Allergies
Overview
Allergies occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or certain foods, which typically doesn't elicit a response in most individuals.
In response to allergens, the immune system generates antibodies. In individuals with allergies, these antibodies misidentify specific allergens as harmful. Upon exposure to the allergen, the immune system's reaction can trigger inflammation in various bodily regions, including the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system.
The severity of allergic reactions varies, ranging from minor discomfort to potentially life-threatening emergencies like anaphylaxis. While most allergies lack a cure, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms
Allergy symptoms vary depending on the allergen and may affect the airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin, or digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to anaphylaxis.
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms may include sneezing, nasal itching, congestion, and watery or swollen eyes.
- Food allergies can manifest as tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, hives, or anaphylaxis.
- Insect sting allergies may result in localized swelling, itching or hives, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
- Drug allergies might cause hives, itchy skin, rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms may involve itching, redness, flaking, or peeling of the skin.
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is characterized by:
- Loss of consciousness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare provider if nonprescription allergy medications fail to alleviate symptoms. For severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seek emergency medical assistance immediately. If equipped with an epinephrine auto-injector, administer it promptly and seek further medical evaluation.
Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis should schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider for evaluation and long-term management, often involving specialists in allergies and immunology.
Causes
An allergy initiates when your immune system misidentifies a typically harmless substance as a threat. Consequently, the immune system produces antibodies specifically targeting that allergen. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, these antibodies can prompt the release of various immune system chemicals, such as histamine, instigating allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers encompass
- Airborne allergens like pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold
- Certain foods, notably peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk
- Insect stings, such as those from bees or wasps
- Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
- Latex or other contact substances capable of inducing allergic skin reactions
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing allergies include:
- Family history of asthma or allergies, such as hay fever, hives, or eczema
- Childhood age
- Presence of asthma or another allergic condition
Complications
Having an allergy elevates the risk of certain medical complications, including:
- Anaphylaxis: Severe allergies heighten the risk of this potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, often triggered by foods, medications, or insect stings.
- Asthma: Allergy sufferers are more prone to asthma, an immune system response affecting the airways and breathing, often triggered by environmental allergens (allergy-induced asthma).
- Sinusitis and respiratory or ear infections: Individuals with hay fever or asthma face increased risks of these conditions.
Prevention
Preventive measures for allergic reactions vary depending on the allergy type. General strategies include:
- Avoiding known triggers: Efforts to minimize exposure to allergens are crucial. For example, individuals allergic to pollen may opt to remain indoors with closed windows and doors during peak pollen times.
- Maintaining a symptom diary: Tracking activities, dietary intake, symptom onset, and alleviating factors can aid in identifying triggers.
- Wearing a medical alert bracelet: Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions can wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to alert others to their allergy in case of a reaction when communication is impaired.