Those with allergies should pay attention to these!

Assoc. Dr. Mahmut Doğru / Child Immunology and Allergy Diseases Specialist

We call the disease of our age to allergies, so why? Moving away from natural life, environmental pollution, food additives and chemicals used in cleaning products are among the factors that increase the frequency of allergies in recent years. Of course, since it is also seen in childhood, parents need to take the necessary measures.

• What kind of disease is allergy?

Allergic diseases are one of the major health problems common in the world. In the last 20 years, there has been a 2-times increase in the frequency of allergic diseases in the United States. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there are approximately 300 million asthmatic patients worldwide. Allergic diseases are more common in children; It is estimated to be up to 40 percent higher than adults.

The term allergy was first used by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 to separate hypersensitivity reactions from normal reactions and was defined as very rapid and intense reactions leading to clinical reactions. In addition, it is defined as an abnormal reaction of the immune system to substances called allergens, which are generally considered harmless. It may be antibody or cell mediated. Mostly allergic reactions occur with antibodies of type IgE and are called IgE-mediated allergies.

• What is an allergen?

Foreign substances that cause hypersensitivity reaction when they enter the body once or repeatedly. In other words, the allergen is a protein substance that is generally considered harmless but causes an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Any substance that enters the body in any way (skin, mouth, breathing, etc.) can cause an allergic reaction.

• What is atopy?

The term atopy was first used in 1922 by Arthur Coca and Robert Cooke in an article at the annual meeting of the American Immunology Association. Atopy, a Greek term, consists of a combination of a (without) and topy (place). Genetic susceptibility to producing specific IgE with exposure to allergens. In other words, it means a genetic predisposition to the development of allergic disease. It is clinically sensitive to at least one allergen. Atopy; allergic conjunctivitis is the main mechanism in the occurrence of allergic diseases such as food allergy, rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Allergy skin tests are the most commonly used methods to determine a person's atopy.

• hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity, which we can also call hypersensitivity, is a state of reaction against stimuli that do not cause any reaction in normal individuals.

• Allergy sufferers should pay attention to these!

Patience, long-term careful follow-up, and a good patient-physician relationship are important for effective results in the treatment of allergic diseases. Here are some rules that allergies should follow.

• Those who are allergic to house dust

* Mites and molds reproduce easily in humid environment. The house and especially the child's room should see the sun, be humid and bright.

* The humidity of the house should be below 60%. (Ideally 30-50%)

* House cleaning should be once a week, the child should not be in the room during cleaning and a vacuum cleaner should not be run near the child. HEPA filter brooms can be preferred.

* There should not be too much dust to keep in the room, and items and home should be allergy friendly.

* There should be no carpet in the room where the child sleeps.

* Mattresses filled with wool, feather, silicone, mattress, pillow and quilt should not be used.

* Hairy toys should not be removed or eliminated.

* Cotton goods should not be used in the room, duvet covers should be double-folded. Allergen proof sleeves can also be used.

* Bed linen should be washed at least 55 degrees every 1-2 weeks.

• Those who are allergic to pollen

* The glasses should be closed during the pollen season and the laundry should not be dried outside in windy weather.

* Children with allergy to pollen should not go to a picnic during the pollen season.

* Children outside in windy weather during the pollen season should take off their tops and take a shower after coming home.

• Allergic to animal epithelium

* Cat allergens sources such as carpets, rugs and sofas should be reduced.

* Pets, especially cats, should be washed regularly (weekly).

* Vacuum cleaner with effective filtration system should be used.

* Pets should not be taken into the bedroom of the allergy patient.

* Ventilation should be increased and air filtration should be done with HEPA.

• Those who are allergic to mold (fungus)

* All cracks in the house that cause water leakage and moisture should be closed. Ventilation should be increased, and aspirators providing ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen should be used.

* The house should be aired frequently

Molds are found especially in damp places such as bathrooms. Surfaces cracked in the bathroom should be wiped with bleach (5% concentration).

* Carpet and pot plants should be removed from wall to wall.

* If the house has air conditioning, its filter should be cleaned at regular intervals.

• Those with allergies to cockroaches

* The building should be treated effectively.

* Food sources of insects should be eliminated.

* The holes and leaks of the walls, floors, water plumbing should be checked and filled.

• People with food allergies

 * Foods that cause allergies should not be eaten.

• Other measures

* Perfume, room and hair sprays and spray deodorants should not be used.

* Smoking should not be at home.

* The places with bleach and oil paint odor should be avoided.

* Respiratory infections, flu and sinusitis can trigger attacks.

* Dyed and additive foods should be avoided.

* Sick children should not be steamed. The steam engine increases the humidity of the environment and increases the growth of molds and mites.

Editor's note: Be sure to read our columnist for other allergies.