Allergies – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Allergies occur when the immune system responds to substances that enter the body. These substances, called allergens, include things like pollen, bee venom, pet dander, and certain foods or medications that most people tolerate without issue.

When someone has allergies, their immune system produces antibodies that incorrectly identify harmless substances as dangerous invaders. These antibodies trigger inflammatory responses when the person encounters the allergen again, affecting areas like the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system.

Key allergy facts:

  • Reactions vary widely between individuals
  • Symptoms range from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis
  • Most allergies cannot be cured completely

People with allergies typically need ongoing management strategies to control their symptoms. Treatment options help minimize reactions and improve quality of life, though they typically don’t eliminate the underlying sensitivity to allergens.

Signs and Reactions

Anaphylaxis is a dangerous allergic reaction that requires immediate medical help. This serious condition can happen when your body has an extreme response to certain triggers. Common causes include specific foods, insect stings, and medications.

During anaphylaxis, several serious symptoms may develop quickly:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Breathing difficulties and throat tightness
  • Skin reactions like hives or welts
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Stomach problems (vomiting or diarrhea)
  • Feeling a sense of doom

If you or someone near you shows these signs, it’s a medical emergency requiring fast action.

When Medical Help Is Needed

You should talk to a doctor if:

  • You have symptoms you think might be from allergies
  • Over-the-counter allergy medicines don’t help enough
  • You notice reactions after starting a new medicine

For Emergency Situations:

  1. Call 911 immediately if you experience severe allergic symptoms
  2. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one
  3. Go to the emergency room even if symptoms improve after using epinephrine

Different allergies cause different reactions in your body:

Hay Fever Symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy skin, nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Feeling tired
  • Red, watery, or swollen eyes

Food Allergy Signs:

Common Symptoms Possible Severity
Mouth tingling Mild to moderate
Swelling of lips, tongue, face Moderate to severe
Hives or itchy welts Mild to severe
Nasal symptoms Mild
Stomach problems Mild to severe

Insect Sting Reactions:

  • Pain and swelling at the sting site
  • Widespread itching or hives
  • Skin warmth and color changes
  • Breathing problems
  • Possible anaphylaxis

Medicine allergies might cause hives, rashes, facial swelling, breathing problems, stomach issues, or dizziness.

Skin allergies like eczema can make skin itch, develop red or brown patches, and become flaky or cracked.

If you’ve had a severe reaction before, seeing an allergist is important. This specialist can test for allergies and create a plan to keep you safe.

What Causes Allergies

Allergies happen when the body’s immune system reacts to normally harmless substances. The immune system wrongly identifies these substances as threats and creates antibodies against them.

These antibodies remain in the body, ready to fight when they detect the same substance again, causing allergy symptoms.

Several common triggers can cause allergic reactions:

  • Airborne Substances: Pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
  • Food Items: Particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
  • Insect Venom: From stings by bees, wasps, and other insects.
  • Medications: Especially penicillin and related antibiotics.
  • Contact Allergens: Latex and other substances that touch the skin and cause allergic reactions.

When someone with allergies encounters their specific trigger, their immune system releases chemicals that cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, or more serious reactions depending on the person’s sensitivity.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop allergies than others. If your parents or siblings have allergies, asthma, or eczema, you may have a higher chance of getting them too. Children tend to have more allergies compared to adults.

Having one allergic condition, like asthma, can increase your risk of developing other allergies as well.

Complications

Having allergies increases your risk for several health issues.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. People with serious allergies face higher risk of anaphylaxis. Common triggers include foods, medications, insect stings, and latex.

Asthma occurs more frequently in those with allergies. This condition affects your airways and breathing when your immune system reacts to triggers. Allergy-induced asthma happens when environmental allergens set off asthma symptoms.

Increased infection risk affects allergy sufferers. If you have hay fever or asthma, you’re more likely to develop:

  • Sinus infections
  • Ear infections
  • Lung infections

Prevention

Avoiding allergic reactions requires a strategic approach based on your specific allergy type. Following these key preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of symptoms.

  • Stay indoors with windows closed when pollen counts are high.
  • Use dust-proof covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
  • Clean frequently if you have dust mite allergies.

Keeping detailed records helps identify patterns. Track your daily activities, foods consumed, and when symptoms appear in a personal diary. Note what seems to trigger reactions and what provides relief.

This information proves valuable when working with healthcare providers to develop management strategies.

For those with severe allergies, wearing medical identification jewelry is essential. A medical alert bracelet or necklace communicates critical information to first responders if you experience a reaction and cannot communicate.

Regular cleaning routines help minimize exposure to common allergens. Vacuum frequently, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and reduce clutter that collects dust and allergens.

Remember that consistent avoidance of triggers remains important even when receiving treatment for your allergies.


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