Allergic diseases occur when the body's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances. The substances that cause allergies are called allergens and can be a variety of environmental factors such as pollen, dust, animal dander, food, medicines and insect bites. Allergic diseases can affect different organs such as the nose, eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive system.
How do allergic diseases develop?
An allergic reaction begins when the body's immune system recognises an allergen as a threat. The immune system releases chemicals such as histamine to fight this substance. These chemicals cause inflammation in the body and typical allergy symptoms. With repeated exposure, allergic reactions can become more severe.
What are the most common allergic diseases?
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)Allergic rhinitis occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed as a result of contact with allergens (pollen, dust, animal hair). Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. This condition is especially common seasonally and increases during pollen seasons.
Allergic sinusitisAllergic sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal and sinus cavities as a reaction to allergens. It can be associated with allergic rhinitis and can become chronic. Headache, feeling of pressure in the facial area, nasal congestion and yellow-green nasal discharge are common symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitisAllergic conjunctivitis is an eye allergy characterised by redness, itching and watering of the eyes. When allergens come into contact with the eyes, the immune system reacts and inflammation occurs in the eye tissue. It can be seen frequently with allergic rhinitis.
Allergic pharyngitisdevelops as a result of inflammation of the throat mucosa in response to allergens. Symptoms such as itching in the throat, pain, difficulty swallowing and dry cough are observed. Allergic pharyngitis is triggered by airborne allergens (pollen, dust).
Allergic Otitis (Middle Ear Inflammation) This condition, which occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear, may be due to allergens. Allergic otitis, which is common in children, causes a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss and sometimes ear pain. It develops as a result of blockage of the Eustachian tube due to allergens.
Allergic laryngitisThis disease, which develops due to allergens in the larynx (larynx) region, manifests itself with symptoms such as hoarseness, burning in the throat and difficulty breathing. Allergic laryngitis occurs especially when the vocal cords react allergically.
These diseases develop as a result of the body's overreaction to allergens and are often triggered by seasonal changes.
Can allergic diseases be prevented?
Allergic diseases cannot be completely prevented, but avoiding allergens can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. For example, it is important not to go out during pollen season, avoid dust and animal hair, and protect the skin from irritants. Avoiding environmental factors such as smoke and air pollution that can trigger asthma can also help control allergic diseases.
Are allergic diseases permanent?
Allergic diseases can last a lifetime, but the severity of symptoms can change over time. As some children grow older, certain allergic reactions may ease or disappear completely. However, some allergies, such as asthma and food allergies, can often last a lifetime and require careful management.
