In the middle of the war: soldiers with allergies were surprised to discover damage to the profile
The problem trees, the recommended food and more: this is how you will deal with spring allergies
What are the allergy symptoms?
Allergies can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms, from mild to severe and even life-threatening. The most common signs include a runny or stuffy nose, red and itchy eyes and a skin rash (urticaria) – manifesting as itchy red “islands”.
In more severe cases, there may be shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue and pharynx, and even suffocation. Severe allergies can lead to a state of shock, where blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops, and loss of consciousness is possible and, in extreme cases without treatment, even death.
However, it is important to note that allergies are not only manifested in these symptoms. They may also appear in less familiar forms, such as prolonged stomach pains, unexplained headaches, chest pains simulating a heart attack, fatigue and weakness.
What are the common allergies in Israel?
The common allergies in the spring season are not actually to flowers, since most of them are usually not spread by insects – but by plants that spread their pollen by the wind. The plants in Israel that are known to cause the most frequent allergies are grass, cypress, juniper, pecan, olive, and Judean catholit. Another common allergy is to house dust mites, which is typical for all seasons but also for the spring season.
As mentioned, allergies are not only to plants but also to foods. In Israel, an allergy to sesame is common due to the popularity of tahini, an allergy to eggs and rice. An allergy to peanuts that is common in the US, for example, is less common in Israel – apparently thanks to the “bamba” to which Israeli children are exposed from a young age.
Does a cleaner house protect against allergies?
On the contrary: it is known that in homes that maintain too much sterility – there are more allergies. Constantly disinfecting your hands, constantly washing the floor and disinfecting a pacifier that fell on the floor may destroy bacteria, but at the same time increase the risk of allergies. It is also known that children who grew up around animals suffered less from allergies.
How is an allergy diagnosed?
In so-called “inhalable” substances, such as plants and detergents, the test is carried out using skin tests. In this method, the skin is pierced with a thin needle that does not hurt in about 20 places, where extracts of allergenic substances are dripped. About half an hour later, check if an allergic reaction has occurred on the skin. Similarly, in a less common method in Israel, a sticker with the allergic reaction can be placed on the skin. About two days later, they check if an allergic reaction has occurred on the skin.
Allergies can also be tested with a blood test called RAST, which tests for the presence of anti-allergies in the blood to various components such as plant pollens, eggs, milk, fish, dust and more. In some cases, where there is a suspicion of an allergy to an ingredient that is not common in laboratory tests, it is possible to create a special label from it that is tested on the patient.
What is the treatment for allergies?
Some of the allergies that appear in children may go away on their own. Allergy symptoms can be alleviated with vasoconstrictor drugs. The main treatment is based on syrup or antihistamine pills such as Penistil, Arios and Telfast, which prevent the release of the substance histamine – which is the cause of the allergy.
In the case of allergic rhinitis, it is customary to add a spray called “Abamis”, which contains corticosteroids that reduce the inflammatory processes in the body and the swelling in the nose. Asthma patients are treated with various inhalers such as Ventolin and Flixotide.
In cases of sensitivity to bee and wasp stings, plant pollens or house dust mites – it is possible to treat with a vaccine that is first given frequently once a week, then once a month and in varying doses for one to three years. These repeated exposures in varying doses reduce the level of antibodies in the body and the allergy symptoms.
Epifen syringe: Some allergy sufferers, especially those who have had a severe attack, should carry an epiphane syringe with them. Today, public places and restaurants are also obliged to have such a syringe in case of emergency. It is a pen-like syringe that contains the substance adrenaline. It causes the constricted respiratory vessels to expand, thus reducing the severity of the shortness of breath and at the same time causes the blood vessels to constrict – thus raising the collapsed blood pressure.
What are the warning signs of a severe allergy attack?
An allergy attack may in rare cases lead to a life-threatening condition, so it is important to recognize common signs of a severe attack. These include a rash that spreads rapidly throughout the body, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, tongue, hands or feet, a drop in blood pressure characterized by dizziness, weakness or loss of consciousness, vomiting or diarrhea, as well as severe and cramping abdominal pain.
In any such case, MDA should be called, put the cell phone on “speaker” and listen to the dispatcher’s instructions. If there is an epiphane syringe, bring it near the victim and listen to MDA’s instructions, whose representatives will decide if an immediate injection is necessary.
Doctok: The slang invented by doctors
Onyphylaxis: A serious and extreme allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, which occurs when the immune system reacts acutely and massively to the allergen that causes the attack. These include a rapid response within minutes to hours, and involve at least two of the following systems: skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, or digestive system. Anaphylaxis always requires an urgent referral to the emergency room in an intensive care unit and administration of an Epifene syringe in the field.