What’s your Kryptonite?
BY AMORNRAT SIDHU
Having an allergy (or the lack thereof) can be a big facet of who we are; it moulds the way we live our life in both subtle and serious ways. Someone might respond to an allergen with a sneeze, and another, to the same allergen, with (possibly fatal) anaphylactic shock. Case in point, a colleague in school disclosed her allergy to alcohol, and I responded with an ignorant joke: “I guess that means no Friday night wine sessions with your girls.”
She disclosed that the implications of this allergy are life-threatening: every antiseptic has alcohol in it, so she can’t use alcohol swabs and couldn’t sanitise her hands with normal hand sanitiser during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worries about needing any surgery, as the initial step of sanitisation is dangerous for her – so much so, that her doctor prescribed that she build up her tolerance by drinking wine.
Those with allergies have to think about their allergen throughout their lives. It’s also important to remember that those who have serious allergies may have a traumatic or uncomfortable experience tied to the discovery of the allergen, so we need to learn to be mindful.
What Exactly is An Allergy?
An allergen is a protein in your body that your immune system mistakenly perceives as dangerous. Thus, your body releases chemicals, such as histamine, to fight that ‘danger’ off. That release of histamine causes the allergic reaction: swelling, a runny nose, rashes, diarrhoea, etc.
Some Unusual Allergens of Fellow Thai-Indian Community Members:
• Coconuts
• Yeast
• Steel as an accessory
• Hair dye
• Potatoes
Reasons Allergic Reactions Might Disappear:
• Desensitisation: when the allergen is reintroduced to your body again and again in slight and monitored doses over time (usually in formal treatment circumstances), the body can learn to consider the allergen as friendly.
• Change in Environment: when you are no longer triggered because you move to a location that doesn’t have those allergens to bother you anymore
• Immune System Tolerance: your immune system produces antibodies over time to the allergen in question. This can occur naturally or medically.
We spoke to community members to learn what allergies they have, their visible and hidden implications, and how they have accommodated for them in their daily lives.
THE ONLY ROOM I’D AVOID IS A MUSHROOM
AMANPREET KALRA
Events and Concert Organiser
Co-founder and Marketing and Events
Director, VSK Presents
Podcast Host, Aman’s Unfiltered
How did you find out about your allergy?
I am severely allergic to mushrooms. Before I found out I was allergic, I’d never tried them, as my mum hadn’t introduced them to me. Around 2007, I was on a date with my then-boyfriend, who is now my husband. We were at Fuji Restaurant and the miso soup had mushrooms. An hour after I drank the soup, I started breaking out in hives. Hives usually appear in spots, but I got huge patches that were as long as my hand. My partner gave me an antihistamine but it didn’t help, and I was hospitalised for three days and administered steroids via an IV drip. After that, the fear of mushrooms consumed me, and I’ve stayed clear of them ever since.
What difficulties have you faced with this allergy?
It’s been challenging because there are many implications to having this allergy such as:
• I also ensure that my kids stay clear of mushrooms. I can’t have them in the fridge or at home. Furthermore, I worry that they will have a similar reaction to mine, and they are still so young. Thus, I don’t want to take the risk of an early introduction just yet.
• I’ve had to explain to my house staff the seriousness of the situation as well and stop them from eating or bringing mushrooms, including mushroom sauces, into the house. Thankfully, they are very understanding. • My friends love truffle dishes, and I’ve had to accept that that is something I can’t
indulge in – but it’s not that big of a deal.
How have you accommodated for this allergy in your daily life?
Thankfully, it seems that I am only allergic to mushrooms, so I don’t feel like I or my palate is missing out on anything. However, I do take antihistamines with me everywhere I go, and fortunately, I’ve not had to resort to using an EpiPen.
SULPHUR AND PENI-VILLAIN
MANNU MADAN
Entrepreneur
Tell us about discovering your allergy.
I’m allergic to two substances, penicillin and sulphur, and they are found in most antibiotics. I first found out about it after I ingested an antibiotic when I was younger and developed rashes on my arms.
Have you faced any challenges because of these allergies?
I’ve not had any major difficulty, as the allergies are on my records at the hospitals I frequent. I’m not allowed to consume the usual strong antibiotics, but milder alternatives have worked just as well so far. If ever asked about whether or not I fear what will happen if I build a tolerance to the milder alternatives, I can confidently say that I’m not worried about that. Doctors have reassured me that there will always be an alternative. I also have full faith in the advancements of the medical field.
How have you adjusted your life because of these allergies?
I make sure to inform any new clinic I go to about this allergy, and make sure my husband remembers this information in case of any emergency. I do take it a step further and inform pharmacies I visit as well, even though I might not be visiting to purchase antibiotics. Other than that, it doesn’t have a direct impact on my daily life.
HAD TO CHICKEN OUT
NANDINI SEHGAL
Brand Manager
What allergy do you have and how did you find out about it?
I had a chicken allergy; I couldn’t digest it no matter how it was cooked or who it was cooked by. My stomach would just reject it and I would have to go to the toilet.
How has this allergy adversely affected your life?
Chicken was my main source of protein, and so many of my favourite dishes were made with chicken. Therefore, it got in the way of what is a big part of my life: food. It was very hard to find substitutes for my favourite dishes. For example, Khao mun gai was the hardest to give up! It was a weekly staple meal for me. I tried to like the version made with mock chicken, but this comfort food was no longer ‘comfortable.’
What are your everyday adjustments to this allergy?
I had to stop chicken completely for a while, and it empowered me to get more creative with other proteins. Because of my circumstances, salmon has become my favourite source of protein. In the beginning, it was incredibly difficult, but that feeling doesn’t last. Luckily, my chicken allergy went away after about three years, and now I can enjoy it without any issues.
How did you find out you were no longer allergic?
As soon as I stopped eating chicken, my body felt so good, it was like it breathed a sigh of relief. During this hiatus, I was simultaneously exploring more natural forms of healing, such as Ayurveda and homeopathy. This possibly helped re-strengthen my body and gave it the recuperation it needed from the allergen as well. While I was studying in the UK, I decided to try eating chicken again. I entered a Nando’s and after that meal, my body felt fine. I kept slowly trying chicken again, and realised that my body had built up a tolerance for it.
