Many people suffer from allergies that “torment” them month after month, seeking treatment everywhere but ultimately resigning to “live with” their allergies.
Various Types of Allergies
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| Pet hair (dogs, cats…) is one of the causes of allergies (Photo: simply-dog) |
Dr. Lu Hoang Vu from the Allergy Clinic at Medic Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City states that the term “allergy” has become familiar to everyone. Anyone experiencing symptoms like hives, sneezing, runny nose, or skin rashes often assumes they have an allergy and self-medicate without consulting a doctor.
While symptoms may improve temporarily, they often return, resulting in prolonged suffering for months or even years. Some patients experience all four allergy symptoms simultaneously (sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, itchy eyes, skin rashes, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath).
According to Dr. Hoang Vu, an allergy is an exaggerated response to a substance that the body perceives as foreign—commonly referred to as an “allergen”—such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and certain foods. These allergens are viewed as enemies by the immune system, and allergic reactions occur upon exposure through the respiratory system, eyes, skin, or mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Common allergic conditions that require allergy testing to identify the cause include allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hives, and angioedema (characterized by rapidly swelling welts on the skin, accompanied by difficulty breathing, fatigue, and low blood pressure)—a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate hospital treatment.
Mostly Caused by Dust Mites
Only 10% of allergic reactions resolve on their own, as seen in some food allergies, such as allergies to cow’s milk. Conversely, untreated allergies are more likely to lead to severe complications, such as asthma. Numerous allergens contribute to allergic rhinitis, and if not managed properly, they can worsen over time. 40% of allergic rhinitis cases can progress to asthma. Among adults with asthma, one in two is due to allergies; 80% of children with asthma have allergic causes. |
Dr. Hoang Vu explains that allergens causing allergies come in various forms, including dust mites (with five different species), animals (pet hair: cats, dogs, rodents; birds; cockroaches); mold (various types); and foods (shrimp, crab, fish, pork, chicken, oysters, eggs, etc.). However, the majority of allergy cases are due to dust mites.
Dust mites primarily live in household dust and places like food storage areas and kitchens. Notably, they thrive in bedding, blankets, pillows, curtains, upholstered furniture, and soft toys. A single mattress can host up to 2 million dust mites.
Dust mites mainly cause allergies affecting the eyes (itchy, red, watery eyes, stinging sensations); nose (itchy, runny, congested nose, sneezing fits); asthma (difficulty exhaling, coughing, breathing disruptions during sleep or exertion, wheezing, and shortness of breath); eczema, rashes, blisters, and itching on the cheeks, folds, elbows, and arms; as well as hives. For an accurate diagnosis, patients need to consult an allergy specialist to identify relevant allergens.
To prevent dust mite allergies, it is important to avoid curtains, soft toys, carpets, and certain bedding materials; wash sleepwear regularly and sun-dry once a week; ensure bedrooms are well-ventilated and sunlit; use plastic covers for mattresses and pillows; vacuum thoroughly, including mattresses and sofas, once a week…
Dr. Hoang Vu notes that the Medic Medical Center currently offers tests to diagnose the allergens responsible for allergies, along with treatment, guidance, and preventive measures.
LE THANH HA
