Allergies

{slider Allergies in Teens?}

It’s hard enough being a teen without having to worry about allergies. An allergy is your body’s reaction to certain foods or substances such as dust, pollen, etc. These foods and substances are known as allergens. You get an allergic reaction when an allergen enters your body through your mouth, skin or by breathing them in. Asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis (itchy scaly rash), food allergies and insect venom allergies are the main diseases that occur due to allergies. Allergies can vary from being very mild to life threatening such as Anaphylaxis.
 
When you’re allergic to the particular substance, your immune system reacts to it. So even though you might think you’re unfortunate, remember that allergies are quite common. Allergies shouldn’t have an enormous impact on your daily activities, so there is no reason why you can’t enjoy life.
 

{slider What causes allergies?

The main foods that cause allergies are milk, wheat, eggs, prawns and other seafood. The reactions to these can be quite severe. Nut allergy is very severe and common in most countries, but rare in Sri Lanka. The main allergens causing asthma and allergic rhinitis are house dust mites, moulds and pet dander. People can also get severe allergic reactions to insect stings.The main foods that cause allergies are milk, wheat, eggs, prawns and other seafood. The reactions to these can be quite severe. Nut allergy is very severe and common in most countries, but rare in Sri Lanka. The main allergens causing asthma and allergic rhinitis are house dust mites, moulds and pet dander. People can also get severe allergic reactions to insect stings.

{slider How to do you get an Allergic Reaction?}

What are common symptoms of an allergy?

You know you have a food allergy when your body reacts to an allergen and because the allergen is harmful, your body tries to get rid of it. The symptoms for allergies may vary depending on the allergen and the severity of the allergy.

Mild allergy:

  • Itching tongue and lips, need to vomit or stomach ache.
  • • Rash on body
  • • Wheezing
  • • Sneezing
  • • If all these happen together, then it is a severe allergic reaction.

Severe allergy:

  • •Mouth itching
  • •Sneezing
  • •Wheezing
  • •Rashes followed by vomiting
  • •Stomach ache/diarrhoea
•Difficulty in breathing and even loss of consciousness

{slider Treating and preventing allergies?}

If you have an allergic reaction, the first thing to do is to STAY CALM, you are not dying. Inform your parents or a responsible adult. You must have proper medication. Do not panic and run about, because the exercise may worsen the reaction. Do not worry too much because the effects won’t last and you’ll be back to your normal self after about an hour, once you get the right medicine.
 
If it’s a severe allergy you may need an adrenaline injection. An Epi pen is an easily usable adrenaline injection that people with life threatening allergies usually carry with them. This can easily be used by anyone with some simple training. It should only be used when you have a severe allergy. After using it, you should be admitted to hospital.
 
 Allergies can be prevented by taking the following basic precautions:
● If you have food allergies, always check with someone whether your food has anything that you are allergic to. It’s advisable to inform them beforehand about your allergies so that they will be careful when preparing the food.
● If you are allergic to house dust mites, animal dander, moulds and pollen, clean your house regularly and replace pillows frequently.
● If you are allergic to animal stings (bee, wasp, ant, etc) be careful when going outdoors and always carry medication with you.
● If you are allergic to medicines you should inform your doctor about them before receiving any treatment.
● If you are allergic to certain materials or fabrics, be careful in selecting the clothes or materials you wear.
 
 

{slider How do you Reduce the chance of getting an Allergic Reaction?}
◦If you have food allergies check with someone whether that food contains anything that you are allergic to. When eating from outside you should always ask a reliable person whether it is safe for you to eat it. It is advisable to inform them beforehand about your allergies so that they will be careful when preparing the food.
◦If you are allergic to house dust mites, animal dander, moulds and pollen, you should clean your house regularly and change pillow covers frequently.
◦If you are allergic to animal stings (bee, wasp, ant, etc) you should be careful when going out and carry medication with you.
◦If you are allergic to medicines you should inform your doctor about them before receiving treatment.
◦If you are allergic to certain materials or fabrics you should be careful on what clothes or materials you wear.

 
{sliderWhat is Anaphylaxis}

It is a life threatening allergy. You should get treatment soon as possible

{slider What is an epi pen}
It is a user freindly adrenaline injection that people with life threatening allergies usually carry with them. This can be easily used by any person with a  simple training. It should only be used when you have a severe allergy. After using it you should be admitted to the hospital.

 

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