Types of Allergy Elements

Allergy is a complication that occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain substances known as allergens. If you have an allergy, your body identifies allergens as foreign harmful substances and tries to destroy them. Common allergens include insects’ venom, dust, pet dander, and pollen.

When your immune system reacts to allergens, it produces a chemical or antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). Production of this antibody is a part of your immune system’s attempt to destroy the allergen and protect the body. In this process, IgE antibody signals other immune cells to release inflammatory chemical called histamine. Excess of histamine in the body causes an unwanted response that causes irritation to the skin, lung, eyes and throat.

Causes of Allergy

There several types of allergies, depending on the cause. Some of them are seasonal while others occur year round. The most common allergies or their corresponding allergens include:

·         Insects’ stings and bites- Can be insects such as wasp, bee, fire ants, horse flies, mosquitos, fleas and black flies among others.

·         Airborne Allergens- They include pollen, dust mites, animal fur or dander, and mold spores

·         Certain foods- Some foods that can trigger allergies are peanuts, sot, eggs, milk, wheat, fish, tree nuts and shellfish.

·         Latex- Latex or any other substances that comes in touch with your skin can cause allergic skin reactions.

·         Medications/drugs- Drugs that can trigger allergic reactions include aspirin, penicillin and other penicillin-based antibiotics.

• Household chemicals such as detergents and house cleaners
• Metals- Metals such as cobalt, zinc, nickel and chromium can trigger allergic reactions

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Allergy Factors

Allergy factors or circumstances that can increase your risk of developing allergies include:

·         Age-Allergies occurmore so in children than in adults. Children outgrow allergies as they get older.

·         Asthma- Asthma or any other allergic respiratory condition can increase your chances of developing an allergy

·         Family history- Individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies such as hives or eczema and hay fever are at high risk of getting allergies.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of an allergy depend on the substance that caused it. Allergies can affect your eyes, nasal passage, sinuses, skin and the digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and sometimes life threatening. Allergies are also known for disappearing and then coming back years later.  Sometimes severe cases of allergy can cause life threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. Below are symptoms of allergy according to its cause:

1.       Food allergy

A food allergy causes symptoms such as:

·         Hives

·         Selling of the throat, face, lips and tongue

·         Mouth tingling

·         Anaphylaxis

2.       Hay fever

Hay fever also called allergic rhinitis causes symptoms such as:

·         Stuffy or runny nose

·         Sneezing

·         Watery, swollen or red eyes (conjunctivitis)

·         Itching of the roof of the mouth, eyes and nose

3.      Drug allergy

Causes signs and symptoms such as:

·         Wheezing sound

·         Hives

·         Rash

·         Itching on the skin

·         Swelling on the face

·         Anaphylaxis

4.      Insect sting allergy

Symptoms that have been reported from an insect sting allergy include:

·         Anaphylaxis

·         Wheezing or breathe shortness

·         Hives or itching on all body parts

·         Edema- this is a large area of swelling usually at the sting site

·         Chest tightness and cough

5.      Atopic dermatitis

This is an allergic skin complication that is called eczema. It can cause your skin to:

·         Become red in color

·         Itch

·         Peel or flake

6.      Drug allergy

A drug allergy can cause symptoms such as:

·         Hives on almost all body parts

·         Itching on skin and eyes

·         Wheezing

·         Swelling on the face

·         Skin rash

·         Anaphylaxis

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction triggered by some allergies such as insect stings and food allergies. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that can cause shock. It calls for immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are as listed below:

·         Skin rash

·         Loss of consciousness

·         Low blood pressure

·         Vomiting

·         Lightheadedness

·         Shortness of blood at a severe rate

·         Nausea

·         Rapid and weak pulse

When to see a doctor

You should immediately see a doctor in case you experience symptoms you may suspect are caused by an allergy and over-the-counter drugs don’t give you enough relief. In case you have allergy symptoms after starting a new medication, call the physician who prescribed it immediately.

In case of a severe allergic condition such as anaphylaxis, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. You can give a shot of epinephrine in case you are carrying epinephrine injector. Even if the symptoms improve after epinephrine injection you should visit emergency department to be sure the symptoms do not come back after the injection effects wear off.

For cases where you may have had severe allergic conditions or any symptoms related to anaphylaxis, you should see your doctor for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for long-term management of the condition. As conditions such as anaphylaxis are complicated and life-threatening, you will probably need to see a doctor who specializes in immunology and allergies.

Complications of Allergy

Allergy can cause other health complications such as:

·         Anaphylaxis- In case you have severe allergies, you may have experienced a life-threatening allergic condition known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is mainly caused by medications, foods and insect stings.

If you allergies you may also be at risk of developing other complications such as:

·         Asthma- This is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of airways causing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

·         Lung and ear infections

·         Sinusitis or inflammation of sinuses due to an infection

·         Eczema- This is a skin complication that is characterized by skin inflammation

·         Migraine headaches

·         Nasal polyps- This is a condition characterized by growth on the nose lining and sinuses

Preventing Allergy and Allergy Elements
Below are some measures you can take to limit or prevent allergic reactions:

·         Keeping a diary- In case you want to know the allergens that might have caused or worsened your allergic conditions, you should write down all activities you involve in and the food you eat.

·         Avoiding Allergens- This is a bit difficult depending on the allergen you are trying to avoid. For example, if you are allergic to animal fur, you should stay away from animals or pets. In case you are allergic to pollen, you should consider staying indoors when pollen counts go high.

·         Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet- These will help observers know that one has a severe allergic condition if he or she can’t communicate.