One can have an allergic reaction to pollen, mold, spores, dust mites, insect bites, foods, animal dander, mold, plants, viruses, medications, bacteria and rubber. Even environmental conditions like cold weather can cause an allergic reaction. Recognizing the symptoms or signs of allergies can help treat them better.
Allergic Reaction
Before we learn the symptoms or signs of allergies, it is important to understand why our body has an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is basically an abnormal response to substances that are generally harmless. An allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakes an otherwise harmless foreign substance as harmful. When the body comes in contact with an allergen, the immune system will react to destroy it. And the result will manifest as sneezing, stuffed-up head, watery eyes and sniffling.
It is not really known why one person is allergic to certain allergens and others are not. The fact is that almost anyone can be allergic to anything. Allergic reactions can range from being mild to severe.
Mild Symptoms
Mild signs of allergies include:
• Rash on the skin
• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Congestion
Moderate symptoms of allergies include difficulty in breathing and itchiness. Mild and moderate allergic reactions can always be tackled by first recognizing what is causing them. If you are not really sure about the allergen causing the reaction, you can consult a doctor.
Anaphylaxis- Severe Allergic Reaction
However, allergies can also have severe reactions and this requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction. In this the body responds to an allergen suddenly and the reaction affects the whole body. Some of the symptoms associated with an anaphylaxis reaction include
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing due to swelling
• Feeling dizzy and confused
• Headache
• Itching of the skin
• Shortness of breath or noisy breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Chest pain and feeling tightness in the area
• Voice might become hoarse
• Sweating
• Feeling of flushing and warmth
• Feeling like urinating
If anaphylaxis is not treated on time, it can result in death. It is a 911 emergency. Though anaphylaxis is rare, one should always be aware of the symptoms associated with this allergic reaction.
An allergen can cause a mild allergic reaction like, itching or sneezing. However, allergens are also known to cause allergic diseases. Asthma, eczema, urticaria and contact dermatitis are some of the allergic diseases that are caused due to exposure to allergens.
The key to treating allergy is to recognize the cause, in other words the allergen. By preventing the symptoms you will be able to control your allergy. For instance, if you are allergic to dust mites, you should keep your house as dust free as possible. Due to scientific advancements today, there are medications that can provide you relieve from your allergy. It is best to consult a doctor if you are continuously suffering from allergies.