Did you know that over 30% of the global population suffers from one or more allergic conditions? In India alone, allergies affect millions, with urban areas witnessing a higher prevalence due to pollution and lifestyle factors. Alarmingly, hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions have risen by nearly 50% in the last decade. This surge underscores the need for heightened awareness and readiness to address allergic emergencies. With diverse demographics affected, from busy urban professionals to students, no segment remains untouched by the potential urgency of allergic reactions. 

Allergies are caused by the immune system’s adverse reaction to a substance (allergen) as if it is harmful, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe. The exact reasons why some people develop allergies are not fully understood, but several factors contribute to the risk:

• Genetic predisposition: Allergies often run in families. If one or both parents have allergies, the risk of their children developing allergies increases.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can trigger allergies. Pollution and environmental irritants can also exacerbate allergic reactions.
• Hygiene hypothesis: This theory suggests that living in overly clean environments during early childhood may limit exposure to germs, affecting the immune system’s development and increasing the risk of allergies.
• Early life exposures: Factors such as being born via cesarean section, early antibiotic use, and not being breastfed may impact the likelihood of developing allergies.
• Dietary changes: The rise in food allergies has been partly attributed to changes in eating habits and food processing methods.
• Other health conditions: Having certain conditions like asthma or eczema can increase the likelihood of developing allergies.
• Age: While allergies can develop at any age, some, like food allergies, are more commonly diagnosed in childhood, whereas others, like drug allergies, may appear later in life.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, and stress can influence immune function and potentially increase the risk of allergies.

Despite the prevalent incidence of allergies across age groups and social strata, allergies are often dismissed as minor irritants. It is important to be aware that allergies can sometimes escalate into life-threatening emergencies requiring critical care. Understanding when an allergic reaction demands immediate medical attention is crucial for ensuring safety and well-being.

Let’s explore some allergies that have the tendency to become fatal if not attended to in time.

Food allergy
Rohan, an active 5-year-old had a severe allergic reaction after he had a chikki bar. Within minutes of consuming this peanut-based snack, he developed symptoms like hives, swelling of the lips and tongue, and difficulty breathing. These are signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. Immediate ER attention and critical care, including epinephrine administration and monitoring, saved Rohan’s life.

People with food allergies, and parents of kids with food allergies, should always check ingredient labels and be cautious when eating out. For those with severe allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and wearing a medical alert bracelet have proven to be effective saviours.

Drug allergies
Aisha, a 45-year-old software engineer, had an unexpected severe reaction to a commonly prescribed antibiotic. She developed a widespread rash, fever, and facial swelling – symptoms of a severe drug allergy known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Hospitalisation in an intensive care unit was necessary to manage her symptoms and prevent complications.

Knowing your drug allergies and informing healthcare providers about them is vital. Patch testing and allergic reaction history are ways to identify potential drug allergies.

Insect sting allergies
Suresh, a 20-year-old college student, discovered his severe allergy to bee stings during a camping trip. He experienced wheezing, chest tightness, and a rapid heartbeat after being stung, requiring immediate transport to the Emergency room.

People with known insect sting allergies should avoid areas where stings or insect bites are likely and consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Allergy testing can identify specific insect venom allergies.

Those with frequent allergy attacks should consider taking an allergy test. Discovering allergies typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and specific allergy tests. The most common tests used to diagnose allergies are:

• Skin Prick Test (SPT): Small amounts of suspected allergens are placed on the skin, which is then pricked to introduce the allergen beneath the surface; reveals immediate allergic reactions to various substances
• Blood Test (Specific IgE Antibody Testing): Measures the level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in a blood sample; useful for identifying allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, and foods.
• Patch Test: Allergens are applied on patches, which are then placed on the skin to check for delayed allergic reactions; typically related to contact dermatitis
• Elimination Diet and Food Challenge: Involves removing suspected food allergens from the diet and then gradually reintroducing them to monitor for reactions; helps in identifying specific food allergies
• Component-resolved Diagnostics (CRD): Advanced blood testing that differentiates between sensitivities to specific components of an allergen; useful in assessing the risk of severe reactions
• Nasal Provocation Test: Direct application of allergen to the nasal mucosa to observe the response; primarily used for diagnosing allergic rhinitis

The importance of vigilance and timely medical help
Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Being aware of the symptoms that require critical care and taking immediate action can be the difference between a manageable situation and a medical emergency. Identifying the causes and taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of severe reactions.

Given its potential for developing into a full-blown medical emergency, it is absolutely essential for you to choose the correct healthcare partner if you or your loved ones have allergies of any kind. Pragma Hospitals, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad is totally equipped to provide comprehensive allergy care, from critical interventions to long-term management. Underscoring the importance it places on providing timely and expert medical attention in dealing with allergies, its ER and critical care departments are staffed with trained professionals capable of providing immediate and effective treatment for severe allergic reactions. Additionally, Pragma offers allergy testing facilities and immunotherapy.

In conclusion, staying alert and vigilant about allergic reactions and seeking medical help promptly can save precious lives.