The 13 types of allergies, their characteristics and symptoms.

A classification of these problems related to an adverse reaction of the immune system.

Our immune system is one of the most important in allowing us to survive, since it is thanks to it that we are able to fight against infections and problems resulting from the invasion of microorganisms and potentially harmful substances from the environment. from the environment.

However, this system sometimes reacts disproportionately and erroneously to stimuli that are not dangerous in principle, to which we become allergic. And what causes them or the type of reaction it generates can vary enormously.

That is why we can speak of a We can therefore speak of a great variety of types of allergieswhich can be classified according to various criteria. Throughout this article we are going to show some of the main typologies, as well as indicate some of the most frequent ones.

What is an allergy?

We denominated Allergy to a process of biological origin through which the contact or consumption with a substance or determined element triggers a massive reaction of our immune system, which identifies this element as a toxic or noxious substance which it tries to expel..

This is a response generated by a hypersensitization of our organism towards the stimulus in question, which is called allergen, and which provokes our white blood cells to synthesize our white blood cells synthesize antibodies to fight against the allergen.. However, it must be taken into account that in order to speak properly of allergy it is necessary that we are before a reaction generated by immediate contact with some type of exogenous substance, being otherwise before other types of hypersensitivity or disorder (although very similar).

Exposure to this allergen generates a reaction on the part of our immune system that is disproportionate and excessive in relation to the real danger it may pose. by our immune system disproportionate and excessive in relation to the real danger that the stimulus in question may pose, either because the stimulus to which we react or the allergen is actually harmless to us or because the bodily reaction is disproportionate to the real danger it represents (as for example the venom of a bee).

Reactions to such exposure can generate a wide variety of effects on the organism that can range from mild (these being the most common) to fatal (in cases of anaphylaxis not treated in time), being a health problem of the first order Although it is often underestimated, it can have severe consequences or generate difficulties in the daily life of those who suffer them.

In turn, allergies are one of the most common problems, being the usual cause of some very common conditions in most of the population and it is estimated that up to 40% of the population could suffer from some type of allergy. As for what can generate it, we can find a great variability of substances and stimuli (some more frequent than others) that our immune systems can identify as dangerous, as well as the type of reaction or the way by which it can reach us. That is why we can speak of several types of allergies.

1. Types of allergies according to the route of contact

One possible way of classifying allergies can be found in the medium through which the allergen comes into contact with the organism. In this sense we find three main groups of allergies.

1.1. Inhalation allergies

It is understood as such that type of allergies in which the allergenic substance is introduced in our organism through inhalation of air, by respiratory or nasal route. through the inhalation of air, via the respiratory or nasal route.. These are usually small particles of substances such as pollen, dust or mites.

1.2. Contact allergies

This type of allergy occurs when direct physical contact with a substance generates an allergic reaction. It usually generates symptoms at dermatological level and it is frequent for example in the allergy to animals.

1.3. Ingestion allergies

Ingestion allergies are all those in which the immune system reacts virulently by identifying a substance we have consumed as a pathogen. This is one of the types of allergy that often has the greatest potential for serious has the greatest potential for severe damage and anaphylaxis.. We usually speak of food or drug allergies.

1.4. Inoculation allergies

Similar to the previous one, in this case we are talking about substances that are introduced into our body by means of routes such as intravenous. These are usually allergies to medications (including anesthetics) or drugs that are not consumed orally. It is probably the most dangerous of all, since the allergen is introduced directly into the circulatory system and the reaction can be generalized. the reaction may be generalized throughout the organism or in survival-relevant parts of the body. or in parts relevant to survival.

2. According to their symptomatology

Another way of classifying allergies can be found if we use the type of symptomatology generated by exposure to the allergen as a differentiating criterion. In this sense, we can mainly find the following types of allergies.

2.1. Respiratory

Respiratory allergies are one of the most frequent types of allergies that exist, being understood as those that generate an affectation at the level of the breathing process. an affectation at the level of the breathing process.. Generally the problems are found at pulmonary level or in the respiratory tract, hindering the normal breathing of the subject and causing problems such as coughing, bronchial problems, asthma or wheezing. It is usually caused by inhalation allergies, although it is not essential.

2.2. Cutaneous/dermatological allergies

Together with respiratory allergies, they are the most frequent type of allergic reaction. It is common in contact allergies, but also often occurs in ingestion or inoculation allergies. In this case the most common type of symptomatology is the appearance of some type of skin rash, ulcer, sore, urticaria, eczema or pruritus.. This is the case of many dermatitis.

2.3. Nasal

One of the most visible, it is the type of allergic reaction that generates sneezing, snot or nasal itching. Often confused with colds or flus, it usually results, like the respiratory symptoms, from the inhalation of the allergen.

2.4. Ocular

Conjunctivitis, lacrimation and ocular peaking are allergic reactions at the ocular level that usually appear when allergens come into contact with our eyes. come into contact with our eyes..

2.5. Digestive

Another type of allergic reactions are digestive, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, inflammation or other gastrointestinal problems. They are common in food allergies, although they also appear in other types of allergy.

3. Three frequent varieties according to the time or place of exposure

In addition to the above types of allergies, we can also find three very frequent varieties depending on the type of situation, time or specific place where the contact with the allergen usually occurs.

3.1. Seasonal allergy

Seasonal allergies are a well known and very common type of allergy, in which the stimulus to which one is allergic has a tendency to appear at some specific time or period of the year.. One of the most obvious examples is pollen allergy, which tends to generate more difficulties during the spring.

3.2. Food allergy

Food allergies are a group of allergies that have the particularity that the allergen in question is a product or substance that can generally be consumed by humans and which may be nutritionally beneficialbut which in the person in question triggers a potentially life-threatening reaction.

It is possible that there was a period of time in which the subject could eat the product in question normally, before acquiring an allergy. These include allergies such as those produced by nuts or shellfish.

3.3. Drug allergy

This type of allergy refers to the presence of an extreme and adverse reaction on the part of the immune system to substances a priori designed to cure us or help us to overcome some type of ailment or disease. This is one of the most dangerous types of allergy and requires extreme requires extreme care when choosing and administering drugs, as it can aggravate the situation.It can aggravate the patient's situation or even lead to death.

3.4. Occupational

Occupational allergy is the type of allergic disorder or alteration generated by some type of stimulus from our occupation or work environment. This type of allergy can appear by any route of contact or manifest itself in different ways, although the most common is its appearance through the respiratory or cutaneous route, and what is defining is that it is generated by some substance in the workplace. by a substance specific to the workplace..

An example could be the appearance of an allergy in workers who handle chemicals or food in factories or during research, being in continuous contact with allergens.

Some of the most frequent

As we have said, there is a wide variety of stimuli that can trigger an allergy, since the allergy depends on what and how the allergic reaction is triggered. depends on what and how our own immune system is hypersensitized to.There are allergies ranging from as common as grass allergy to others as unusual as semen allergy or even water allergy. To conclude this article, we will look at four of the most common allergies.

Pollen allergy

One of the most common allergies, and generally of a seasonal nature, is the allergy caused by the allergen the pollen of certain plants. It usually causes nasal problems, headaches and problems to breathe normally.

Mites

Small creatures highly frequent in places such as our beds and sheets, usually generate respiratory and nasal problems. It is also often associated with dust..

Food

Although in this case we are including a rather broad category, we have considered it necessary to include it given the high prevalence of food allergies in general. These include nut allergy, tree nut allergy allergy to nuts, allergy to seafood, allergy to dairy products (not to be confused with intolerance, which is not the same thing) or allergy to exotic fruits.

To animal dander

Dander allergy in furred animals is one of the most common causes of respiratory problems and also has the potential to cause dermatological problems. Fortunately for those who, despite being allergic, want to take care of a pet, there are animals whose fur or lack of fur hinders the existence of dander or other allergenic substances.

Bibliographic references:

• Gaitano Garcia, A. (n.d.). Allergy for nurses. Basic manual of allergology.
• Pawankar, R.; Canonica, G.W.; Holgate, S.T. and Lockey, R.F. (2011). WAO white paper on allergy. Executive Summary. World Allergy Organization.