Allergy to nettle: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Allergy to nettle is not uncommon, especially during its flowering, since the main allergen is plant pollen, which is easily carried with air currents.

A nettle burn is perceived by the immune system sharply negatively, accompanied by certain clinical manifestations.

An allergen, entering the body, provokes an enhanced work of protective functions, but not everyone knows that an allergic reaction, as a rule, occurs only to a certain type of pollen (the smallest), which carried by the wind. One grain of nettle (pollen) can range from 13 to 15 microns. For comparison: 1 mm can hold up to 70 granules of nettle pollen.

Symptoms of the disease

An allergic reaction to nettle can be expressed by the following symptoms:

• profuse nasal discharge;
• swelling of the mucous membranes;
• increased lacrimation and frequent sneezing;
• a nettle burn can cause severe itching and flushing of the skin;
• sometimes symptoms of the clinical picture can be supplemented by hyperthermia and chills, headache and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Such symptoms complicate the diagnosis of the disease, since in this case the allergy resembles ARVI;
• in especially severe cases, anaphylaxis and Quincke's edema may develop, in which emergency drug treatment is required, since such conditions can lead to the death of the patient.

In childhood, allergy to nettle and products with its use (infusion, decoction, cosmetic preparations, hygiene products, etc.) are accompanied by similar symptoms, but most often it occurs when an immediate nettle burn occurs, since the child's skin is very sensitive.

Diagnostics

As a result of the fact that the symptoms of the disease may differ from the typical picture, it is recommended to conduct a special diagnostic and laboratory examination. After receiving the results, it is possible to confirm the allergic nature of the disease.

A blood test is prescribed to determine the concentration of specific antibodies in relation to immunoglobulins of the IgE group. Based on the data of this analysis, the form of the disease is established and further treatment is determined.

In order to determine the necessary treatment, the patient is recommended to carry out laboratory diagnostics during the entire course of therapy. This allows monitoring the effectiveness of treatment measures. It is generally accepted that, normally, a blood test should not detect antibodies to the nettle antigen, or they may be present in a single amount. To do this, it is necessary to carry out treatment in a hospital, where there are modern laboratories that allow you to carry out the necessary analysis at the right time.

Treatments for nettle allergy

Unfortunately, any allergy (including nettle) cannot be cured forever. However, timely prevention and treatment of the disease is aimed primarily at combating allergies, the symptoms of which can appear completely unexpectedly.

• Allergy treatment involves limiting exposure to nettles. This condition must be met without fail, and the allergen can be contained not only in the plant itself, but also in other products and household preparations;
• in order to relieve allergies and minimize symptoms, antihistamines are prescribed. It is possible to neutralize the effect of nettle with the help of drugs such as Zyrtec, Loratadin, Claritin, Erius, etc. When prescribing such drugs, the fact that some of them can provoke various complications. For example, the first generation drug Suprastin causes increased drowsiness and lethargy, therefore, it is prescribed with caution if the patient's activity is associated with driving vehicles funds;

• to facilitate breathing and relieve nasal congestion, nasal drugs Xylometazoline, Dekongenstant, Oxymetazoline, etc. can be prescribed. They are good at eliminating negative symptoms;
• among other methods, treatment of allergy to stinging nettle involves specific immunotherapy, in which a direct allergen is introduced into the body in minimal doses until the immune system is no longer acutely aware of it to react. Immunotherapy can almost completely neutralize allergic symptoms.

It is important to note that the treatment is selected according to an individual scheme, based on the characteristics of the organism, the sensitivity of the skin and a hereditary predisposition to the development of allergies.

Folk remedies

In addition to drug therapy, there are folk remedies for getting rid of the development of allergic symptoms. For this, all methods are used (lotions, decoctions, infusion, ointments, etc.).

• If a nettle burn occurs, rinse the area with cold water or apply ice to the burn. Children's skin is especially susceptible, so the reaction to a burn in childhood is the strongest and most pronounced. The first symptoms of a nettle burn are manifested by redness and severe itching, but the baby is not able to cope with these manifestations on his own, therefore, mandatory help from adults is required;
• nettle burn is effectively removed with apple cider vinegar, which is diluted in a 1: 1 ratio. A napkin is dipped into the resulting solution, after which the affected area of ​​the body is wiped with this solution. If necessary, vinegar can be replaced with alcoholic infusion;

• Another good way to relieve pain and inflammation is to use a baking soda solution. To do this, baking soda is mixed with a liquid (you can use an infusion from a series) to a mushy state, after which the prepared mixture is applied to the damaged areas of the skin, which helps to relieve pain as quickly as possible;
• a nettle burn can be wiped with a hypertonic solution, which should be done very concentrated;
• in addition to traditional treatment, to strengthen the immune forces, it is recommended to perform hardening, taking contrasting water procedures at least 3 times during the day. As a rule, such preventive measures and adequate treatment can lead to long-term remission.

It is important to note that all methods (infusion, decoction, lotions, etc.) are good in order to eliminate the burn (redness, irritation, soreness, etc.). However, the situation can become more complicated if the disease is acute. In this case, it is necessary to make a decision as quickly and decisively as possible, using all methods so that the allergy does not become chronic.

However, it should be remembered that none of the remedies (infusion, ointment, lotions, etc.), as well as medications, can be taken on their own. In any case, consultation of the attending physician is required, who, with the participation of the patient, will choose the most optimal tactics of treatment and prevention.