ALLERGY
An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to a particular substance.
Allergic reactions can be caused by countless numbers of substances including food, medications, insect stings, dust, pollen, mold and mildew, and animal hair to name a few.
Cause
Why some people develop allergies and others do not is unclear, however, allergies are thought to be an autoimmune disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from slight to intense to life threatening. Some of the symptoms can include:
- Development of asthma
- Watery, itchy and/or red eyes
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Itchy nose and throat
- Sneezing
- Impaired sense of smell
- Headache
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy skin
- Hives
- Heart palpitations
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Difficulty with concentration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Anaphylaxis
Types of Allergic Reactions
Immediate Reaction: An allergic reaction occurring within minutes after contact.
Delayed Reaction:A reaction that develops hours after contact.
Seasonal Allergies: Reactions to substances such as pollen, grass and weeds, (hay fever) that only occurs at certain times of the year.
Chronic Allergies: Reactions to substances such as dust, pets, and mold.
Symptoms of both seasonal and chronic allergies include watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose.
Food Allergies: Allergic reactions to food can range from mild to severe and usually occur immediately or a few minutes after consumption.
A mild case may be indicated by development of red, itchy skin and/or hives. |
A severe case may be indicated by an itchy feeling in the mouth and throat, a feeling of the throat constricting, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, an itchy rash affecting the entire body.
A severe reaction can be life threatening.
Peanuts are the most common allergic-reaction causing food, with reactions usually being severe.
Reactions to medication, bee stings and latex can cause similar reactions as those with food allergies.
Natural histamines are present in some foods such as strawberries, tomatoes and chocolate, and wine.
People with sensitivity to these foods may develop a headache or itchy rash after consumption, however, these are not considered allergy-inducing foods.
Some wines, however, may also contain sulfite, which is a sulfur-based preservative. A reaction to sulfite, although rare, can be severe and life threatening.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the skin caused by direct contact with substances such as topical medications, cosmetics, perfumes, fabrics, detergents, plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac, metals, and chemicals.
Anaphylaxis is a serious and rapid allergic reaction, usually occurring within seconds or minutes, which if not attended to immediately, can cause death.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include hives, swelling of the throat, lips and tongue, weakness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, weak or rapid pulse, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting, blueness of the skin, especially the lips and nails, due to lack of oxygen entering the body, heart palpitations, confusion, slurred speech, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, pale skin due to sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, collapse, loss of consciousness, respiratory and cardiac arrest.
Some of the most common causes of anaphylaxis are severe allergic reactions to food, especially nuts and some types of fish and fruits, medications, especially penicillin, latex, and bee or wasp stings. In some instances, the cause cannot be determined.
People with a history of severe allergic reactions should carry an allergy kit prescribed by their physician, and in the event a reaction occurs, should seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
Although allergens cannot be totally removed from your environment, they can be controlled to some extent by your avoidance of known allergens, by modifying your living space, and by taking your medications to control symptoms.
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