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Allergy Facts: Types, Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management

Allergies are immune hypersensitivity reactions to normally harmless substances (allergens). Key facts:

Prevalence

Affect 20–30% of the global population; increasing in industrialized nations.

Types

  • Food: Peanuts, shellfish, milk, egg, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish.
  • Inhalant: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores.
  • Contact: Latex, nickel, fragrances, preservatives.
  • Drug: Penicillin, NSAIDs, contrast media.
  • Insect venom: Bee, wasp, fire ant.

Mechanism

Allergen exposure → IgE production → mast cell/basophil sensitization → re-exposure → degranulation → histamine, leukotrienes, tryptase release → symptoms.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Rhinitis/conjunctivitis: Sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes.
  • Asthma: Wheezing, dyspnea, cough.
  • Skin: Urticaria, angioedema, atopic dermatitis.
  • Anaphylaxis: Multi-system, life-threatening; requires immediate epinephrine.

Diagnosis

  • Skin prick testing.
  • Serum specific IgE (ImmunoCAP).
  • Oral food challenges (gold standard for food allergy).

Management

  • Avoidance of confirmed allergens.
  • Pharmacotherapy: Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, biologics (omalizumab).
  • Allergen immunotherapy (SCIT/SLIT) for long-term tolerance induction.
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylaxis risk.

Personalized care with an allergist optimizes control and quality of life.

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