Everything you need to know about allergies

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to foods, pollen, medications, bee venom, and other substances. Exposure to these allergens can lead to swelling, hives, and other symptoms.

A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Many allergens are everyday substances that are harmless to most people. However, anything can be an allergen if the immune system has a specific type of adverse reaction to it.

One of the roles of the immune system is to destroy harmful substances in the body. If a person has an allergy to a substance, their immune system will react as though that substance is harmful and will try to destroy it.

Over 50 million people in the United States experience an allergic reaction each year. This reaction can lead to symptoms such as swelling. If swelling affects the airways, it can become life threatening.

In this article, learn about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments associated with allergies.

What is an allergy?

Allergies develop when a person’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless.

The first time a person is exposed to an allergen, they do not usually experience a reaction. It often takes time for the immune system to build up a sensitivity to the substance.

In time, the immune system learns to recognize and remember the allergen. As it does so, it starts making antibodies to attack it when exposure occurs. This buildup is called sensitization.

Some allergies are seasonal. For example, hay fever symptoms can peak between April and May, when the tree and grass pollen count in the air is higher. A person may experience a more severe reaction as the pollen count rises.

Symptoms

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. However, the specific symptoms will depend on the type of allergen. For example, allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, or nasal passages.

Below are some triggers and the symptoms they may cause in people with an allergy.

Dust and pollen

  • a blocked or congested nose
  • itchy eyes and nose
  • a runny nose
  • swollen and watery eyes
  • a cough

Food

  • vomiting
  • a swollen tongue
  • tingling in the mouth
  • swelling of the lips, face, and throat
  • stomach cramps
  • shortness of breath
  • rectal bleeding, mainly in children
  • itchiness in the mouth
  • diarrhea

Insect stings

  • wheezing
  • significant swelling at the site of the sting
  • a sudden drop in blood pressure
  • itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • restlessness
  • hives, or a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body
  • dizziness
  • a cough
  • chest tightness

Medication

  • wheezing
  • swelling of the tongue, lips, and face
  • a rash
  • itchiness

If symptoms become severe, anaphylaxis can develop.

Causes

When an allergic reaction occurs, allergens bind to antibodies that the body produces called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Antibodies combat foreign and potentially harmful substances in the body.

Once the allergen binds to IgE, specific types of cells — including mast cells — will release chemicals that trigger the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Histamine is one of these chemicals. It causes the muscles in the airways and walls of the blood vessels to tighten. It also instructs the lining of the nose to produce more mucus.

Risk factors

People may have a higher risk of allergies if they are under 18 years old or have a personal or family history of asthma or allergies.

Some researchers have suggested that those born by cesarean delivery may also have a higher risk of allergies, as they do not have exposure to the mother’s microbiome during childbirth.

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Common allergens

Potential allergens can appear almost anywhere.

In theory, a person can have an allergy to any food. Specific components — such as gluten, the protein present in wheat — can also trigger reactions.

The eight foods most likely to cause allergies are:

  • eggs, especially the whites
  • fish
  • milk
  • peanuts
  • tree nuts
  • crustacean shellfish
  • wheat
  • soy

Some other common allergens include:

  • pet fur, dander, skin flakes, or saliva
  • mold and mildew
  • medications, such as penicillin
  • insect stings and bites
  • cockroaches, caddisflies, midges, and moths
  • plant pollens
  • household chemicals
  • metals, such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc
  • latex

Diagnosis

If a person believes that they may have an allergy, their doctor will be able to help them identify what is causing the reaction.

The person should be ready to explain:

  • any symptoms they have noticed
  • when and how often they occur
  • what seems to cause them
  • any family history of allergies
  • whether or not other household members have a similar reaction

The doctor may recommend some tests or refer the person to a specialist.

Tests

Below are some examples of allergy tests:

  • Blood tests: These measure the levels of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the immune system.
  • Skin prick tests: A doctor will prick the skin with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin reacts and becomes itchy, red, or swollen, the person may have an allergy.
  • Patch tests: To check for contact eczema, a doctor may tape a metal disc with a small amount of a suspected allergen to the person’s back. They will check for a skin reaction 48 hours later, and then again after 2 days.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can help a person find a certified allergist.

Treatment

The best way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen, but this is not always possible. In these cases, medical treatment can help.

Medications

Drugs will not cure an allergy, but they can help a person manage the symptoms of a reaction.

Many treatments are available over the counter. Before using medication, however, a person should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Options include:

  • Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine, which the immune system releases during a reaction.
  • Decongestants: These can help relieve a blocked nose.
  • Corticosteroids: These are available in the form of a pill, cream, nasal spray, or inhaler. They help reduce inflammation.
  • Immunotherapy: This can help a person develop long-term tolerance. A person will take gradually increasing doses of the allergen, either as a tablet or an injection.
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists (antileukotrienes): These may help with some allergies if other treatments have not worked. The drugs block some of the chemicals that cause swelling.

Treatment for anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening medical emergency that may require hospitalization.

If a person has difficulty breathing following exposure to an allergen, they will need immediate treatment. This will usually be in the form of an auto-injector.

Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

  • hives
  • swelling of the face or mouth
  • wheezing
  • fast, shallow breathing
  • a fast heart rate
  • clammy skin
  • anxiety or confusion
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • blue or white lips
  • fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

  1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
  2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
  3. Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
  4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

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Prevention and precautions

There is no way to prevent or cure an allergy, but it is possible to prevent a reaction or manage the symptoms if a reaction occurs.

Those at risk of an allergic reaction should:

  • Take measures to avoid exposure to known allergens.
  • Carry two auto-injectors and know how to use them correctly.
  • Inform friends, relatives, colleagues, and others about the allergy and how to use the auto-injector.
  • Consider wearing a medical identification bracelet with details of the allergy.
  • Seek allergy testing to know which substances to avoid.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful. At LIFEID, we want to help keep you safe. That’s why we recommend one of our medical ID bracelets, Apple watch sleeves, or watch accessories, which can speak for you in the case of an emergency. Our medical IDs can also help keep track of your medications and inform your emergency contacts in an emergency as well. Find out more below:

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