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What is a nettle allergy
Nettle allergy is a reaction of the body's immune system to contact with nettles or their products, which causes various symptoms in allergy sufferers. Nettle allergy can be the result of contact with the plant or the consumption of products that contain nettles. It is important to know that nettle allergies can be seasonal or year-round.
Causes of nettle allergy
The cause of the development of an allergy to nettles is hypersensitivity of the immune system to the allergens contained in nettles. The allergy most often develops in people who are genetically predisposed or who already suffer from other allergic diseases.
Nettle allergy symptoms
Symptoms of nettle allergy can be varied and appear in various combinations. The most common symptoms include:
- Skin manifestations: redness, itching, rash, swelling;
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing;
- Lacrimation, itching, and red eyes;
- Cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
- Sore throat, itchy mouth;
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Diagnosis of nettle allergy
Diagnosing a nettle allergy involves several steps:
- Allergy tests help determine the presence of antibodies to nettle allergens in the patient's blood. This can be a skin test or an immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test.
- The allergist examines the skin manifestations of the allergy, comparing them to the typical symptoms of a nettle allergy. This allows them to determine how likely the patient is to be allergic to nettles.
Treatment of nettle allergy
Treatment of nettle allergy includes medication and non-medication treatment.
Medication
Medication treatment for nettle allergy includes the following medications:
Antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine) - help reduce the skin manifestations of allergy and reduce itching;
Corticosteroid ointments (hydrocortisone, fluorocort) - used to treat the skin manifestations of allergies when antihistamines are ineffective;
Nasal steroids (fluticasone, mometasone) - used to treat nasal congestion associated with nettle allergy;
Eye drops (olopatadine, ketotifen) - used to treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Nonmedicamental methods of treatment
Nonmedicamental treatments for nettle allergy may include:
- Avoiding contact with the allergen - limiting contact with nettles or products containing nettles;
- Applying cool compresses to the affected areas of the skin;
- Use of humidifiers to reduce allergy symptoms.
Preventing nettle allergies
- Avoid contact with nettles and products containing nettles as much as possible. If you know you are allergic to nettles, try not to touch the plant and avoid areas where it grows.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. All of this helps strengthen your immune system and can reduce your risk of developing a nettle allergy.
In conclusion, nettle allergy is a condition that can cause a variety of symptoms in allergic individuals. For the successful treatment and prevention of this disease, it is necessary to contact an allergist in a timely manner, who will diagnose and select an individual treatment regimen. Avoiding contact with the allergen and strengthening the immune system are key factors in preventing nettle allergy.
