The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of the world population will suffer some type of allergic disorder by 2050.
However, what is an allergic reaction? The WHO definition says that an allergy is a disproportionate reaction of the organism when it meets invading substances that come from the outside. These substances - clinically known as allergens or allergens - are the substances that cause us an allergic reaction.
Actually, both the WHO and the OMA (World Allergy Organization) are very concerned about the massive increase in this type of disease.
Environmental Allergens
Found in the environment or external spaces. Among the most common agents - without forgetting others that we will talk about later - are the pollen of flowers, grasses or cereals that, coinciding with pollination, are responsible for seasonal allergic symptoms.
Indoor Allergens
These types of agents are those found in both our homes and interior spaces such as offices, schools, houses, etc. Among these, we can highlight the mold, the epithelia of animals (rodents, cats, dogs, and birds), cockroaches and mites.
Most common allergies
Many times, the body is prepared to fight these germs efficiently and others when it cannot defend itself from external viruses, producing autoimmune reactions.
Although there are allergies that occur in certain environments, there are also allergies linked to food and contact with some materials such as latex.
Among the allergies that most affect populations, we have:
Allergic Conjunctivitis
It is increasingly frequent and often develops with the same clinical severity as allergic rhinitis or asthma.
Rhinosinusitis
It can present as a chronic or acute form and is one of the most common and expensive medical conditions due to the frequency in which it occurs.
Allergic Rhinitis
Currently, this disease affects 10% and 30% of the entire population, being a risk factor for asthma. This AR is the result of IgE-mediated inflammation in the nasal mucosa.
Asthma
Produced by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, also associated with bronchial hyperreactivity and obstruction of the air supply, which, if left unchecked, can cause death.
Urticaria (hives) & Angioedema
They are a heterogeneous group of sub-types of diseases characterized by hives and/or angioedema of which there are three main types:
Other Allergies
We cannot forget to mention other types of allergies such as food allergy, optic eczema, anaphylaxis, allergy to biological agents and medicines. Allergy to insects, occupational allergy. You may also be allergic to a certain type of substance without knowing it.
For example, do you know that Adrian Peterson, one of the elite stars in NFL wagering, is allergic to several foods, specially seafood? The current Washington Redskins running back, has spoken widely about having anaphylaxis and has raised awareness about it.
Prevention Tips
Here are some recommendations from specialists to deal with these agents:
By adding all these guidelines, we will contribute to treating and decreasing allergies considerably. Many people also make use of antihistamines prescribed by a professional.
The White Book
If you or someone in your family suffers from this type of condition, take notes and learn about the great work that WAO is doing to identify and treat allergies.
The first State of World Allergy Report - SOWAR, was published in 2007. In the following years, the WAO brought to light the White Book on Allergy. This book provides "High level" recommendations to create a more integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, as well as provide more education to primary and secondary care, and allergy specialists. It trains medical students. Encourages prevention and increases the awareness of allergic diseases.
It should be noted that health professionals have the duty to differentiate between real allergies and "pseudoallergy" in which the mechanisms that trigger them are not allergic or mediated by the immune system.
Also, keep in mind that, people may have a predisposition to allergies if their genetics determines it (atopy).
It is essential to know through consultation with the specialist if you are going through a seasonal or chronic illness. Talk to your doctor and let him know you know this!