INDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MANGAF, KUWAIT

2023-2024

BIOLOGY PROJECT
“ALLERGIES”

K.J. Noel Raj

Class: XII-A
Roll No:15

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INDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANGAF, KUWAIT
Bonafide Certificate

This is to certify that this Biology Project work has

been successfully completed and executed by Master

Kammara Jesudas Noel Raj

Student of class XII-A
Under the supervision of Mrs. Sujatha
Biology teacher
_____________ _________________
Date of Submission TEACHER-IN-CHARGE

SUBMITTED FOR ALL INDIA SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE

EXAMINATION(AISSCE) IN BIOLOGY AT INDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
KUWAIT.

___________________ ________________________
PRINCIPAL EXTERNAL EXAMINER

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my gratitude to God almighty who gifted

me this knowledge and guided me on the
right path and helped me concentrate and acquire the
appropriate information required to complete this
project. I would also like to express my special thanks to my
respected biology teacher Mrs. Sujatha who guided me to
choose an appropriate topic for this project and also for giving
her valuable time and guidance to complete this
project on time. I am also grateful to my parents who have not
only helped me reach here but have
supported me from the beginning and friends who
helped me a lot in the research work and finalizing this project
within the given time frame.

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 DECLARATION

I, Kammara Jesudas Noel Raj of Class

XII-A, do hereby declare that the submitted project on
‘ALLERGIES’
Is the original project was done by me under the guidance
and supervision of my respected biology teacher Mrs.
Sujatha.

INDEX
TOPICS PAGE NO

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1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3
2. DECLARATION 4
3. INDEX 5
4. INTRODUCTION 6
5. TYPES OF ALLERGIES 7
6. SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES 13
7. TREATMENTS FOR ALLERGIES 17
8. DIAGNOSIS 19
9. PREVENTION OF ALLERGIES 21
10. COMPLICATIONS OF ALLERGIES 22
11.WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR? 24
12.CONCLUSION 25
13.BIBLIOGRAPHY 26

INTRODUCTION

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Allergies arise when a person reacts to environmental elements that are
typically safe for most people.

Allergens are substances that cause allergies. Some commonly known

allergens are dust mites, animals, pollen, insects, ticks, mold, food, and
some medications.

Atopy is the genetic predisposition to develop allergic diseases. Atopic

individuals may experience an immune response that results in allergic
inflammation when they are exposed to allergens.

Types of Allergy
Drug Allergy

Drug allergy occurs when the body’s immune system becomes sensitive
to a component of the medication taken. The immune system views the

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allergens as invaders and releases chemicals to protect itself. The
symptoms are similar to other allergic reactions.

Whether a medication is taken as a liquid, pill, or injectable, people with

drug allergies may still experience symptoms. Seeing an allergist is
advisable if a person feels uncertain about the symptoms and knows
which medications to take.

Food Allergy

When the body’s immune system reacts unusually to a particular food, it

is known as a food allergy. Food allergies arise when the immune
system, the body’s line of defense against infection, misinterprets food
proteins as a danger. Allergy symptoms are frequently minor, but they
can also be very dangerous.

Several chemicals are consequently released after consuming an allergic

food. These substances are responsible for allergic reaction symptoms.

Though almost any food can trigger an allergic reaction, certain foods
are the leading causes of food allergies. Gluten allergy is widely noticed
in people.

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The following foods tend to trigger allergic reactions:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Shellfish
• Trees nuts
• Peanuts
• Some fruits and vegetables

Insect Allergy

An abnormal response to insects is known as an insect allergy. It might

be a response to stings, bites, or bug feces inside the house.

The severity of the reactions can range from minor to fatal. The trigger
for the allergic response may be the venom from a sting or fluid from a
bite. The insects can cause reactions at any time of the year. They may
cause asthma to flare up.

Stinging insects that cause allergies:

• Fire ants
• Wasps
• Honeybees

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 • Hornets
• Yellowjackets

Biting insects that cause allergies:

• Mosquitoes
• Blackflies
• Kissing bugs
• Fleas
• Horseflies

Insects sometimes leave behind materials in the home that cause

reactions. They are:

• Caddis flies
• Cockroaches
• Lake flies

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 • Midges

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to particular proteins in latex made

of natural rubber. An immune system response occurs to proteins in
natural rubber latex, a product made from rubber tree fluids.

The symptoms can range from a minor skin rash to shock, which could
be fatal. If a person has a latex allergy, staying away from latex rubber is
advisable.

Antihistamine drugs can ease minor reactions. Emergency care may be

necessary for severe reactions.

Mold Allergy

Mold allergy is an uncharacteristic allergic response to mold spores.

When someone has a mold allergy, their immune system overreacts
when exposed to mold at work, at home, or outside.

Coughs, itchy, watery eyes, and hives are some symptoms. Wheezing
and breathing difficulties are common in asthmatics during mold allergy.

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Avoiding mold exposure is part of the treatment. Asthma management
can be aided by medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and
allergy shots.

Pet Allergy

Proteins in an animal’s dander or dead skin cells are most likely to cause
allergies as they can be shed frequently. Pet dander can trigger an
allergic reaction at any time of year, but it is more prevalent during
winter when people spend more time inside.

Consulting an allergist is best if an individual suspects that they may be

allergic to animals. Dogs are prone to getting into various places, and
their fur tends to collect proteins, dander, and pollen.

Although many breeds, including poodles and Portuguese water dogs,

are claimed as hypoallergenic dogs, evidence from scientific studies
indicates that no dog breeds are truly allergy-free.

Compared to dogs, cats are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Although cat dander allergies are frequently to blame, cats also have
several other allergens in their bodies and saliva. That’s right, cat
allergies can be brought on by the saliva that the cat uses to groom itself
because it contains allergen-causing proteins.

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Pollen Allergy

One of the most common causes of allergies or hay fever is pollen. A

pollen allergy is one of the most prevalent outdoor allergies in the world
because of how widespread it is. Statistically, one in every seven
individuals worldwide has a pollen allergy.

Trees, grasses, and weeds are the primary sources of pollen that cause
allergies.

• Trees: Early flowering species like alder, birch, hazel, and

ash have particularly allergenic pollen. Allergy to birch
pollen is more prevalent.
• Grasses: The Poaceae, also known as grasses, are primarily to
blame for causing allergies to grass pollen.
• Weeds: Ragweed and mugwort are two very allergenic
weeds.

Symptoms of Allergies

Mild allergy symptoms

Watery eyes

When the allergens affect the eyes, eyes tend to burn, becoming red and
watery, making the eyelids swell.

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Runny nose

When an allergen, like pollen or dust, first enters the body, it irritates the
sinus and the lining of the nose. As an allergic reaction, the nose begins
producing a lot of mucus which is cleared through the running nose.

Coughing

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Postnasal drip can develop when an allergen that irritates the nasal lining
enters the body. This runny mucus causes a tickle in the throat, resulting
in coughing as it drips from the nose down the throat.

Rash

Rashes occur when the skin gets in contact with an allergen.

Localized itching

Histamine is a chemical that the body releases as an immune response. It

brings about itching and redness after an insect bite or as an allergic
reaction to pollen, latex, medications, and food. Pollen, mold, animal fur,
or dust mites might cause itchy eyes.

Congestion

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Allergies frequently cause nasal congestion and runny nose as allergens
come in contact with nasal tissues and cause irritation.

Moderate Allergy Symptoms

Widespread itching

Sudden and intense itchiness on the skin is an allergic reaction

postexposure to allergens. A person feels the urge to itch the whole body.
Redness on the skin and hives also accompany this symptom.

Difficulty breathing

Allergies trigger the immune system by producing an excess of

immunoglobulin E, which results in swollen airways. Breathing becomes
difficult with decreased oxygen supply, and wheezing along with
shortness of breath occurs.

Severe Allergy Symptoms

Hives

On exposure to allergens, the body releases histamines, causing itchy

bumps and patches known as hives.

Abdominal pain

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People experiencing allergies frequently have gastrointestinal symptoms
such as abdominal pain.

Cramps

Hives or a rash may appear if histamine is released into the skin. People
experience cramps, diarrhea, or stomach pain if histamine is released
into the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms differ from person to person.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are due to the release of histamines.

Mental confusion or dizziness

Pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, causing

dizziness in a person. Headaches also accompany this.

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 Treatments for Allergies

Medication

Some people choose not to take allergy medications because they believe
their symptoms are not severe. This may lead to issues like ear infections
or sinus problems. It’s better to not take a chance.

A wide variety of prescription and OTC medications are available to

treat allergy symptoms. Here are a few allergy medications,

• Nasal corticosteroids, also known as nasal sprays, reduce

swelling. An itchy, runny, and stuffy nose might result from
swelling. They are the best treatments for nasal allergies.
• Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, which causes
allergic swelling to occur. They can relieve hives, sneezing,
itching, and runny nose. They come as liquids, tablets that
melt in the mouth, pills, or nasal sprays. Antihistamines treat
seasonal and indoor allergies.
• Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamines that
cause allergies. This can treat watery, itchy eyes or a runny,
itchy nose. Mast cell stabilizers come as nasal sprays or eye
drops.
• Decongestant works by constricting swollen nasal
membranes, thereby reducing stuffiness.
• Oral corticosteroids cure extreme allergic reactions and
reduce swelling.
• Corticosteroid ointments work against rashes and itchiness.

Immunotherapy

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This is a preventive therapy for allergic reactions to things like grass
pollens, house dust mites, and bee venom.

Immunotherapy involves giving the patient progressively higher doses of

the substance or allergen they are allergic to.

The immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen through

frequent exposure, most likely due to the production of a blocking
antibody that reduces allergy symptoms when the allergen is re-exposed.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is an allergy shot and is the most

popular and efficient type of allergy immunotherapy.

An alternative method of treating allergies without injections is

sublingual immunotherapy, which is administered under the tongue.

Emergency epinephrine

A combination of emergency medical care and epinephrine injection

treats life-threatening allergic reactions brought on by foods, latex,
medications, insect stings, and other causes.

Diagnosis

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Patch tests

A patch test is done to find the root cause of a potential allergic reaction
on the skin. The allergic reaction is contact dermatitis.

During the patch test, the healthcare professional applies a few drops of
an allergen to the skin on the arm before bandaging the area.
Alternatively, the doctor might apply a patch (bandage) with the
allergen.

The patient should leave the bandage on for 48 to 96 hours and revisit
the doctor. The bandage is then taken off so that the healthcare provider
can examine the skin for any reactions or rashes.

Blood test

Blood tests for allergies are of two types,

• Total IgE test – The test determines the total amount of IgE
antibodies in the blood. A high total IgE test result indicates
that the person might have an allergy.

• Specific IgE test – This test measures the IgE production in

response to a single allergen. Each
allergen that might be causing the
allergies is tested separately. A
high specific IgE test result for a
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 particular allergen indicates that the person might be allergic
to that allergen.

Both tests cannot determine the severity of the allergy.

Skin prick test

During the skin prick test, the doctor may prick the forearm or back with
10 to 50 different potential allergens using a thin needle.

Alternatively, the healthcare professional might apply tiny droplets of

potential allergens to the skin and then use a tool to lightly nick and
scratch the area, allowing the liquid to seep into the skin.

Typical reactions like redness happen 15 minutes after exposure. A rash

or round spots could be the reaction. This test looks for penicillin, food,
and airborne allergy symptoms.

Prevention of Allergies

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Avoiding allergens and taking prescribed medications prevent allergic
reactions. Preventing allergies can commence at birth by strengthening
the immune system.

Exclusive breastfeeding to 4–6 months of age

Evidence suggests that exclusively breastfeeding for at least four months

in high-risk infants and delaying the introduction of complementary
foods until four to six months prevent the development of allergies.

Use of hydrolyzed milk formulas

Infants at high risk for allergic disease may benefit from supplemental
hydrolyzed formulas. When starting formula feeding for infants who are
at increased risk for allergies, certain extensively hydrolyzed casein and
certain partially hydrolyzed whey formulas are suitable.

Complications of Allergies

Suddenly narrowed airways

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The muscles surrounding the airway can spasm in response to exposure
to some irritants or allergens. This can narrow the bronchi or other
airways. The narrowing makes it challenging to breathe in and out.

Increased heart rate

An increase in heart rate is noticeable in patients with allergies. The rate

of heart attack was also found to be high in pollen-allergic individuals.

Possible swelling of the tongue and mouth

Mouth and tongue issues can result from oral allergies. After consuming
certain foods like melons, pineapple, or apples, people with food
allergies may experience swelling of the tongue.

Allergic reactions to bee stings, specific medications, or other oral

products also cause tongue swelling.

Asthma

Asthma often co-occurs with allergies since the substances that trigger
allergies are known to cause signs and symptoms of asthma.

Cold and cough

Cold and cough often occur as an allergic reaction. Allergy can also crop
out in response to cold temperatures, which is known as cold urticaria.

Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis is frequently also known as allergic bronchitis and

may be brought on by exposure to allergens. Cigarette smoke is one of
the usual triggers.
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 When to see a doctor?

People deal with allergies in different ways. Visiting or not

consulting a doctor is the personal choice of an individual.
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However, in extreme allergy cases, doctor consultation becomes
mandatory.
The following are the signs that indicate the necessity to visit an
allergist.
• When over-the-counter medications don’t help
• During severe allergy/anaphylaxis symptoms
• Symptoms affect day-to-day life
• Continuous sick feeling

Conclusion

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  Allergies are an immune response to specific
environmental triggers, posing severe health issues in
some individuals.
 Even though there are medications for treating allergy
symptoms, immunotherapy—which modifies the
patient’s response to the allergen—is the only
effective treatment for allergies.
 Patients who don’t improve after taking their regular
medications typically receive immunotherapy. To
better treat allergies and find a cure, scientists are still
researching allergies worldwide.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Medplus.gov/allergy.html

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https://www.starhealth.in/blog/allergies

www.nhs.uk

https://www.mayoclinic.org

https://my.clevelandclinic.org

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