Dust mites
Animal fur
Bee/wasp sting
Peanuts
Eggs
Latex
Penicillin

What do you think the list above represents? Can you take a wild guess?

You are probably confused because you’re seeing peanuts and eggs in the list as well, lol.

Want to try? The answer is already in the title

Yes, we’re talking about ALLERGIC REACTIONS and those are potential ALLERGENS.

An allergic reaction is the immune system’s response to anything it considers foreign but doesn’t cause this reaction in most people. Food is inclusive as well. Allergic reactions are not episodes to be worried about although the outcomes may be uncomfortable, but they are usually harmless except for a few occasions that can be severe and need medical attention like difficulty in breathing and anaphylaxis which is a response that involves many systems in the body simultaneously.

Allergens in simple terms are triggers or substances that expose you into having an allergic reaction and they are never constant; some are just periodic. Most children who experience allergic reactions outgrow them by the time they are teenagers or on their way to early adulthood and adults too can develop allergic reactions regardless of their age.

In most cases, allergic reactions do not need treatment as they go away on their own once triggers have been identified.

So, does having an allergic reaction mean my immune system is weak?

If the immune system’s duty is to offer protection, so why does it react?

These are some questions that pop-up when allergies are involved.

Actually NO! Your immune system isn’t weak neither is it malfunctioning. Having your immune system react to foreign substances means that it is working on top of the game to keep you protected but sometimes it can do it in extreme ways, hence the allergic reaction.

Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions

• Runny or itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Red, watery and itchy eyes
• Rash with red raised patches known as hives
• Rash (skin reactions)
• Stomach upset
• Difficulty in breathing or blocked airways
• Large area of swelling if it was a sting
• Anaphylaxis (potentially life threatening)

 

How do I avoid allergic reactions? Preventive Measures

1. Know the triggers: Discovering what has caused the allergic reaction will help you avoid them and prevent possible future reactions.
2. Stay away from triggers: This may be difficult especially if it has to do with some substances that may be seasonal, or you interact with every day like pollen in springtime but as much as possible stay away. May look for an alternative route that doesn’t have followers or probably talk to your family member if it has to do with their perfume.
3. Keep a record: Trying to identify possible allergens may be very difficult sometimes as you’re not so sure what could’ve it especially if it’s a recent occurrence. You could keep record using a small diary to note things you’ve recently tasted or places you been around so as to spot the potential allergen.
4. Dust your home often: Dust mites are one of the biggest allergy triggers and they thrive more in places where there’s a lot of dust build up, so try and dust your home as often as possible to avoid accommodating them.
5. Take dietary supplements: These are called probiotics. They are healthy bacteria and yeast that help sustain your immune system.

Remember allergies are not a form of illnesses and neither do they mean your immune system isn’t function; they are just reminders to be cautious of the things we eat or have around us that may potentially trigger the immune system to react.

Oh, how I wish the immune system could react this way when we take unhealthy foods or engage in practices that affect our well-being, so that people can ultimately live healthy lives. Hahahahaha……

Stay safe, Stay healthy.

Written By:
Rebecca Adeleke-Adesanmi, BSc. Nur., MA, Healthcare Mgt.
Health & Wellness Advocate.

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