Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts too strongly to an "allergen" that is normally harmless — for example dust mites, pollen, animal dander, or certain foods. The body then releases substances that cause inflammation, swelling, itching and a runny nose. Allergies are often inherited and tend to be more common in cities with high levels of dust and pollution.
Common types of allergy
Allergies can affect several systems of the body. The most common among Thai people include:
- Airborne allergy (allergic rhinitis): sneezing, blocked nose, clear runny nose, itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes — often worse in the morning, on exposure to dust, cold air or strong smells
- Hives and skin allergy: raised red itchy welts that come and go, or chronically dry, itchy skin in the skin folds
- Food allergy: occurring after eating certain foods such as seafood, milk, eggs or nuts — ranging from an itchy rash and swollen lips to severe reactions
The heart of care is "avoiding what you are allergic to"
The most effective treatment for allergies is reducing exposure to allergens, alongside using medication to relieve symptoms. As the environment around you becomes cleaner, the frequency and severity of symptoms decrease too.
Care and treatment
Looking after yourself consistently helps control symptoms well and reduces reliance on medication in the long run.
- Clean the house regularly to reduce dust mites, wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water, and avoid carpets and stuffed animals
- Wear a mask when exposed to dust or pollution, and rinse your nose with saline to wash away allergens
- If you have a food allergy, strictly avoid the foods you are allergic to and read the ingredient label every time
For medication, the doctor may prescribe oral antihistamines or a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation of the nasal lining, which can be used safely under a doctor's guidance. You should not buy and use nasal sprays or antihistamines on your own continuously for a long time without consulting a doctor.
Prevention
Although allergies usually cannot be cured completely, you can prevent flare-ups by keeping your environment clean and well ventilated, not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, exercising regularly to stay strong, and getting enough rest. If you know what you are allergic to, knowing and avoiding it in advance is the best prevention.
At Doctor Chat Clinic, we examine and treat patients with a doctor, offering nebuliser treatment, blood tests for further investigation, and preventive vaccines such as the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, which help reduce respiratory infections that often make allergy symptoms worse.
A severe allergic reaction is an emergency — go to hospital immediately
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, change in voice
- Hives spreading rapidly over the whole body, together with dizziness or faintness
- Vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or fainting after contact with or eating something you are allergic to