An allergy is defined as an unnatural reaction of the human body to external factors which are ordinarily perceived as normal. Because of this wrong perception, the immune system reacts to that particular allergen (the factor causing the allergy) as it is considered to be noxious. This is why it is extremely important to become aware of the factors causing your allergy in order to be able to avoid them as much as possible. Allergies can ruin your day!
20% of the population of the U.S.A. suffers from some sort of allergy. It is good to know that allergies can be genetic and more likely to develop in a person whose family has a history in this respect. An allergy starts manifesting itself especially before puberty or during early adulthood and is the sixth cause leading to chronic conditions or at least this is what the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states in a report about allergies.
A distressing reaction called anaphylaxis may come up in allergy cases from time to time. Usually, anaphylaxis triggers face and eyes itching, but not only that, it can provoke vomiting, abdomen aches, lip and tongue inflammation (the throat can also be affected), convulsions, diarrhea, and hives, even in the throat. Such a reaction is caused by the exposure to the allergen that is generating it, peanuts for example, and manifests itself in a matter of minutes. Although the reaction is uncommon, when this happens, it is mandatory and urgent to see a doctor because it may even lead to death if not attended with promptness.
Most frequently encountered factors which cause allergies
Particles carried through the air: such specks are the most frequent factors to cause allergies which are also known as environmental allergens. Among these, mention should be made of the pollen produced by trees and grass, acaroids living in the dust of the house, dander produced by the skin or saliva of an animal as well as mold spores which live in moist areas. The allergy symptoms they generate are coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy, weepy eyes and congestion.
Foods: There are also lots of foods which are known to provoke allergies. This kind of allergies can be extremely violent and the reactions appear in a matter of minutes. The symptoms for such allergies are coughing, wheezing, runny nose, hives, diarrhea, vomiting as well as mouth swelling. Among the foods which usually cause allergies are: eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, milk or seafood.
An allergy to peanuts, for example, develops in a matter of minutes and the most usual symptoms may be skin reactions, mild stomach or even anaphylaxis, which prevents the individual from breathing, blocking his or her airways. In order to avoid that, it is good to learn about some symptoms that could lead to an allergy to peanuts:
- Swelling, hives or redness of the skin.
- Tingling or itching mouth and throat
- Stomach problems like cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- The feeling of tight chest.
- Wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
- Congested, runny nose.
Such allergy symptoms may cause anaphylaxis which must be treated immediately with Twinject or EpiPen, which are epinephrine injectors. The symptoms appear very soon after the ingestion of peanuts and they may be:
- Swollen throat, difficult breathing due to the airway constriction.
- Shock and alarming blood pressure drop.
- Accelerated pulse.
- Vertigo, a reeling sensation as well as loss of consciousness.
Stings and bites caused by insects: Such factors may easily trigger allergy reactions recognizable due to the redness, pain and swelling of the injured area. Allergy symptoms may also include swelling of the mouth, throat and the whole face, difficulty swallowing and breathing, wheezing, itchy hives, nervousness, apprehension, accelerated pulse, vertigo and severe blood pressure drop. These are the most dangerous kinds of allergies because they could lead to anaphylaxis.
Chemical products: There are people who may develop allergies caused by laundry detergents, pesticides, cosmetics or household solutions for cleaning. This kind of allergies trigger symptoms like: weepy, irritated eyes, hives, itchy feeling of the skin, wheezing.
Medication: Antibiotics are famous for the fact that they cause allergies in certain cases, but they are not the only ones as allergies can be also provoked by over-the-counter type of medications.
