Understand how you could have had an allergy and not even know it

According to the professor of the Biomedicine course at Unopar, Beatriz dos Santos Souza Brito, allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that, for most people, are harmless. “The body starts to identify certain agents as a threat and triggers an immunological response that can manifest itself in different ways”, he explains.

"Allergic reactions are mediated, in most cases, by immunoglobulin E (IgE). When a sensitized person comes into contact with the allergen again, this immunoglobulin triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances by mast cells, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, redness, swelling and difficulty breathing", he adds.

According to the specialist, ignoring recurring signs can cause the allergic condition to remain active and even worsen over time. “When exposure to the causative agent continues and the problem is not identified, symptoms can intensify, affecting quality of life and, in some cases, evolving into more severe reactions”, he warns.

Among the possible consequences of a lack of attention to allergies, the teacher highlights the increase in the frequency and intensity of symptoms, such as respiratory crises, persistent skin irritations and recurrent gastrointestinal discomfort. In more serious situations, some reactions may require immediate medical attention.

Furthermore, failure to identify the causative agent can lead to a progressive worsening of the condition, as the person continues to be in contact with the triggering substance without realizing the relationship with the symptoms.

According to the teacher, observing the signs is essential to identify possible allergies. "Often, the patient lives with recurrent symptoms without relating them to a specific agent. Proper investigation is essential to improve quality of life and prevent the condition from progressing", he concludes.

Below, the teacher explains some common allergies and examples of substances involved:

House dust allergy

Very common, it can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, especially in closed environments. It is generally associated with mites present in dust accumulated in bedding, carpets and upholstery.

Allergy to animal hair

Despite the name, the reaction is usually linked to proteins present in the saliva, skin and urine of dogs and cats. It can cause respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing in sensitive people.

Other allergies that may also go unnoticed in everyday life:

Food allergy

Among the foods most associated with allergic reactions are milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, seafood (such as shrimp and shellfish), wheat and soy. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Drug allergy

Some medications can trigger allergic reactions, such as antibiotics (e.g. penicillins and sulfonamides), anti-inflammatories and analgesics. Manifestations range from skin irritations to more intense reactions, which require immediate medical attention.

Allergy to cleaning products and cosmetics

Products with fragrances, preservatives and chemical substances can cause contact allergies. Examples include detergents, disinfectants, soaps, perfumes, nail polish and makeup products, which can cause redness, itching and irritation to the skin.

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