Healthy Inspirations
Can Allergies be Cured?
Tue, 30 Jan 2024Allergy occurs when the body's immune system improperly responds to substances that are actually harmless. These substances that can trigger allergies are known as allergens. There are several risk factors for the development of allergies, such as a family history of allergies, environmental factors, or exposure to allergens. It's known that reduced or overly hygienic exposure can increase the risk of allergies in patients. Therefore, the post-pandemic conditions, which have involved reduced outdoor activities and, consequently, reduced exposure to environmental allergens, are seen as a potential risk factor for allergies.
Allergens can enter the body through various routes, such as inhalation, skin contact, ingestion through food, or direct injection into the bloodstream (e.g., through injections). Allergic reactions can vary from mild symptoms like redness, itching, and sneezing to more severe ones, such as breathing difficulties and low blood pressure.
There are various tests available to detect substances that trigger allergic reactions, including skin tests, blood tests, and provocation tests. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages, whether with or without the need to discontinue regular allergy medications. Therefore, discussions between patients and doctors are crucial in determining the necessary allergy tests for each patient.
As of now, allergies cannot be completely cured; they can only be controlled by managing their triggers in the hope of reducing recurrences. Aside from avoiding allergens, another approach to reducing allergic reactions is desensitization. This involves gradually exposing the patient to small doses of allergens in order to train the patient's immune system. Desensitization is typically performed on patients allergic to medications with no alternative options, allowing them to safely consume the medication without experiencing allergic reactions.