Call our customer care service at 7550 12 32 32

What is Egg Allergy?

Egg allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system against eggs. Proteins present in the egg white are more likely to cause an allergy than the proteins present in the yolk. Some people can be allergic to both.

The overreaction of the immune system results in an allergic reaction. The immune system recognizes the protein in egg white/yolk as foreign and produces histamine and other chemicals that lead to the symptoms of an allergy.

Egg allergy is very common in children. Most children usually grow out of it before adolescence. In the US, about 2 percent of the total children population are known to be allergic to eggs. Egg allergies usually occur during infancy and become severe between 6 and 15 months of age. There are cases of egg allergy reported in adults also.

Signs and symptoms are usually very mild and can be easily managed. The allergy can be life-threatening in rare cases where there is a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. This impairs breathing and can send the body into shock if immediate action is not taken.

If you’re allergic to eggs, you may be at an increased risk of other food allergies like milk or peanut allergy, allergies to pet dander, pollen, or dust mites, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.

Symptoms of Egg Allergy

The symptoms vary from person to person and can usually occur immediately after consumption or after a few hours. The symptoms are common to those seen in other allergic reactions.
- Skin inflammation, swelling, hives
- Redness of face
- Nasal congestion
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Signs and symptoms of asthma-like wheezing, cough, shortness of breath
- Pale or blue skin
- Sneezing
- Dizziness
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases
- Lip or eyelid swelling, itchy ear, nose, or throat (usually in adults)

The Genetics Behind Egg Allergy

Variations in certain genes have been observed in people with egg allergies. Studying these variations can help predict if a person has a higher risk of getting the allergy compared to other people.

ABCB11 Gene

The ABCB11 gene encodes a protein in the liver called bile salt export pump. Bile salts present in bile released by the liver are transported through this pump. This is an indication of healthy liver function. Variation in this gene is found to be associated with egg allergy.

rs16823014
rs16823014 is an SNP found in the ABCB11 gene. The minor allele, A allele, is found to increase one’s risk of developing egg allergy.

ERCC4 Gene

The ERCC4 gene encodes the ERCC4 protein, which is a DNA repair endonuclease. It is known to participate in DNA repair and recombination along with other proteins. Variation in this gene is found to be associated with egg allergy.

rs6498482
rs6498482 is an SNP found in the ERCC4 gene. The minor allele, the C allele, is associated with an increased risk of egg allergy in individuals.

If one or both the parents have any food allergy or other allergic diseases like asthma, hives, or eczema, the child has an increased risk of egg allergy.

Non-Genetic Factors that Influence Egg Allergy

Age: Children are more prone to having an egg allergy. Allergic reactions are less likely to occur in older people.

Atopic dermatitis: Children who have this skin problem are more likely to develop a food allergy.

Diagnosing Egg Allergy

Skin-prick test: A small amount of liquid containing egg protein is allowed to seep into the skin on the back or forearm by piercing. After 15-20 minutes, if signs of allergy like redness are observed, the person is said to be allergic to eggs. You can determine which protein of egg you’re allergic to using this test.

Blood test: Blood samples are tested for the presence of allergic antibodies against egg proteins.

Oral food challenge: Small amounts of eggs are consumed under the supervision of an allergist or trained staff to see if any reaction occurs.

Food elimination diet: If the symptoms disappear on eliminating eggs from your daily diet, you may be allergic to eggs.

Managing Egg Allergy

The best way to manage any allergy is to avoid the allergen causing it. This can prevent severe allergic reactions.

Food products: Start reading the labels on food products. Most foods that include the words emulsifier, binder, coagulant, or any other ingredients that begin with ova contain eggs and should be avoided.
Various food items like mayonnaise, baked goods, frostings, and processed meat contain eggs. Be sure to read the ingredients carefully and find out if any form of egg is present in the item to avoid an allergic reaction. Make a list of all the products that contain eggs or related proteins and avoid them.

Egg replacers: Several egg replacers are available in the market. These include applesauce, yogurt, vinegar, baking soda, mashed banana, and ground flax or chia seeds. These can be used instead of eggs while baking. There are various other protein sources that you can include in your diet instead of eggs.

Allergy bracelet or necklace: Children should wear an allergy bracelet or necklace that informs people of the allergy, especially if the child can develop a serious reaction to eggs.

Vaccines that contain egg proteins: There are a few vaccines that contain egg proteins. Examples include the flu vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, and MMR vaccine. Inform the healthcare professional about your allergy before they prescribe any vaccination or medication to you.

Severe allergic reactions: Epinephrine in an auto-injector is usually used to treat anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. This should be carried with a person susceptible to severe allergic reactions and used when symptoms start to occur.

Summary

  1. Egg allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system against the protein present in eggs. They are treated as a foreign substance and attacked by the immune system. Egg allergy is more common in children than in adults. Most children outgrow their symptoms as they grow old except in certain cases.
  2. The symptoms of egg allergy are common to other allergies. They include redness, inflammation, stomach pain, and shortness of breath.
  3. Variations in certain genes are found to increase the risk of egg allergy. The A allele of rs16823014, an SNP found in the ABCB11 gene, and the C allele of rs6498482, an SNP found in the ERCC4 gene, are known to increase your risk for egg allergy.
  4. There are a few tests that can be done to find out if the egg proteins are a trigger for your allergic reactions.
  5. The best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid the consumption of eggs. Make sure you know the ingredients present in the food you’re eating. Several egg replacers are available to use in baking.

References

https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/food-allergy/types-food-allergy/egg-allergy
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/egg
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25710614
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/egg-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372115
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/egg-substitutes
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/abcb11/
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=ERCC4

What is Milk Allergy?

Milk allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system against milk and milk products. It is most often caused by the alpha S1-casein protein present in cow’s milk. Milk from sheep, goats, buffalo, and other mammals can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.

The overreaction of the immune system results in an allergic reaction. The immune system recognizes the protein in milk as foreign and produces histamine and other chemicals that lead to the symptoms of an allergy.

Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in children. Milk is one of the 8 types of food that cause 90% of allergies in children. Most children outgrow the allergy before adolescence.

Milk allergy is usually confused with lactose intolerance because of common symptoms. They’re not the same condition. Lactose intolerance is caused by the absence of an enzyme called lactase, needed to metabolize a milk sugar called lactose. Milk allergy is an allergic reaction to a protein present in milk.

Some people are allergic to almond milk or soy milk as well, which are commonly used as alternatives to cow’s milk. The right trigger of the reaction should be identified to manage the allergy.

Signs and symptoms are usually very mild and can be easily managed. The allergy can be life-threatening in rare cases where there is a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. This impairs breathing and can send the body into shock if immediate action is not taken. Anaphylaxis can also lead to cardiac arrest.

If you’re allergic to milk, you may be at an increased risk of other food allergies like eggs, peanut or beef allergy, allergies to pet dander, pollen, or dust mites, which causes hay fever.

Symptoms of Milk Allergy

The symptoms vary from person to person and can usually occur immediately after consumption or after a few hours. The symptoms are common to those seen in other allergic reactions.
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Cough, sinus infection
- Swelling of lips and tongue
- Itching of lips and mouth
- Watery eyes
- Colic in babies
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases

The Genetics Behind Milk Allergy

Variations in certain genes have been observed in people with milk allergies. Studying these variations can help predict if a person has a higher risk of getting the allergy compared to other people.

IL2 Gene

The IL2 gene encodes a cytokine called interleukin 2, which is part of immune signaling in the body. It is involved in regulating white blood cells and is also a part of the body’s immune response against foreign bodies like microbes. Mutations in this gene have been found to be associated with milk allergy.

rs2069772
rs2069772 is an SNP found in the IL2 gene. The T allele is found in people who are allergic to cow’s milk.

TLR6 Gene

The TLR6 gene encodes a protein called toll-like receptor 6. This protein plays a major role in innate immunity, which is the first non-specific defense by the immune system against a foreign body. TLR6 is also involved in recognition of pathogens like bacteria and fungi. They trigger the immune system to produce chemicals necessary to fight the pathogens. Mutations in this gene have been found to be associated with milk allergy.

rs17616434
rs17616434 is an SNP found in the TLR6 gene. The C allele is found in people who are allergic to cow’s milk.

Non-Genetic Factors that Influence Milk Allergy

Age: Children are more prone to milk allergy. Allergic reactions are less likely to occur in older people.

Atopic dermatitis: Children who have this skin problem are more likely to develop a food allergy.

Pre-existing conditions: Any food allergy or other allergic diseases like asthma, hives, or eczema increases the risk of milk allergy.

Non-Genetic Factors that Influence Milk Allergy

Age: Children are more prone to milk allergy. Allergic reactions are less likely to occur in older people.

Atopic dermatitis: Children who have this skin problem are more likely to develop a food allergy.

Pre-existing conditions: Any food allergy or other allergic diseases like asthma, hives, or eczema increases the risk of milk allergy.

Diagnosing Milk Allergy

Skin-prick test: A small amount of liquid containing milk protein or milk protein extract is allowed to seep into the skin on the back or forearm by piercing. After 15-20 minutes, if signs of allergy like redness, raised welt are observed, the person is said to be allergic to milk.

Blood test: Blood sample is tested for the presence of allergic antibodies against milk protein. A newer type of blood test called component test is used to look for severe allergic reactions to specific proteins in milk.

Oral food challenge: Small amount of milk or milk powder is consumed under the supervision of an allergist or trained staff to see if any reaction occurs.

Managing Milk Allergy

The best way to manage any allergy is to avoid the allergen causing it. This can prevent severe allergic reactions.

Food products: Start reading the labels on food products. Look for casein, a milk derivative that is also found in tuna, sausages, and other non-dairy products. The other main milk protein to look out for is whey.
Several food items are marked as milk-free or non-dairy but can contain certain milk proteins or derivatives that can lead to allergies.
Make a list of all the products that contain milk or related proteins and avoid them.

Milk alternatives: For cooking or baking, milk can be easily substituted with water, juice, or other types of milk like soy or rice milk. Soy or rice milk can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
If an infant is allergic to milk, the doctor would recommend hypoallergenic formulas that contain milk proteins broken down by enzymes. Depending on the level of breakdown, they are classified as partially, extensively hydrolyzed, or elemental formula. Amino acid-based formulas are also available. Talk to a doctor about what alternative would be best for your infant.

Allergy bracelet or necklace: Children should wear an allergy bracelet or necklace that informs people of the allergy, especially if the child can develop a serious reaction to milk.

Severe allergic reactions: Epinephrine in an auto-injector is usually used to treat anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. This should be carried with a person susceptible to severe allergic reactions and used when symptoms start to occur.

Summary

  1. Milk allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system against the protein present in milk. They are treated as a foreign substance and attacked by the immune system. Most children outgrow their symptoms as they grow old except in certain cases. Casein and whey are two milk proteins that are common causes of milk allergy in children.
  2. The symptoms of egg allergy are common to other allergies. Few symptoms are redness, wheezing, hives, and shortness of breath.
  3. Variations in certain genes are found to increase the risk of milk allergy. The T allele of rs2069772, an SNP found in the IL2 gene, and the C allele of rs17616434, an SNP found in the TLR6 gene, are known to increase your risk for milk allergy.
  4. There are a few tests that can be done to find out if the milk proteins are a trigger for your allergic reactions.
  5. The best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid the consumption of milk and related products. Make sure you know the ingredients present in the food you’re eating. Substitutes can be used in cooking, and hypoallergenic formulas can be used for infants.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/milk
https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/food-allergy/types-food-allergy/milk-dairy-allergy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/milk-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375101
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4776421/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340086/
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=IL2
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=TLR6

What is Nut Allergy?

Nuts are types of fruits that come covered in an inedible and hard shell with an edible seed inside. Nuts are a popular source of food as they are energy-dense and calorie-rich. Starting from small pine nuts to larger walnuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts, there are so many tree nuts enjoyed all over the world.

This is a serious condition that affects almost 3 million Americans and 1.1% of the general population.

Nut allergy lasts for a lifetime and can lead to serious complications when the affected person is not treated. 80% of all children diagnosed with tree nut allergies don’t outgrow the condition.

What Causes Allergic Responses In People With A Nut Allergy?

When a person with a nut allergy consumes nuts, the person’s body considers it as a harmful and dangerous foreign substance. The immune system is alerted, and it releases a hormone called histamine to handle the foreign substance.

Histamine can cause a variety of responses in the body, some of which can be unpleasant and painful.

Nut Allergy Symptoms

Are Peanut Allergy And Nut Allergy The Same?

Most people assume that peanuts are a form of nuts. This is not true. Peanuts are legumes, and a peanut allergy is different from a nut allergy. However, if you are allergic to peanuts, it is common to be allergic to one or a few types of nuts too.

Also, if you are allergic to one nut, you could be allergic to others too. This is why doctors advise people with a diagnosed nut allergy to stay away from all kinds of nuts.

How Does Genetics Influence Nut Allergy?

STAT6 Gene

The STAT6 gene helps produce the Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 6 protein. This protein controls the IL4-mediates inflammatory biological responses in the body. IL-4 promotes conditions like asthma and allergic inflammations in the body.

rs324015 polymorphism in the STAT6 gene
A nut allergy study carried out in the UK, compared the effects of the rs324015 polymorphism of the STAT6 gene on nut allergies. The study concluded that those with nut allergies had an increased frequency of the G allele of the rs324015 SNP.

Non-Genetic Influences On Nut Allergies

Age - Tree nut allergies are more common in children and toddlers when compared to adults. The symptoms are also more severe in children whose digestive systems are not as mature as that of adults.

Other related allergies - If you have some kind of food allergy or an existing case of peanut allergy, it is expected that you also develop a nut allergy.

Cross-contamination - Cross-contamination is a process by which nuts allergic to you get transferred to another safer food substance unintentionally. Such contaminations can happen during the production or packaging process. If you have existing nut allergies, cross-contamination can end up causing a flare-up of the symptoms.

This is why the FALCPA (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004) requires food and beverage brands to mention if their manufacturing facility deals with nuts, even if nuts are not added as an ingredient.

Atopic dermatitis - About 20-40% of children with atopic dermatitis end up having some kind of food allergy, including peanut and tree nut allergies. If your child is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, make sure you introduce nuts with caution.

Recommendations To Prevent Nut Allergy Flare-Ups

Avoid nuts - One of the most simple solutions to prevent nut allergies from flaring up is to avoid eating nuts. If you find yourself allergic to one nut, it is recommended you stay away from all nuts to be on the safer side.

Check the labels - If you have a nut allergy, definitely check the label of the food/beverage you choose thoroughly before buying it. Brands are required to mention in bold fonts if their product contains nuts.

Take care when you choose alcoholic beverages - Some alcoholic beverages may use nuts in the distillation process. When you find an alcoholic beverage with ‘botanical’ or ‘natural’ additives in it, talk to the manufacturer to know whether nuts are a part of the distillation process.

Keep your medications close to you - People with nut allergies have to carry an auto-injector with them all the time to handle allergic attacks. Such individuals should also be on anti-histamine drugs to bring down the severity of their allergic reaction.

Nut-proof the house - It is safer to not bring anything with nuts inside the house. If you have guests coming over, telling them in advance about not bringing nut-based foods and beverages helps too.

Introduce nuts in your diet early on - Studies say that when you slowly introduce nuts to babies from 6 months of age, their tolerance to the same increases, and the chances of them developing an allergy is low. Start with very low amounts and introduce one nut at a time to watch for allergic reactions. Keep your pediatrician informed if you are planning to introduce nuts.

Summary

  1. Nut allergy is an allergic reaction in the body to consuming nuts. About 3 million Americans are diagnosed with nut allergies, and 1% of the global population is allergic to nuts.
  2. Nut allergies cause histamine production in the body and lead to symptoms like skin rashes, watery and puffed up eyes, swollen tongue and lips, and coughing and wheezing.
  3. Extreme cases of nut allergies cause anaphylaxis. This causes the body to go into shock and leads to breathlessness and constriction of airways.
  4. Polymorphisms in the STAT6 gene lead to an increased risk for nut allergies.
  5. Children are more prone to developing nut allergies than adults. Having other kinds of food allergies also make you risky for nut allergies.
  6. Checking food and beverage labels carefully before buying food, nut-proofing your house, and keeping your medications close to you all help bring down the risk of nut allergy flare-ups.

References

https://nationaleczema.org/atopic-dermatitis-and-allergies-connection/
https://acaai.org/allergies/anaphylaxis
https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/food-allergy-and-intolerance/nut-allergy#nav-2
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/nut-allergy-symptoms#check-your-food-labels
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/nut-allergy-symptoms#check-your-food-labels
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327033#treatments
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy

What is Peanut Allergy?

Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy that causes an immune reaction on exposure to peanuts. In some individuals, even the smallest amount of peanut exposure can result in a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. 

About 1-2% of the population is allergic to peanuts. If you have a close relative with a peanut allergy, your risk of being allergic to peanuts is 7%. So you are 14 times more likely to have a peanut allergy if you have a relative with peanut allergy. Non-identical twins in a fraternal twin pair had peanut allergies 7% of the time. Identical twins on the other hand, had the allergies 64% of the time, which indicates a strong genetic component in this type of allergy.

There have been multiple studies on peanut allergy, and the most likely cause for it is said to be genetic. Peanut allergy occurs when an individual’s body wrongly identifies the harmless protein in peanuts as a harmful substance and launches an immune attack against it. The chemicals released by the body’s immune system against the peanut protein trigger a range of symptoms. The contact with peanuts can be direct, indirect, or by inhalation.

Symptoms of Peanut Allergy

The allergic reaction occurs just minutes after exposure to peanuts in any form. Signs and symptoms of the allergy include:

In some cases, peanut allergy can be life-threatening and a medical emergency. This type of reaction is called an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction due to peanut allergy include:

Evolution and Allergies

Peanuts are rich in proteins and are unconventional because they flower over the ground, whereas their pods containing seeds are present underground. This is why they are called a geocarpic fruit. Due to this nature of the peanut plant, the pods and seeds come in contact with many soil pathogens and pests, including the fungus Aspergillus. The seed proteins of peanuts are modified slightly when they come in contact with this fungus, in order to survive. These modified proteins in the peanut seed membranes trigger our body’s immune receptors and modulate the immune pathways to release IgE.

This evolutionary history can be explored further to understand how the humble peanut became one of “The big eight food allergens in the world”.

How Do Genes Influence Peanut Allergy?

HMGA2 Gene

The HMGA2 gene, or High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2, is responsible for encoding a protein that belongs to the non-histone chromosomal high mobility group family of proteins.

rs10878354 and peanut allergy

SNP rs10878354 is a G>A polymorphism located on chromosome 12 in the gene HMGA2 Gene. The presence of the G allele significantly increases the risk of developing peanut allergy.

ZFAT gene

Zinc Finger And AT-Hook Domain Containing or ZFAT gene encodes a protein that binds DNA and acts as a transcriptional regulator in the process of cell survival and cell death. It is also a susceptibility locus for autoimmune thyroid disease on chromosome 8.

rs4584173 and peanut allergy

rs4584173 is a T>C polymorphism that is located on chromosome 8. The presence of the T allele increases one’s chance of developing peanut allergy.

HLA-DRA Gene

Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class II, DR Alpha is a part of the HLA Class II alpha chain. This gene plays a prominent role in the immune system as it is entrusted with the responsibility to present peptides derived from extracellular proteins.

rs7192 and peanut allergy

rs7192 is one of the most strongly associated genetic polymorphisms with peanut allergy. Having one T allele increases one’s risk of developing peanut allergy by 1.7 times, whereas having two T (TT) alleles increases the risk by 3 times.

HLA-DQB1 Gene

The HLA-DQB1 gene is associated with asthma, a condition that is characterized by the release of IgE on exposure to trigger factors. The genes of the HLA family belong to the Major Histocompatibility Complex(MHC) locus, which are involved in antigen presentation to T cells.

It is also important to note that asthma and food allergies are linked.

rs9275596 and peanut allergy

rs9275596 is located between HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA2 on chromosome 6. Similar to SNP rs7192, rs9275596 is also associated with an increased risk of peanut allergy. Having a single C allele increases one’s risk of developing peanut allergy by 1.7 times, whereas having two ‘C’ alleles (CC) increases the risk by three times.

Non-Genetic Influences on Peanut Allergy

While genetics is claimed to be the main reason for peanut allergies, there are also other risk factors that have a significant effect:

- Allergies to other foods: If you are allergic to other food items, you are at an increased risk of peanut allergy too. It has also been observed that having hay fever increases one’s chances of developing peanut allergy.

How To Manage Peanut Allergy?

Dietary recommendations

- If you are allergic to peanuts, you must stay away from all foods that contain or are prepared using peanuts or its products like peanut oil.

- When you pick packaged foods, read the label carefully to check for other products that can trigger an allergic reaction similar to peanuts. These include monkey nuts, peanut butter, peanut flour, mixed nuts, and peanut oil, to name a few.

- You must also avoid cold-pressed, expelled, and expressed peanut oil, as these can trigger peanut allergy too.

- It is also recommended to avoid other nuts, nut butter, and extracts to be 100% sure you are staying safe.

Lifestyle modifications

If you are allergic to peanuts, there may be some chance that you are allergic to other nuts or foods too. To avoid an untoward allergic reaction, here are a few lifestyle modifications that can come in handy:

- Be cautious and never assume that a food does not contain allergens. This will prompt you to ask at a restaurant before you order a dish.

- Make it a habit to read food labels and warnings as relevant information is usually mentioned on it.

- It is okay to say ‘no’ to a dish that you are unsure of at a party or social gathering if you suspect peanuts or other possible allergens are present in it.

- If you or your child is allergic to peanuts, always carry emergency medications. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Summary

  1. A very common food allergy, peanut allergy, affects a significant segment of the population.
  2. It occurs when the immune system identifies peanut protein as a harmful entity and triggers an immune response against it.
  3. A few genes that have been identified to have strong associations with peanut allergy. There is a better understanding of how some people are at an increased risk of developing the condition while others are not.
  4. The best way to manage peanut allergy or any food allergy, for that matter, is to avoid such foods. It is also advisable to have emergency antihistamines on hand in case you encounter the allergen accidentally.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6563476/
https://journals.plos.org/ploson/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222440
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/researchers-discover-peanut-allergy-genes#Pinpointing-peanut-genes
https://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask224

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever does not cause any fever or have anything to do with hay, as the name suggests. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies, is an allergic response to certain allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system responds to something foreign in the environment and mounts a defense causing cold-like systems. It mainly affects the nose.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 7.7% of the adult population and 7.2% of children are affected by hay fever.

The symptoms can occur with a change in seasons or even throughout the year, depending on the trigger allergen. Seasonal rhinitis usually occurs in response to outdoor allergens like pollen, especially in spring and fall. Pollen is the most common allergen that causes seasonal allergic rhinitis. Perennial rhinitis occurs at any time during the year or all year round in response to allergens like pet dander.

Irritants like cigarette smoke, perfumes, and other strong odors can also cause hay fever. These irritants cause nonallergic rhinitis that is similar to allergic rhinitis except for the trigger of symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis is not life-threatening but can interfere with your daily life and make you feel uncomfortable. Finding the right trigger and subsequent treatment are important to manage this condition.

Symptoms of Hay Fever

Common symptoms of hay fever include:
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing and cough
- Itching in the nose, mouth, eyes, or throat
- Sore throat
- Red and watery eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dry and itchy skin, which is a common symptom of eczema
- Sinus pain

Symptoms occur on immediate exposure to the allergen. Certain symptoms like headaches happen after a long time of exposure to the allergen. Symptoms last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. A blocked or runny nose, along with sneezing and cough, are the most common symptoms.

The Genetics Behind Hay Fever

If there’s a history of allergies in your family, you’re more likely to get allergic rhinitis. If both the parents have asthma or eczema, the child is more likely to get allergic rhinitis. Variations in several genes have been found to play a role in the risk of allergic rhinitis. A few variations are listed below.

TSLP Gene

The TSLP gene encodes a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin, which is a cytokine. Cytokines are a category of proteins involved in immune cell signaling.

This protein promotes the maturation of certain cells called T helper type 2 (TH2) cells associated with diseases like asthma, allergic inflammation, and other allergic conditions.

rs1837253
rs1837253 is an SNP found in the TSLP gene. The minor allele, the T allele, is found to be associated with protection from asthma and a reduced risk of allergic rhinitis. The major allele, the C allele, is associated with an increased risk of hay fever with asthma.

HLA-DQB1 Gene

The HLA-DQB1 gene is part of the family of genes that form the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. The proteins produced by these genes play an important role in the immune system of the body. They help in distinguishing between self and foreign proteins and trigger the necessary immune response.

Variations in this gene are found to be associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

rs9273373
rs9273373 is an SNP found in the HLA-DQB1 gene. [The major allele, the G allele, is found to be associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma]
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4280183/).

Non-Genetic Factors that Influence Hay Fever

Few non-genetic factors that increase your risk of developing hay fever are:
- Working in an environment in which you’re constantly exposed to certain allergens like dust mites.
- Animal dander can cause hay fever in certain people. Living with pets can increase the risk of hay fever.
- Smoking cigarettes or exposure to smoke increase the risk of nonallergic rhinitis.
- Other allergies, atopic dermatitis, or asthma
- Living in an environment in which you’re constantly exposed to allergens

Diagnosing Hay Fever

Skin-prick test: A small amount of allergen is pricked into the skin of your arm or upper back. If a bump or hive is seen at the site of the prick after about 20 minutes, it could mean that you’re allergic to that particular material. The allergen is also sometimes inserted under the skin in an intradermal skin-prick test, which is more sensitive.

Blood test: Blood samples are tested for the presence of allergic antibodies. It’s also called the radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

Managing Hay Fever

Self-care: The best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid exposure to allergens. If you’re experiencing symptoms, try to trace back your activities and find the cause of the symptoms.
- Try to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid increased exposure to pollen, especially in the spring and fall seasons when pollen counts are maximum.
- Keep your house clean and free of dust mites. Clean the air conditioner vents frequently as they accumulate a lot of dust.
- Wash your bedding frequently and use mite-proof covers if necessary.
- If you’re allergic to pet dander, try to keep the pet outside your room as much as possible to avoid exposure to allergens.
- Avoid using carpeted floors at home as they tend to accumulate a lot of dust and dander.
- Acupuncture, honey, certain probiotics, and nasal saline injection are certain home remedies that can help in treating allergies.

Medication: Many allergens aren’t airborne and cannot be easily avoided. Certain medications or treatment can help manage symptoms. Consult a doctor before starting any new medication or treatment.
- Antihistamines are used to treat allergies. Various OTC antihistamines like cetirizine, fexofenadine are available.
- Decongestants are usually used for a short period to relieve a blocked nose and other sinus-related symptoms.
- Eye drops and nasal sprays are also used for a short period to treat red eyes and other allergy-related symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays are used long-term to treat severe allergies.
- Corticosteroids are used to help with inflammation and immune response. They are usually used in nasal sprays.
- Immunotherapy or allergy shots are usually recommended by the doctor for severe allergies.

Summary

  1. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies, is an allergic response to certain allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The immune system responds to certain allergens and causes symptoms of allergy.
  2. Runny or blocked nose, red and watery eyes, itching of the nose and eyes, headaches, and sore throat are some of the common symptoms of hay fever.
  3. Variations in certain genes are associated with the risk of hay fever. The C allele of rs1837253, an SNP found in the TSLP gene, and G allele of rs9273373, an SNP found in the HLA-DQB1 gene, are known to increase your risk for hay fever.
  4. A skin-prick test or blood test can be used to diagnose allergic rhinitis.
  5. Certain home remedies can help treat hay fever. Finding the trigger is important in treating this condition. A doctor may prescribe some medication or treatments to help with severe cases.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergic-rhinitis#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24388013
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=TSLP
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/hla-dqb1/
https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs1837253

© Copyright 2010-20 - Xcode Life - All Rights Reserved
heartheart-pulsegiftchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram