What is allergy?
Allergy occurs when your immune system reacts against a foreign substance. An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction. When you're exposed for the first time, your immune system will think that something harmful has entered your body. It then produces antibodies that 'remembers' that particular allergen. The next time you're exposed to the same allergen, your body will react by producing more antibodies and releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
What usually triggers allergy?
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| Pollen and insect stings are common allergy trigger |
- Airborne allergens: pollen, pet dander, dust mites and mold
- Foods: peanuts, eggs and milk, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, shrimp
- Medications: penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics, sulfa drugs
- Insect stings
- Latex
What are allergy symptoms?
Symptoms varies depending on how you came into contact with the allergen. The allergic reaction may involve the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. For example, you may experience runny nose and sneezing if you breathe in pollen and skin rashes if you came into contact with house dust mites. Severity of symptoms ranges from mild to life threatening such as in the case of anaphylaxis.
There are many forms of allergy:
- Hay fever or allergic rhinitis. This is a type of allergy towards inhaled allergen. It causes nasal congestion, runny nose, and conjunctivitis.
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema. Affects your skin causing rashes, itchiness, and flaking.
- Food allergy. Causes swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, tingling sensation in your mouth, or diarrhea.
- Anaphylaxis. This is a life threatening medical emergency. Allergy towards foods, drugs and insect stings have the potential to trigger anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include lightheadedness to loss of consciousness, rapid weak pulses, skin rash, airway swelling, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately call an emergency number or 911 for medical assistance or inject yourself with emergency epinephrine.
