🌿 A complete guide to allergies

1) What is an allergy?

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance called an allergen (pollen, food, medication, etc.). In allergic individuals, the body produces antibodies (IgE) which trigger the release of histamine, responsible for the symptoms.

2) The main types of allergy

a) Respiratory allergies

Hay fever (pollinosis): tree, grass and herb pollens

Dust mites

Animal hair

Mold

b) Food allergies

Milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts

Fish, shellfish

Wheat (gluten), soy

Fruits and vegetables (often cross-reactive with pollens)

c) Skin allergies

Contact dermatitis (nickel, perfumes, latex)

Urticaria

Atopic eczema

d) Drug allergies

Antibiotics (penicillin), NSAIDs, anesthetics

e) Venom allergies

Bee, wasp and hornet stings

3) Common allergy symptoms

Respiratory : sneezing, runny/clogged nose, coughing, wheezing

Eye : red, watery, itchy eyes

Skin: patches, itching, swelling

Digestive : pain, nausea, diarrhea

General : fatigue, malaise

⚠️ Anaphylaxis (life-threatening emergency): swelling of face/throat, breathing difficulties, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness.

4) How is an allergy diagnosed?

Medical examination (symptoms, context, history)

Skin tests (prick tests)

Blood tests (specific IgE)

Provocation tests (in a specialized environment)

Symptom diary (useful for identifying triggers)

5) Available treatments

a) Allergen avoidance

Most effective measure whenever possible (dust mite covers, reading food labels, controlled ventilation, air purifiers, cordless vacuum cleaner with hepa filter).

b) Medication

Antihistamines (oral, eye drops)

Corticoids (nasal sprays, creams, sometimes oral)

Bronchodilators (if associated asthma)

Adrenaline auto-injector for severe allergies

c) Desensitization (allergen immunotherapy)

By sublingual route or injections

Long-term treatment, effective for pollens, mites and venoms.

6) Everyday prevention

Home : vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter, wash sheets ≥ 60°C, limit carpets and lint, keep humidity around 50-55% using a dehumidifier in summer and a humidifier in winter.

Pollen : consult pollen calendars, air early in the morning or late at night, rinse hair.

Food : read labels, warn restaurants/schools

Travel : take treatment and written action plan with you.

7) Allergies in children

Often transient (milk, egg)

Gradual, supervised introduction of food

Pediatric/allergological follow-up recommended

8) When to seek emergency care

Rapid, severe symptoms

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Severe swelling of the face or tongue

Malaise, drop in blood pressure

9) Preconceived ideas to avoid

❌ "Allergies always disappear with age" (not systematic)

❌ "Antihistamines cure" (they relieve, not cure)

❌ "A small amount does nothing" (not true for some allergies)

10) To sum up

Allergies are frequent but manageable

Accurate diagnosis is essential

The combination of eviction + appropriate treatment significantly improves quality of life

In the event of severe risk, an emergency plan is essential