Allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune response to typically harmless substances. Symptoms can include red eyes, sneezing, rashes and more. Allergens can enter the body through the skin, mouth or nose. Common signs are itchy, watery eyes and coughing. Managing allergies involves avoiding triggers, using prescribed medicines and keeping epinephrine auto-injectors accessible for severe reactions. Keeping a diary can help identify causes.
2. INTRODUCTION
Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused
by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the
environment.
These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma,
and anaphylaxis.
Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, a runny nose, shortness of breath,
or swelling.
Food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions.
3. ENTRY ROUTES OF
ALLERGIES
Skin
substance that come into contact with the skin, such as latex, are also common causes of
allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis or eczema.
Mouth
a wide variety of food can cause allergic reactions, but 90% of allergic responses to foods
are caused by cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
Nose
pollen, spores, dust particles, and certain chemicals find entry through the nose.
4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY
The symptoms of hay fever can, in turn, lead to fatigue and lethargy. Other types
of allergic reactions can involve the skin (hives and itching). Anaphylactic shock is a
severe form of allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. In anaphylactic shock, there is
swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. Asthma is also related to allergies in many
cases.
The symptoms of allergies can sometimes resemble those of other conditions. The common
cold and the flu can cause respiratory symptoms similar to allergies. Typically, allergy
symptoms are associated with a specific time of year or exposure to an allergen.
many people with allergies have similar symptoms and signs. Oftentimes, an allergy attack
began with itchy eyes followed by facial swelling, particularly of the eyes and lips. Some
patients mentioned that the itchiness occurred all over their bodies, and sometimes they
developed hives. Several people indicated that their symptoms felt flu-like, in that they
experienced coughing, fatigue, and the sensation that they had a fever.
5. Precautions to avoid allergic reaction
Avoid your allergens. This is very important but not always easy. Some allergens are easier
to avoid than others. When you can’t avoid an allergen, try to reduce your contact with it.
Take your medicines as prescribed. They can be helpful for managing your symptoms.
Take them while also avoiding allergens.
If you are at risk for anaphylaxis, keep your epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all
times. Epinephrine is the only treatment for a severe allergic reaction. It is only available
through a prescription from your doctor. Each prescription comes with two auto-injectors
in a set.
Keep a diary. Track what you do, what you eat, when symptoms occur and what seems to
help. This may help you and your doctor find what causes or worsens your symptoms.