An allergy is an immune system reaction to a foreign element that’s not usually harmful to the system. These foreign compounds are called allergens, which include certain foods, pollen or pet dander. The immune system play’s a crucial part in keeping you healthy by combatting harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it considers that would put your body in danger. Based on the type of allergen, allergic reactions may be inflammation, sneezing or a host of other symptoms.
Generally, the immune system adjusts well to the environment, for instance when the body encounters something like pet dander, it should recognize it’s harmless. And in people with dander allergies, the immune system assumes it is an outside invader frightening the body and attacking it. There are a number of treatment options available to treat specific allergies and avert symptoms.
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Symptoms of Different Types Of Allergies
The symptoms a person experiences due to allergies are the result of various factors, which include the type of allergy one has and how severe the allergy is:
Food Allergies
Food allergies usually trigger swelling, hives, nausea, and fatigue to mention a few. It may take some time for a person to realise that they have a food allergy. Also, if you develop a very severe reaction after a meal and are not sure why, then seek immediate medical help. The physician can find out the exact cause of the reaction or suggest for further treatment.
Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever symptoms usually mimic those of a cold, which include congestion, runny nose and swollen eyes. Most of the time, these symptoms can be well managed at home with the help of OTC medications. Consult the doctor if the symptoms are not manageable.
Severe Allergies
Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening emergency that can result in breathing difficulties, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms after encountering a possible allergen, then seek immediate medical help.
Each person’s signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are entirely different.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are usually a sign or symptom of an allergy, which may also be caused by exposure to an allergen. For instance, having food that you are allergic to can cause several symptoms. You may experience tingling in the mouth and throat and develop a rash.
Types Of Skin Allergies Include:
Rashes: Regions of skin that are irritated, red, or swollen, that can be painful or itchy.
Eczema: Patches of skin become inflamed with itching and bleeding.
Contact Dermatitis: Red, itchy patches of skin are seen immediately after contact with an allergen.
Sore Throat: The throat is irritated or inflamed.
Hives: Red, itchy, and raised welts of different sizes and shapes occur on the surface of the skin.
Swollen Eyes: Watery eyes, itchy and look “puffy.”
Itching: Irritation or inflammation in the skin.
Burning: Skin inflammation leads to unpleasant feelings and stinging sensations on the skin.
Causes Of Allergies
Medical experts are not very clear why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when a harmless foreign element enters the body. Though allergies have a genetic component, which means they can pass down from parents to children, however, only a general susceptibility to an allergic reaction is genetic.
Common Types Of Allergens
- Animal products such as pet dander, mite waste, and cockroaches
- Drugs like penicillin and sulfa drugs
- Food products like wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and egg allergies are very common
- Insect stings include bees, wasps, and mosquitoes
- Airborne spores from mould
- Plant allergens such as pollens from grass, weeds, and trees, as well as resin poison ivy and poison oak plants
Other Allergens
Latex is present in gloves and condoms, and metals like nickel are also common allergens.
Seasonal allergies or hay fever are some of the most common allergies, that are caused by pollen released by plants. They can cause
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Coughing
Food allergies are becoming more common. Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Swelling
- Rash
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to food are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
Also Read: Allergy Testing: What Is It And What To Expect?
Allergy Treatments
The best possible way to treat allergies is to stay away from whatever source that triggers the reaction. If that is not possible, then other treatment options include:
Medications like antihistamines are prescribed by the doctor to control symptoms.
Immunotherapy: Most people go for immunotherapy, which involves numerous injections over a period of a few years to support the body get used to allergies. Successful immunotherapy can avert allergy symptoms from recurring.
Emergency epinephrine: Life-threatening allergy reactions are treated by an emergency epinephrine shot.
