Could there be a nervous allergy? As a rule, the cause of a non-standard reaction of the body is an allergen: cat hair, pollen, dust, food or medicine. In some cases, the stress state can also act as an irritant.
Nervous allergy develops against the background of constant stress, excessive emotionality, prolonged overstrain. True, in scientific circles in this case they often talk about pseudo-allergies, that is, a pathological condition in which a complex of symptoms characteristic of a “normal” disease is observed, but there is no allergen.
Other common causes of nerve pseudo-allergies include the following:
- Failures in the functioning of the body's immune system. Weak immune defense determines a greater susceptibility to allergic reactions in principle.
- Stress, which may be accompanied by disturbances in diet or appetite, insomnia, increased fatigue and irritability.
- Depression, which persists for a long time, reduces immunity, worsens the physical and psycho-emotional state. As a result, inflammatory processes develop, the risk of allergic reactions increases.
The difference between a nervous allergy and a true one
The true form of the disease is characterized by the presence of a reaction only in direct contact with the stimulus. Nervous allergy (symptoms, the treatment of which is described later in the relevant sections) is a pseudo-allergy, that is, it occurs solely as a result of emotional upheavals.
Anxious, overly susceptible and unbalanced people are susceptible to this disease. For some patients, for example, it is enough to look in the direction of flowering plants, as they will feel the whole list of symptoms that characterize a disease such as a nervous allergy (treatment, by the way, also involves the normalization of the psychological state). Other people experience disturbing symptoms after a stressful situation, alone or in fear.
Physical manifestations of allergies
Nervous allergy is manifested by the same general symptoms as any other type of individual reaction to foods or other kinds of irritants. So, patients primarily complain of dermatological manifestations, which include:
- rashes, which are accompanied by itching (a symptom often appears on the face, hands and scalp);
- a rash that may appear in the oral cavity; this condition is often confused with incipient stomatitis;
- urticaria - red blisters appear, slightly rising above the surface of the skin;
- runny nose, which appears even in warm weather and is characterized by mucous secretions, lacrimation;
- dry cough - a symptom that accompanies an allergy persists after taking antitussive medications;
- a feeling of lack of air, in some cases constituting a serious threat to life and health;
- excessive sweating, heart palpitations and shortness of breath, even with slight physical exertion;
- trembling in the body, chills or fever, nausea - signs of pseudo-allergy, which do not appear as often as other symptoms;
- blanching of the skin, especially on the limbs, face;
- discomfort, discomfort in the chest, solar plexus;
- digestion problems - a symptom is found less frequently than typical skin manifestations of allergies.
The complex of signs characterizing this type of reaction may vary depending on individual characteristics and the degree of sensitivity of the organism. A special danger arises with the development of edema of the respiratory organs, because in this case suffocation is possible. Sometimes an allergy due to nerves (the symptoms are more serious) is accompanied by fainting.
Symptoms of the nervous system
If the manifestations listed above can occur with a true allergy, then the nervous form of the disease is also characterized by exceptional symptoms. Nervous allergy is distinguished by some mental manifestations, among which are:
- increased irritability;
- frequent mood swings;
- depressive state;
- confusion of thoughts;
- weakness, loss of strength, drowsiness;
- decreased performance and concentration;
- recurrent headaches;
- decreased visual acuity, “fogging”, although no physiological problems are diagnosed.
Allergic vegetative storm or panic attack
Nervous allergy (photos of physiological manifestations that can characterize the condition below) does not make itself felt constantly. That is why scientists have introduced the concept of “allergic vegetative storm” or “panic attack”, which better describes the patient’s condition. Under such concepts is meant an attack of anxiety, panic or excitement, which is accompanied by four or more physiological symptoms.
Diagnosis of an allergy to nerves
When diagnosing a nervous allergy, the doctor should pay special attention to the patient’s emotional state. As a rule, people suffering from this form of allergic reaction are characterized by increased excitability, anxiety, unstable psycho-emotional state.
Allergy Suspected Tests
In addition, such studies allow you to diagnose a non-standard reaction of the body to stress at a physiological level:
- Skin tests. In the nervous form of the disease, tests carried out in a calm state show negative results, except for the period of the autonomic storm itself.
- Assessment of the level of immunoglobulin E. Nerve allergy is not accompanied by an increase in the level of immunoglobulin E, as is the case with the true form of the disease.
Medication for Nervous Allergy
To effectively treat nervous allergies, you should definitely visit an allergist. The doctor will conduct the necessary studies and analyzes, and make a qualified conclusion - how the patient can get rid of a disease such as an allergy to the nervous system (photo).
Treatment must be comprehensive. As a rule, medications help fight the manifestations of an allergic vegetative storm, but only normalization of the nervous system will allow forever to forget about seizures. In some cases, however, it is enough to eliminate the stress factor: for example, change jobs or stop communicating with “difficult” relatives.
Drug therapy includes the use of special antihistamines, as well as soothing and possibly hormonal drugs, herbal preparations. Antihistamines can alleviate the patient's condition during seizures, other drugs affect the causes of the development of pathology.
Normalization of the nervous system
Alone allergy is not eliminated with medication alone. Symptoms (photos of physiological manifestations, of course, do not reflect the suppressed psycho-emotional state of the patient), manifested by the nervous system, require stopping by other methods.
So, a person suffering from a nervous form of an allergy, first of all, needs to establish a positive emotional background. This will help a visit to a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist, art therapy and other activities that have a calming effect. Some patients cease to feel the manifestations of a nervous allergy after a course of massage of certain points, acupuncture, hypnosis or neuro-linguistic programming, reflex manual therapy.
In addition, stress, excessive overstrain (both emotional and physical) should be avoided as much as possible, not worrying about trifles and changing the way you look at problems. It is important to try to identify the main source of stress and eliminate it. For example, a job change, a revision of life values, positive communication with loved ones, and minimization of workloads will help.
Nervous Allergy Prevention
A nervous form of allergy is a common problem today. The reason for this is the fast pace of life, constant stress, lack of physical activity, malnutrition, bad habits and social problems. To prevent the development of an unusual reaction of the body to stresses, you need to try to avoid overstrain, learn how to relax and create a positive atmosphere around you.
It also helps to take soothing collections of medicinal herbs. Such teas are sold at any pharmacy. For periodic use, teas with thyme, mint, lemon balm are suitable. In addition, it is important to adhere to an optimal regime of work and rest, allocate sufficient time to sleep, eat right, take vitamins if necessary and engage in feasible sports or show at least some kind of physical activity.
You can improve your condition after a hard working day, for example, through meditation, yoga or massage sessions. It is important to avoid constant physical overwork. To develop the physical body and at the same time improve the psychological state helps swimming, dolphin therapy. Communicating with animals is also helpful.