An allergy is a disturbance in the immune system, when the body’s defences act inappropriately by identifying harmless external substances as harmful. Such substances are called allergens, and examples include mites, pollen, animal epithelia, foods, medications, insect venom, metals, perfumes and cosmetics. Currently, the prevalence of allergies is increasing. However, there are still many myths and much misinformation about the subject. Can an allergy be cured? What is the difference between an allergy and intolerance? Is a dust allergy the same as a mite allergy?
In Spain, 6.6 million people (14.5% of the population) have some type of allergy. This means the incidence of allergies has increased by 42.3% since 2016, according to data from the National Health System (SNS) statistics portal. However, this number is expected to increase until half of the population have some type of allergy by 2050.
The main cause of this increase is not clear, but the latest studies point to air pollution as one of the main culprits. A polluted atmosphere has a clear relationship with allergies and asthma cases. Experts also point to smoking, a lack of exposure to germs during childhood, diet and stress as other possible determining factors.
As well as “what causes allergies?”, there are many other related frequently asked questions.
Is a dust allergy the same as a mite allergy?
Yes, it is. We often refer to a mite allergy as a “dust allergy”. Dust contains both inorganic and organic matter, with mites being part of the latter. Thus, people with a dust allergy are normally allergic to mites.
Do antihistamines make you sleepy?
Second-generation or non-sedating antihistamines, which are used to treat respiratory allergies, have a very good safety profile in terms of not causing drowsiness. Nevertheless, this always depends on a patient's susceptibility.
My mouth itches when I eat certain foods. Do I have an allergy?
Possibly. One of the most common symptoms of food allergy is what is known as oral allergy syndrome; that is, itching in the mouth, lips and throat. However, if food induces itching in the mouth it is not always due to an allergy. Itching must be differentiated from stinging or the sensation that certain spicy substances or foods give.
Can I be allergic to a medicine even if I have taken it before?
Yes. In fact, to be allergic to a medicine, you must have become sensitised to it by taking it more than once before. The onset of an allergy can occur on the second dose or in the 500th dose, for example.
What is the difference between an allergy and intolerance?
An allergy is a specific immunological reaction. In other words, the body reacts against a substance it considers harmful. Intolerance, however, involves the metabolism, which is not able to process certain compounds in food.
Can allergies be cured?
This depends on the allergen causing the allergy and the age at which it begins. Food allergies in children, for example, usually disappear after four or five years. However, food allergies that begin in early childhood or adulthood usually last a lifetime. Respiratory, drug or insect venom allergies are also for life. However, the clinical manifestations produced by an allergy can be modulated with age with the help of drugs, reducing the intensity of the symptoms experienced.
