Allergies

An allergy is the result of your immune system reacting to foreign substances, such as pet dander, dust, pollen and other materials that irritate your system. Depending on the allergen, your sinuses, skin, airways or digestive system may react. Allergies range from minor irritations to the more serious reaction of anaphylaxis, which can cause you to go into shock. The severity of symptoms will vary from person to person.

Causes and Symptoms

The majority of allergies develop during childhood and early adulthood. You also face a greater chance of suffering from allergies when family members show a history. An allergy often develops when your immune system views a harmless substance (like a flower) as a dangerous threat. Your body reacts by generating antibodies that stay on alert for when this particular allergen resurfaces. The next time you come in contact with it, the antibodies react – releasing immune system chemicals (like histamine). Allergy symptoms are often the result.

• Food – There are eight foods that account for 90% of all food reactions – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Food allergies can cause hives, tingling mouth, shock, and swollen lips, tongue, face or throat.

• Insects – A sting from a bee or wasp can set off an allergy. Insect stings can cause coughing, tight chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, itching, hives all over the body, swelling at sting site, and in the worst cases, shock.

• Airborne Allergens – Animal dander, pollen, mold and dust mites are examples of airborne allergens. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can cause congestion, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes.

• Medications – Prescription drugs can be linked to an allergic reaction. Penicillin and penicillin-based antibiotics are examples of such medications. Drug allergies can cause itchy skin, rash, facial swelling, wheezing, and hives.

• Chemicals and Ingredients – Soap, cosmetics and skin lotions may contain substances that cause an allergic reaction.

• Skin Reactions – Bodily responses when you touch an allergen, such as latex, wristwatches and metal jewelry, can occur. Dermatitis (allergic skin condition) can bring itchy skin, red skin, and flaky skin.