ALLERGY FACTS AND TYPES OF ALLERGIES

WHAT IS ALLERGY?

Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds, foods and some medicines.11

“A substance that is an allergen for one person may not be for another.”

However, the risk of developing allergies
is higher if other family members suffer from
allergy or asthma.11

Coming in contact with these allergens may trigger an allergic reaction, which begins as a result of the release of a certain substances (ex. Histamine), leading to the development of swelling and inflammation.11

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ALLERGIC RHINITIS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HAVE A DIRECT AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON AN INDIVIDUAL’S QUALITY OF LIFE2

WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION ESTIMATES 30-40% OF THE WORLD POPULATION IS NOW AFFECTED BY ONE OR MORE ALLERGIC CONDITIONS.2

THE RISE IN INCIDENCE OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN THE GCC COUNTRIES HAS BEEN INFLUENCED BY THE RISE IN POLLUTION AND VARIATIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE.24

ALLERGIC RHINITIS IS COMMON IN THE MIDDLE EAST.²

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAY FEVER) HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE QUALITY OF LIFE AND PERFORMANCE AT WORK OR SCHOOL SIGNIFICANTLY.²

WHAT KIND OF ALLERGY DO I HAVE,
AND WHAT IS CAUSING IT?

There are several allergy types and symptoms, depending on the
allergen and the part of your body that is exposed to it.11

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AREAS OF THE BODY THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY ALLERGY:11

NOSE, EYES, SINUSES AND THROAT

NOSE, EYES, SINUSES AND THROAT

When you breathe in allergens, an allergic reaction may occur, which may result in the release of a substance called histamine. This then causes the lining of your nose to produce lots of mucus and become swollen and inflamed. The result is a runny, itchy nose, and a violent sneezing. You may also get watery eyes and a sore throat.11

THE LUNGS AND CHEST

THE LUNGS AND CHEST

Asthma can sometimes be triggered during an allergic reaction. When you breathe in an allergen, the lining of the passages in your lungs may swell and make breathing difficult.11

THE STOMACH AND BOWEL

THE STOMACH AND BOWEL

Most stomach upsets are caused by richness or spiciness in the food itself, rather than an actual allergy. However, certain foods are commonly associated with allergy. These include peanuts, seafood, dairy products and eggs. Cow’s milk allergy is common in infants and can cause stomach upset. Lactose intolerance may also cause stomach upsets, but it must not be confused with allergy.11

THE SKIN

THE SKIN

Skin problems such as eczema (dry, red, itchy skin) and urticaria (also known as hives) often occur. Hives are white itchy bumps which look and feel like insect bites. Food may be a factor in some cases of hives and eczema. 11

WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

COMMONLY KNOWN AS HAY FEVER. ALLERGIC RHINITIS IS CAUSED BY THE EXPOSURE OF THE NOSE OR EYES TO ALLERGENS5..
Some of the most common indoor and outdoor allergens in the GCC countries18,19,25..

 

Allergic rhinitis may have significant effects on daily activities and quality of life. 2

It may be seasonal, occurring in spring, summer and early fall, or may come as perennial allergic rhinitis, with which symptoms may be experienced throughout the year. 20

Круглый слайдер

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS INCLUDE2:

RUNNY NOSE
NASAL ITCHING
NASAL CONGESTION
SNEEZING
WATERY EYES
ITCHY THROAT
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WHAT IS URTICARIA?

The life-time occurrence of urticaria in the general population ranges from 1% to 5%.31

Urticaria can be triggered by many substances or situations and usually starts as an itchy patch of skin that turns into swollen red wheals9

The itching may be mild to severe, scratching, alcoholic beverages, exercise, emotional stress may worsen the itching. 9

There are two types of hives, Short Lived (Acute) and Long-Term (Chronic)9

COMMON CAUSES OF URTICARIA9:

CERTAIN FOODS

E.G. NUTS, EGGS AND SHELLFISH

 

MEDICINES

E.G. ANTIBIOTICS, ASPIRIN AND IBUPROFEN

 

PHYSICAL STIMULI

E.G. COLD, HEAT, EXERCISE OR SUN EXPOSURE

 

PET DANDER

 

POLLEN

 

BACTERIAL INFECTION

 

LATEX

 

SOME PLANTS

E.G. POISON OAK

 

VIRAL INFECTION

 
 
 

SYMPTOMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF URTICARIA9:

Symptoms can last anywhere from minutes to months, or even years!
While they may be mistaken for bug bites, hives (also known as urticaria)
are different in several ways:

Hives can appear on any area of the body; they may change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time. 9
The bumps - red or skin-colored “wheals” with clear edges - usually appear suddenly and go away just as quickly. 9
Pressing the center of a red hive makes it turn white - a process called “blanching”. 9
Chronic hives occur almost daily for more than six weeks and are typically itchy. Each hive lasts less than 24 hours. 9
 
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DO I HAVE AN ALLERGY OR IS IT JUST A COMMON COLD?

While you must consult your doctor to thoroughly diagnose your condition, the information below may help you understand the difference.3
 
 
  COLDS ALLERGY
SYMPTOMS3

Similar symptoms to allergy. It may also come with sore throat, fever and body aches.

Runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; wheezing; watery or itchy eyes.

WHEN DOES IT START?3

Develops over several days.

Begins shortly after exposure to an allergen.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?3

Should clear up within several days.

Lasts as long as exposure.