Nizhny Novgorod residents were told why allergies occur and how to protect themselves from it.

      From July 7 to 13, Russia is holding a Week for the Prevention of Allergic Diseases. According to the World Health Organization, about 40% of the world's population suffers from allergies, and in large industrial cities, this figure reaches 30-60%. Over the past three decades, allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, have become some of the fastest spreading conditions in the world. According to the Ministry of Health of Russia, every third adult and every fourth child faces allergies. The Nizhny Novgorod region is no exception.

      Tatiana Maryanova, an allergist-immunologist, spoke about the causes of allergies, their symptoms, prevention, and modern treatment methods.

      Why Allergies Occur

      According to the specialist, allergies represent a malfunction of the immune system. In this case, the body mistakenly perceives safe substances as threats and triggers a protective reaction. The predisposition to the disease is largely determined by heredity. However, the development of allergies is also facilitated by environmental pollution, psychological stress, changes in climatic conditions, consumption of low-quality products, and uncontrolled medication use. An allergic reaction develops upon repeated contact with an allergen. As a result, symptoms such as tearing, itching, sneezing, runny nose, and cough may appear. Almost any substance that remains harmless to most people can become an allergen. The most common allergens include plant pollen, household dust, pet hair, epithelium, and saliva, as well as certain food products.

      How Different Types of Allergies Manifest

      One of the most common forms is respiratory allergy, including allergic rhinitis. According to the doctor, it occurs in about one in ten people and is often inherited. This condition is characterized by itching in the eyes, nose, and throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, mucous discharge, tearing, and conjunctivitis. One of the most severe manifestations of allergies is bronchial asthma. An asthma attack can occur either after contact with an allergen or against the background of an infection. Another common form is food allergy. It develops within minutes after consuming a product. The most common triggers are milk, eggs, fish and seafood, wheat, nuts, soy, and citrus fruits. Possible symptoms include runny nose, difficulty breathing, choking, hives, atopic dermatitis, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, redness of the eyes, tearing, and decreased blood pressure.

      Why Allergies Are Often Confused with ARVI

      As Tatiana Maryanova notes, many people mistake the manifestations of allergies for symptoms of a cold or other illnesses. Because of this, patients often engage in self-treatment, which not only fails to yield results but can also harm the immune system and lead to complications, including drug allergies. If an allergic disease is suspected, the doctor recommends consulting a therapist, pediatrician, or otolaryngologist. After examination, the patient will be prescribed treatment if necessary and referred to an allergist.

      How to Reduce the Risk of Exacerbation

      The first step in treatment is identifying the allergen and minimizing contact with it. To prevent exacerbations, specialists recommend regularly conducting wet cleaning, washing bed linen in hot water, ventilating the room more often, and removing carpets and other items that accumulate dust. In cases of food allergies, it is necessary to exclude the triggering products from the diet. If pollen is the cause of the disease, it is advisable to reduce outdoor exposure during the flowering period or, if possible, temporarily relocate to another region.

      What Treatment Methods Are Used

      According to the doctor, allergy treatment includes several main methods. Depending on the disease, the patient may be prescribed antihistamines, nasal and eye drops, and inhalations. Additionally, allergen-specific immunotherapy is used. During this treatment, small doses of the allergen are introduced into the body, gradually reducing sensitivity to it. The course is conducted during the cold season, and its duration usually ranges from three to five years. "Allergy is a serious disease that can significantly impair the quality of life. However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to achieve stable remission and minimize the manifestations of the disease," concluded Maryanova.

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