Allergies are an abnormal response by the immune system to normally harmless substances called allergens, which include things like pollen, dust mites and mould. The allergic person's body responds to allergens by releasing chemicals, including histamine and leukotrienes, that affect the skin, respiratory system, digestive tract, and more. These chemicals eventually produce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, rash, and swelling.
In some cases, allergies can even cause life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis. The most common types of allergies include hay fever, asthma, food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Allergies are among the most common reasons for visiting a doctor.
Types of allergens
Food allergies
Any food can be an allergen. Depending on the food and the body's response, the reaction may be classified as food intolerance or intolerance rather than an allergy. For example, lactose intolerance is an inability to digest the lactose in milk, rather than an allergy.
Food allergy symptoms can include itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling around the mouth
The most common food allergies are Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Soy, Wheat, Shellfish, Fish, Tree nuts.
Drug allergies
True drug allergies are fairly rare. What many people think of as a drug allergy can actually a side effect of a drug.
In the case of a drug allergy, immune compounds called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies react to the drug. Because the drug circulates throughout the body, it can cause allergy symptoms throughout the body. Symptoms may include hives, wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling in the throat and mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, or fainting. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy, occurring in about 10% of people.
Latex allergy
Latex is found in natural rubber products made from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. An allergic reaction can occur both from physical contact with a latex product and from breathing in latex fibers.
Some products that contain latex include:
• rubber balls
• bandages
• balloons
• rubber bands
• condoms and diaphragms
• rubber household gloves
Symptoms of a latex allergy usually include swelling, itching and redness after contact with latex. If you are severely allergic you may have a stronger reaction to contact or even a small amount of latex in the air.
Synthetic latex does not cause the same reaction, so it is generally safe for people with latex allergies.
Insect allergy
Local reactions such as itching, swelling, redness or discolouration at the site of the bite or sting are normal, but some people have an excessive reaction to stings.
Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, fire ants, hornets, and wasps are more likely to cause allergic reactions, and the reactions can be serious. If you have an allergic reaction it can be life-threatening, so it's important to see a doctor right away.
Early symptoms may include:
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• skin rashes, itching or hives
• dizziness
• fainting
• abdominal pain, vomiting, gas or diarrhoea
• feeling like something terrible is about to happen
• breath, shortness of breath or wheezing
Airborne allergens
The most common allergy triggers are tiny particles in the indoor and outdoor air. When these particles are inhaled, they can cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and the delicate tissues around the eyes. This in turn causes symptoms commonly associated with allergies, such as itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
Common airborne allergens are:
Dust mites: These are tiny organisms that live in the dust of mattresses, box springs, sofas, pillows, carpets and other household items.
Mold: Mold gives off tiny particles called spores that you breathe in.Mold is often found in damp indoor areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and outdoors in piles of leaves, tree stumps, and mulch. trigger allergic reactions.
Pollen: These are substances released by plants and trees at certain times of the year. In spring and autumn it is usually more of a problem.
Skin allergens
Skin allergies are more common in people with sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema.Chemicals in skin care products, detergents, and soaps can trigger an allergic reaction, as can exposure to plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.1 Symptoms can include hives, inflammation, a rash, and the formation of itchy patches.
Types of Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds to an allergen. Reactions can be classified as mild, moderate and severe with the following symptoms:
Mild: This type includes localized reactions such as rash or hives upon contact with an allergen and nasal symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, stuffy and runny nose.
Moderate: This includes symptoms that spread to other parts of the body, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, and swelling or inflammation.
Severe:Known as anaphylaxis shock, this is a life-threatening reaction that requires emergency medical care. Danger. Minutes after exposure to the allergen, symptoms such as tongue swelling, larynx obstruction, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhoea, hives, and swelling may occur.A sharp drop in blood pressure can also cause dizziness or mental confusion.
Recognizing and Treating Symptoms
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If you have known allergies, it's important that you work with your doctor to create a plan for managing your reactions.
If you suspect you have allergies, you can also talk to your doctor about getting tested to confirm your triggers and create a treatment protocol.
There are other ways to keep your allergies under control:
Avoiding Allergens – Do your best to avoid allergens. That can mean staying indoors when pollen levels are high or staying away from friends' pets.If you know you have a food trigger or a latex allergy, you can read the labels and learn which products are safe for you.
Take your medication: Allergy medication (over-the-counter or available by prescription) can help control your symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your options and what's best for your condition
. If you're having severe reactions, you may also need to carry an Epi-pen in case of an emergency.
Understand your symptoms: It's important to know your symptoms when exposed to an allergen. That way you'll know if you're having a reaction and when you need medical attention.
Wear a medical alert bracelet and necklace: Severe allergic reactions can cause swelling in the mouth and throat and make it difficult to communicate. Wearing an alert bracelet or having information on your phone that can easily relay can help ensure you get the help you need when you need it.
Symptom- This will help you understand how to live with allergies.It can also provide valuable information for a healthcare provider to help find the right allergy management plan.
Recognizing and Treating Symptoms
If you have known allergies, it's important that you work with your doctor to create a plan for managing your reactions.
If you suspect you have allergies, you can also talk to your doctor about getting tested to confirm your triggers and create a treatment protocol.
Stay safe and thanks for reading, Sayonara🖐
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