Allergies & Immune System

People having a family history of allergies are inclined to have the most common chronic health conditions of allergic diseases. Eczema, hay fever, hives, and food allergy are some types of allergic diseases. Any dust or pollen when in contact with an allergic person make the immune system to produce antibodies that attack allergens which results in wheezing, itchy eyes, running nose and other symptoms. The purpose of the immune system in our body is to protect the body from foreign particles like viruses and bacteria. We at Suresh Hospital have dedicated physicians who attend allergic disorders/conditions to provide world-class facilities to the patients. Some of the allergic disorders/conditions have been mentioned below which affect the immune system:

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through unprotected sex or when the blood is transferred from an infected person. It weakens the immune system showing the symptoms of fever, sore throat and fatigue in the early stage. When the virus becomes pronounced the individual has a fever, night sweats, weight loss, fever, night sweats and persistent diarrhoea or pneumonia. Anti-retroviral regimens can reduce the progression of the systems.

Allergies by Pollen

Pollen is triggering agent for hay fever often seen during the onset of spring. The early morning, windy weather can cause the pollen to thrive and the allergic individual is more susceptible to be infected by the pollen. Some of the medication prescribed by our doctors is antihistamines and decongestants in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, or eye drops.

Skin inflammation

A skin inflammation when directly in contact with a substance can cause damage to the skin itself. Such inflammation could be allergic- or irritant-induced is termed as Contact Dermatitis. Steroid creams and oral medications are prescribed by our doctors for such inflammation. There are common allergens when in contact with a substance trigger abnormal reactions on the skin.

An individual having sensitive skin are prone to have more allergic reactions when triggered anything which in contact with the skin, is an allergic condition termed as Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema, as it is widely known, is an allergic condition which appears on dry skin or inflamed areas causing the allergens to cause itchy sensations. Using creams to make the skin moist is one of a common solution. Corticosteroids, antihistamines, cyclosporine and antibiotics are prescribed by our doctors when the conditioned become severe.

Eosinophilic disorders

When the white blood cells are found above the normal amount in our body, such a condition leads to Eosinophilic disorders. Such an elevated number in the white blood cells are seen in oesophagus, small intestine, stomach, large intestine and various other organs. Patients do not respond to the usual therapy. They have difficulties in swallowing, nausea, chest pain and poor appetite. Skin prick testing to different foods is the most common type of allergy testing are done in our hospital. There are other medications which can be discussed at your visit.

Autoimmune disorder

Autoimmune disorder can slowly destroy the immune system of the organs. One such autoimmune disorder is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus which can cause inflammation, skin, joints, muscles and various organs of the body. Medications to suppress the immune system and reduce the inflammation should be given with pain relievers. Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune disorder which can make the bones erode and joints becoming deformed. There is no cure for the disorder unless it is diagnosed in the early stage with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, short-term corticosteroid medications, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are recommended for such a condition. When the body produces an excess of collagen, the skin thickens affecting the digestive tract, blood vessels, and other important organs. Such an autoimmune disorder attacking healthy tissue is termed as Scleroderma. Since there is no cure for Scleroderma medications that suppress the immune system are preferred.

Sinusitis

When cavities around the nasal passages become swollen by the virus due to the mucus accumulation, it makes it hard to breathe and leads to sinusitis. Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks can lead to chronic infections. Corticosteroid sprays, tablets, or injections are used by the patients suffering from sinusitis. Urticaria or Hives is one of the allergic disorder triggered many reasons like medications, heat, cold, infections, foods, skin exposure, water, exercise. At a point of time hives will eventually, burn out and never come back again. Some of the preferred medications are antihistamines and steroid medications.