Allergy is a sharp immune reaction of the body to the most common substances (foods, animal fur, plants, medications, insect bites, etc.). These substances are called allergens.
Causes
Allergy occurs when a person comes into contact with provoking substances. In this case, the immune system produces a substance - histamine, causing allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of Allergy
The allergic reaction of the body manifests in various symptoms in different areas of the body. This includes skin reactions (hives and eczema), gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), upper respiratory reactions (asthma), eye inflammation, and joint pain. In more severe forms of allergy, symptoms include difficulty breathing, seizures, vascular damage, dizziness, tachycardia, cold sweat, stomach cramps, and anaphylactic shock. If timely assistance is not provided in such manifestations of allergy, the patient may die.
Diagnosis of Allergy in Israel
In Israel, to detect allergies, an allergist conducts a comprehensive set of activities. First, they determine the patient's household living conditions. Next, the patient undergoes skin tests for allergens, which allow for the determination of the body's reaction to certain substances. A related test to skin tests (from which the doctor receives the same information) is an antibody analysis (IgE and E). If there is still uncertainty after the first two tests regarding which substance is causing the allergy, the doctor may prescribe provocative testing (the patient receives a small dose of the allergen, after which the immune reaction is studied). The elimination test is a method of excluding a specific allergen from the patient's environment.
Treatment of Allergy in Israel
Getting rid of allergies is not easy and sometimes impossible. In Israel, the necessary treatment will be prescribed by an allergist. Most often, hormonal and antihistamine medications are used in the fight against allergies, as well as accompanying medications that help alleviate symptoms. Hormonal therapy has many side effects. Alongside medication treatment, it is advisable to completely exclude or minimize interaction with the substance causing the allergy whenever possible.
Prevention
Preventive measures involve avoiding contact with allergens. Additionally, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and practice hardening.