Allergies are a disorder in the immune system’s function, where an allergic person’s body overreacts to a normally harmless substance. The body may react to one or more substances present in the natural environment. Substances that trigger these allergic responses are called allergens. Although these allergens may exist in small amounts, they can cause a strong immune response in individuals prone to allergies.

 

Dr. Jasmina Kozarev, Dermatologist, explains: “The immune system reacts too strongly, trying to protect the body from generally harmless substances by mobilizing antibodies against them. Suppressing the allergic reaction occurs in two steps. The first step is upon initial contact with the allergen, where the immune system ‘remembers’ the allergen, and in subsequent exposures, the hypersensitivity reaction manifests with typical clinical symptoms.”

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Symptoms

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Symptoms of allergies, whether on the skin, eye mucosa, nose, or respiratory organs, can be local (e.g., swelling, itching, insect bite reactions) or systemic, manifesting as breathing difficulties, generalized swelling (e.g., eyelids, lips, tongue), or reactions in other organ systems.

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Skin reactions can include redness (erythema), itching, hives, eczema, or swelling. Eyes may itch, tear, or cause nasal secretions. Respiratory reactions involve increased nasal secretions (often clear), sneezing, coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, anaphylactic reactions can occur.

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Besides respiratory allergies, symptoms may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or swallowing difficulties. Systemic reactions usually involve the cardiovascular system, presenting as weakness, fatigue, pallor, fainting, lowered blood pressure, and accelerated heart rate. The most severe form is anaphylaxis, which can affect multiple organs and may be fatal due to respiratory and circulatory collapse.

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Spring Allergies

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Spring allergies typically arise from exposure to airborne allergens, especially pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as dust, which is considered a complex allergen containing these elements.

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Dr. Kozarev emphasizes: “What differentiates allergies from viral respiratory infections, particularly current concerns like coronavirus, is the absence of fever, which is a key sign distinguishing these two conditions.”

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Diagnosis

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Good diagnostics involve various allergy tests. The most common are prick and patch tests conducted directly on the skin. In certain situations, an intradermal test is performed, along with laboratory testing to determine specific antibodies.

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Treatment

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In the acute phase, allergies are treated with local and systemic therapies, including antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants to reduce mucosal swelling, and sometimes corticosteroids.

 

At the Dr. Kozarev Clinic, a unique product called Alergonasal Gel is used to prevent allergen inhalation by applying it between the nose and upper lip. This gel, containing silicone, physically lowers allergens to the skin surface, reducing inhalation risks.

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After the acute phase, treatment principles shift, possibly including specific immunotherapy for suitable candidates. This involves oral vaccines (SLIT therapy) or subcutaneous injections of specific allergens.

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Prevention

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Prevention of allergic reactions is crucial and involves reducing exposure to allergens, using products that prevent inhalation, and strengthening the immune system. In phases without active allergic symptoms, methods to induce immune tolerance are applied, such as vaccinations tailored to each individual’s needs based on allergy test results. Such vaccines are most effective in cases of single-allergen sensitivity and must be administered under controlled conditions.

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Dr. Jasmina Kozarev concludes: “The rising number of allergies worldwide is due to a weakened barrier in the skin and mucosa, which are the body’s first line of defense. For skin-related allergic reactions, we recommend strengthening the skin barrier with products like DK Antiekcem Cream, suitable for both children and adults. Systemic products are also advised to enhance mast cell membrane integrity, and it is essential to avoid substances harmful to the skin surface, such as detergents, cleaning chemicals, and harsh soaps, as well as other locally irritating agents.”