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Understanding Allergies

Allergies are hypersensitive reactions by our immune system in response to substances, commonly known as allergens, that we either ingest or come into contact with. Allergens may vary from food items and pollen to pet dander and insect venom.

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These hypersensitive reactions can greatly impact an individual’s daily life, affecting their capacity to work or study, disturb their sleep, and significantly decrease their overall quality of life. Allergies are more common than we might think, and understanding them is the first step to dealing with them effectively.

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An individual’s genetic makeup can influence their susceptibility to allergies, but our environment also plays a crucial part. Early exposure to certain allergens may lead to allergies, while for others, diet, climatic changes, or exposure to specific environmental elements may trigger allergic reactions.

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Allergies can often be confusing as their symptoms overlap with the common cold. Though both allergies and colds can result in symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion, allergies may additionally cause itching, a symptom not commonly associated with the common cold. On the other hand, the common cold may often result in body aches and fever, which are not characteristically associated with allergies.

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In Canada, allergies are more prevalent than you may realize. In 2017, an estimate suggests that about 27.3% of Canadians over the age of 12, which is approximately 8.4 million people, are living with diagnosed allergies. This implies that more than 1 in every 4 Canadians grapple with some form of allergy.

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When we narrow our focus down to food allergies, the data reveals that children are marginally more susceptible compared to adults. In 2016, about 1 in 10 children, or 9.3%, reported perceived food allergies. This percentage was slightly lower in adults, at 8.7%, indicating that food allergies affect nearly 1 in 10 Canadians.

 

Allergy Types

Understanding the variety of allergy types is essential in determining the best course of treatment. Allergies come in different forms, each with its unique triggers and symptoms. The two broad categories we will focus on are food allergies and environmental allergies. By getting acquainted with these types, you can start to identify potential triggers and seek out the most suitable treatment pathway. Let’s delve into each of these allergy categories to gain a clearer picture of their impact, common triggers, and effects on the body.

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Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system incorrectly identifies certain food proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe, potentially life-threatening responses. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. These eight foods are responsible for the majority of food allergy reactions. However, it’s important to note that any food can potentially trigger an allergy, and reactions vary greatly among individuals.

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The effects of food allergies can be immediate or delayed, and they can impact various systems in the body. Symptoms may include skin reactions such as rashes or hives, digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea, and respiratory issues such as shortness of breath or wheezing. In severe cases, food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

 

Environmental Allergies

 Environmental allergies are immune reactions to substances or conditions in our surroundings. These can be triggered by a variety of factors such as pollen, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.

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Seasonality plays a crucial role in the occurrence of certain environmental allergies. For instance, pollen allergies, often referred to as ‘hay fever’ or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are prevalent during specific seasons when plants release pollen into the air. These allergies can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even fatigue.

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Allergies can also be triggered by substances in your home or workplace. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold are common indoor allergens that can cause year-round symptoms.

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Understanding the source of environmental allergies is key in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Striving to minimize exposure to these allergens, whether by adjusting outdoor activities during high pollen times or altering your indoor environment, can significantly reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

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Allergy Diagnosis

Properly diagnosing allergies is a critical step towards effective treatment. Diagnostic methods can vary, but they generally involve understanding your medical history, lab testing, and observing your body’s reaction to possible allergens under controlled conditions.

Allergy lab testing, often done through blood tests or skin prick testing, is a common method to identify specific allergens. Blood tests measure the amount of specific IgE antibodies in your blood triggered by certain allergens, while skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to potential allergens and observing the reaction.

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While these standard tests provide valuable insights, other diagnostic methods, like elimination diets or challenge tests, can sometimes be more revealing, especially in cases of food allergies. For example, if a mild food allergy is suspected, a naturopathic doctor may advise an elimination diet, where you avoid suspected allergens for a certain period and then gradually reintroduce them to see if symptoms return.

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This is where diet-symptom tracking comes into play. By closely monitoring what you consume and recording any symptoms that follow, you can help your doctor identify potential food allergens. Remember, the journey to identifying allergens can be a process of trial and error, and having a comprehensive record can be invaluable for your naturopathic doctor in designing your treatment plan. 

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