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Around 10-20% of the Indian population is affected by immune system-related diseases, including immunological disorders, allergies, immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease, and other related disorders. Even the prevalence of allergic diseases is rising rapidly, with 20-30% of people suffering from at least one allergy. Atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic asthma are of major concern2. Allergies and immunology are interrelated fields, and understanding the difference between these two fields helps to manage their symptoms more effectively. This blog will explore what allergy and immunology entail and their impact on daily life.
Synopsis
About Allergy
Allergies are your body’s immune response to foreign substances that are generally harmless, causing mild to severe signs of allergic reactions. The substances that cause these allergic reactions are called allergens and include pollen, pet dander, foods, insect stings, and certain medications. When this allergen enters the body in various ways, the immune system overreacts and releases histamine chemicals, causing allergic reaction symptoms.
The allergies can be of many types, such as drug, seasonal, food, latex, contact dermatitis, animal, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. Seasonal allergies are quite common in India during certain times of the year, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. They can significantly affect daily life and cause discomfort.
Various types of allergy tests are used for diagnosing these allergies and conditions, like asthma, eczema, and others. Treatment involves managing these allergies by avoiding allergens, taking medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and others, and giving allergy shots (immunotherapy) in severe cases. Allergies are more common in children; only a few occur in adulthood. They cannot be fully cured, but managing these allergies is important to avoid further complications.
Allergy Symptoms
The allergy symptoms vary among individuals and depend on the type of allergen and how your body’s immune system reacts. Common signs and symptoms of allergies include:
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Hives or rash
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Sneezing or runny nose
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Red, swollen, or watery eyes
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Headache
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Itching of the nose or eyes
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Digestive issues
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Anaphylaxis
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Facial swelling
The different types of allergies will exhibit varied symptoms, but it is important to seek an evaluation from an allergy specialist. The doctor will conduct allergy tests to determine its type and cause.
Impact of Allergies on Life
Allergies cause various symptoms, causing discomfort and affecting quality of life, as they can go from mild to severe and life-threatening within some time, requiring emergency care. Even seasonal allergies make life miserable, affecting your school and work performance. Food allergies require careful dietary management, making it harder to eat all types of food, especially when eating out.
Allergic disorders also cause complications such as:
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Sinusitis and infections
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Ear or lung infections
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Asthma
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Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)
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Breathing problems
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Decreased quality of life
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Emotional disorders
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Sleep disturbances
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Family, social, and behavioural problems
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Allergic conjunctivitis
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Skin reactions
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Other medical conditions
What is Immunology?
The immune system plays a crucial role in defending your body against various infections and harmful substances. When the immune system does not function properly or overreacts, it leads to various diseases such as allergies, cancer, autoimmunity, and other immunological disorders. The study related to the immune system is called immunology. It is an important field of medicine that covers a wide range of functions, including how the immune system works, its response system, related diseases, immune therapies such as immunotherapy, vaccinations, and the prevention of autoimmune diseases.
Immunological disorders can be managed with a broader range of treatments, depending on the type of disease. Common treatment includes using immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases, antibiotics for infections, and making lifestyle modifications.
There are three main types of immunological disorders:
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Immunodeficiency: It occurs when the immune system does not work properly or produce enough antibodies to protect against infections. Thus, recurrent infections are common. The common immunodeficiency disorders are primary immunodeficiency disease, DiGeorge syndrome, agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
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Autoimmune disorders: These are common and occur when the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s healthy cells and tissues. It is a serious issue and can be life-threatening. The common autoimmune disorders are multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillian-Barre syndrome, type-1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, celiac disease, and Graves disease.
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Allergic disorders: They occur when the body's immune system attacks harmless allergens, causing allergic reactions.
Immunology Symptoms
Immunological disorder symptoms depend upon whether it is an immunodeficiency (underactive) or an autoimmune (overactive) disease. Differentiating the symptoms of immunological disorders from allergic diseases helps in better treatment outcomes. Common symptoms include:
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Recurring fever
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Joint pain and swelling
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Skin rashes
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Frequent infections
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Fatigue and tiredness
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Skin issues
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Swollen glands
These symptoms can lead to various chronic health issues; thus, immediate medical attention and treatment are needed.
Impact of Immunological Disorders on Life
It impacts the quality of life and health of patients in many ways. Its impact includes:
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Increased susceptibility to infections such as primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases
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Chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases
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Allergic reactions
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Increased risk of cancer
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Organ damage
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Neurological impact
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Affects mental health
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Treatment complications
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between allergy and immunology is crucial for the effective management of related diseases and improving your quality of life. Recognising the symptoms and impacts of each can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to manage their conditions effectively. Seek a consultation with an allergy and immunology hospital in Broadway, for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies that will help you live a healthier and more comfortable life despite these conditions. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
Allergists are specialised in treating allergies such as asthma, eczema, hives, hay fever, food allergies, and other related diseases. An immunologist treats immunodeficiency, autoimmune, and allergic disorders.
It is a treatment used to desensitise the immune system by subjecting it to small quantities of allergens frequently to enhance its tolerance whenever it comes in contact with that allergen again. Allergens can be anything, like pollen, medication, and others.
Though stress does not cause allergies, it can make allergic reactions worse by increasing the levels of histamines in the blood, which are responsible for exhibiting allergy symptoms.
Allergic reactions occur when the body produces specific IgE antibodies to fight against harmless antigens, called allergens. Allergens are small antigens like food proteins, dust, pollen, etc. that are responsible for the IgE antibody response.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Allergy and Immunology Department or visit our website.
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