ALLERGIES

Define Define Allergies and Allergens

Describe Describe symptoms of different types of Allergies

LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Understand Understand the causes , diagnosis and treatment of Allergies

Know how to prevent and control allergic reactions in the

Know work place
 WHAT ARE ALLERGIES?

Allergies are hypersensitive responses from the immune system to substances that either enter or
come into contact the body.
A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen.
Many allergens are harmless and do not affect most people. However, if a person is allergic to a
substance, their immune system reacts to the substance as if it was foreign and harmful and tries to
destroy it.
When a person with an allergy comes in contact with an allergen, the allergic reaction most times is
not immediate. The immune system gradually builds up sensitivity to the substance before
overreacting.
 TYPES OF ALLERGENS

FOOD
Any food can theoretically cause an allergy. Food allergy affects
up to 6% of children and 4% of adults in developing countries
like Nigeria and is quite common in the work place
Specific components of food can also trigger allergic reactions,
such as gluten, the protein found in wheat. The eight foods most
likely to cause allergies are:
• eggs, especially egg-white
• fish
• milk
• nuts from trees
• peanuts
• wheat
• soy
• shellfish
 • Animal products. These include pet dander,
cockroaches.
• Drugs. Penicillin and sulfa drugs are common triggers.
• Foods. Wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and egg allergies are
common.
• Insect stings. These include bees, wasps, and
mosquitoes.
TYPES OF
• Mold. Airborne spores from mold can trigger a reaction.
ALLERGENS
• Pollen from Plants. Pollens from grass, weeds, and
trees, as well as resin from plants such as poison ivy and
poison oak, are very common plant allergens.
• Latex. Rubber latex often found in latex gloves and
condoms.
• Metals. Naturally occurring metals like nickel are also
common allergens.
 TYPES OF Symptom Environmental Allergy Food Allergy Insect Sting Allergy Drug Allergy
ALLERGIES AND
SYMPTOMS Sneezing X X
Runny/Stuffy nose X
Skin irritation (itchy, re, peeling X X X X
skin)
Hives X X X
Rash X X X
Trouble breathing X
Nausea or vomiting X
Diarrhea X
Shortness of breath or wheezing X X X X
Watery/bloodshot eyes X
Swelling around face/contact area X X
Rapid pulse X X
Dizziness X
 Your immune system has an important job: to defend your body from
invaders such as bacteria and viruses that mean you harm.
During a reaction, an allergen is perceived as a foreign substance
that is harmful to the cells and your immune system is triggered to
HOW AN releases antibodies. These antibodies then send messages to cells to
ALLERGIC destroy the substance. A particular antibody called immunoglobin
(IgE) is responsible for this.
REACTION The cells then send out histamine which causes tightening of the
HAPPENS muscles in the airways and the walls of blood vessels. It also instructs
the lining of the nose to produce more mucus.
Antibodies are singled-minded. Each one targets only one type of
allergen. That explains why someone might be allergic to peanuts but
not to eggs.
 WHO IS AT RISK?

• Young Children
• People with a family history of Asthma or allergy
• Pregnant Women
 DIAGNOSIS

When diagnosing allergies, doctors will either recommend some tests to find out which
allergen is causing symptoms or refer the patient to an allergist. Allergy tests include:

• Blood test: This measures the level of IgE antibodies released by the immune system.
This test is sometimes called the Radio Allegro Sorbent Test (RAST)
• Skin prick test: This is also known as puncture testing or prick testing. The skin is
pricked with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin reacts and becomes itchy,
red, and swollen, it may mean an allergy is present.
• Patch test: A patch test can identify eczema. Special metal discs with very small
amounts of a suspected allergen are taped onto the individual's back. The doctor checks
for a skin reaction 48 hours later, and then again after a couple of days.
 Allergy treatment often includes medications like
antihistamines to control symptoms. The medication can be
over the counter or prescription. Allergy medications include:
• Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine.
• Decongestants: These can help with a blocked nose in
cases of hay fever, pet allergy, or dust allergy.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists, or anti-leukotrienes:
TREATMENT Leukotrienes are the chemicals that cause swelling during
an allergic reaction.
• Steroid sprays: Applied to the inside lining of the nose,
corticosteroid sprays help reduce nasal congestion.
• Immunotherapy: Involves using injection treatment to
help the body get used to your allergy.
• Emergency Epineprine – For severe cases of allergies
 CONTROLLING ALLERGIC REACTIONS
AT THE WORKPLACE

The best way to avoid allergies is to stay away from whatever triggers the reaction. The
following can be done to prevent or reduce allergens in the work place:
• Keep the premises clean – All furniture such as desks, chairs should be regularly
cleaned to help limit dust.
• Working spaces should be well ventilated. Hay fever sufferers may need the window
closed when the pollen.
• Ensure that mold is not nestling in plants around the offices
• Ensuring that all coats, jackets and outer wear that could have pollen or animal
dander are far away from work stations.
• For severe reactions like anaphylaxis which can cause victim to be unconscious,
perform CPR before help arrives.
 ALLERGY FUN FACTS

• The scariest allergy is triggered by penicillin, one of the most common causes of fatal anaphylaxis.
The most disgusting allergy: cockroaches.
• Most food allergies result from an immune response to a protein.
• Allergic to sex: Up to 40,000 confirmed cases in the US of women who are affected by seminal
plasma hypersensitivity, an immune reaction to male fluids released during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms range from localized swelling to systemic shock.
• Even abstinence isn’t foolproof. Women with autoimmune progesterone dermatitis develop allergic
rashes to their own sex hormones, in rare cases going into full-on shock.
• Aquagenic urticaria is a rash caused by contact with water. It is exceedingly rare.
THANK YOU!