Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies are when your body reacts to things that are usually harmless, like certain foods, dust, or pollen. Your body’s defense system (immune system) mistakes these substances (called allergens) as dangerous and fights back, causing sneezing, itching, or swelling. Some allergies can be life-threatening if not treated.

How common are allergies in Africa?

In Africa, allergies are becoming more common due to changes in diet, pollution, and climate. Studies suggest that about 20-30% of people in Africa suffer from some form of allergy, with urban areas reporting higher numbers due to environmental pollution. For example:

  • In Ghana, about 10-15% of children have asthma, which is linked to allergies.
  • In Nigeria, food allergies affect around 5-10% of the population, with groundnuts and seafood being common triggers.
  • In South Africa, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is prevalent due to high pollen levels.

What causes allergies?

Allergies run in families. If your parents have allergies, you are more likely to have them too. The most common triggers include:

Food allergies:

Some foods cause allergic reactions in many Africans, such as:

  • Groundnuts (peanuts)
  • Crabs, snails, and seafood
  • Eggs and milk
  • Soy and wheat

Environmental allergies:

  • Dust and smoke (especially from cooking with charcoal or firewood)
  • Animal fur (dogs, cats, and goats)
  • Pollen from grass and flowers
  • Mold in damp houses Insect and metal allergies:
  • Mosquito and bee stings
  • Nickel and certain metals used in jewelry
  • Latex found in gloves and condoms

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergic reactions range from mild to severe. Some common signs include:

  • Sneezing, coughing, and runny nose
  • Itchy or swollen eyes
  • Skin rashes or hives (small, red, itchy bumps)
  • Swelling of the lips or face after eating certain foods
  • Difficulty breathing (a sign of a severe reaction)
  • Vomiting or stomach pain after eating an allergen

If you experience severe breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or swelling of the throat, seek medical help immediately. This could be anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Doctors use two main tests:

  • Skin test: A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
  • Blood test: Checks for allergy-causing antibodies (IgE) in the blood.

If you notice a pattern between certain foods or environments and your symptoms, speak to a doctor for proper diagnosis.

How can allergies be treated?

The best way to manage allergies is to avoid triggers. However, when exposure is unavoidable, treatment options include:

Medications:

  • Antihistamines (like Cetirizine, Loratadine) reduce sneezing, itching, and swelling.
  • Decongestants help with stuffy noses.
  • Steroid creams help with skin rashes.
  • Emergency Epinephrine (EpiPen) is used for severe reactions.

Lifestyle changes:

  • Keep your home clean to reduce dust and mold.
  • Wash bedding regularly to avoid dust mites.
  • Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
  • Be mindful of what you eat if you have food allergies.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots):

For severe allergies, doctors may give allergy shots to help your body get used to allergens over time.

Preventing allergies: What can you do?

  • Breastfeed babies if possible to boost their immune system.
  • Introduce new foods carefully to detect allergic reactions early.
  • Wear protective clothing to avoid insect bites.
  • Check food labels if you have food allergies.
  • See a doctor early if you notice allergy symptoms.

Final thoughts?

Allergies are common but manageable. Understanding your triggers and taking the right steps can help you live a healthy life. Prevention is always better than cure—stay informed and take action to protect your health!