Types and Symptoms of Allergic Diseases
1. Definitions and symptoms of the most common allergic diseases
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes.
- Allergic conjunctivitis (allergic eye): Itching, redness, watering and swelling of the eyes.
- Allergic dermatitis (eczema): Itchy skin rashes, blisters and hives.
- Asthma: Shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and chest tightness.
- Food allergies: Skin rashes, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.
2. Allergic symptoms in the nose, eyes, skin and respiratory tract
| Allergic Symptoms | Example Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Nose | Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing |
| Eye | Eye itching, redness, watering |
| Cilt | Itchy rashes, blisters, hives |
| Respiratory Pathways | shortness of breath, cough, wheezing |
3. Severity and duration of allergic reactions
- Acute allergic reactions: rapid onset of symptoms, severe symptoms, usually of short duration.
- Chronic allergic reactions: Long-term symptoms, recurrent or persistent allergic reactions.
Allergens and Triggers
1. Common allergens and triggers that can cause allergic reactions
- Pollens
- House dust mites
- Animal feathers
- Foods (e.g. nuts, milk, eggs)
- Medicines (eg penicillin, aspirin)
- Mold and fungi
- Chemicals (e.g. detergents, perfumes)
2. Effects of allergens such as pollens, dust mites, pet dander, food and drugs
| Allergens | Effects |
|---|---|
| Pollens | Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing |
| House dust mites | Cough, nasal congestion, tearing, skin rash |
| Animal feathers | Itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms |
| Foods | Skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing |
| Medications | Skin rashes, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock |
3. Methods of avoiding and dealing with allergens
- Frequent cleaning, washing bed linens in hot water to avoid dust mites
- Limit pet contact to avoid pet hair, choose allergy-friendly pets
- To avoid food allergies, avoid foods containing potential allergens, read food labels carefully
- To prevent drug allergies, inform your doctor about your drug allergies, use drugs correctly
Treatment Options for Allergic Diseases
1. Drug therapy
- Antihistamines: Used to reduce allergic reactions.
- Corticosteroids: Used to control severe symptoms.
- Bronchodilators: Used to relieve asthma symptoms.
- Epinephrine: Used as an emergency treatment in anaphylactic reactions.
2. Symptom management
- Nasal sprays: Used to relieve nasal congestion.
- Eye drops: Used to relieve itching and redness of the eye.
- Topical creams and lotions: Used to soothe allergic reactions on the skin.
- Immunotherapy: It is used to increase the body's tolerance to allergic reactions.
3. Reducing allergic reactions
- Avoiding allergens: Measures are taken to limit exposure to allergens.
- Air purifiers: Used to reduce allergens in the home.
- Allergy-friendly home arrangements: Measures are taken to reduce the accumulation of allergens in the home.
- High hygiene: Cleanliness and personal hygiene measures are taken.
Lifestyle Changes and Precautions
1. Prevention measures and lifestyle changes from allergic diseases
- Reducing allergens at home:
- Cleaning the house regularly and cleaning dust-accumulating areas frequently.
- Preferring hard surface floors instead of carpets.
- Using air purifiers to reduce allergen buildup
- Avoid cigarette smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Reducing the amount of time spent outside during high pollen peaks in spring and summer.
- Avoid allergens such as pet dander, mold and dust mites.
2. Strategies to avoid allergy triggers
| Alerjen | Avoiding Strategies |
|---|---|
| Pollens | - Going outside during low pollen concentration hours. - Keeping windows closed in the car and traveling in air-conditioned environments. |
| House dust mites | - Washing the mattress and pillowcases regularly. - Maintaining a low humidity level in the bedroom. |
| Animal feathers | - No pets in the house or keeping the animal's living space limited. - Frequent cleaning at home and choosing hard-surfaced floors instead of carpets. |
3. Supportive measures for allergy management
- Ensuring correct and regular medication use.
- Monitoring and keeping a diary of allergy symptoms.
- Following the directions of the doctor or allergist.
- Stress management and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Which Department of the Hospital should make an appointment for allergic diseases?
Diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases are usually carried out in the Allergy and Immunology department. Physicians specializing in this department are specialized in identifying the factors that cause allergic reactions, performing allergy tests and creating appropriate treatment plans.
To which department should a patient who does not know that he has an allergic disease make an appointment for the first examination?
A patient who does not know that he has an allergic disease can make an appointment with the General Practitioner (Family Physician) or Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine) department for the first examination. Physicians working in these departments will evaluate the general health status, listen to the patient's complaints, and make further examinations or specialist physician referral when deemed necessary.
