What is an allergy?
An allergy is an extreme reaction of your immune system to an outside factor such as pollen, pet dander,drugs, bee stings, food and so on. Though allergies tend to run in the family they can affect absolutely anyone.
However, those who have certain medical conditions such as asthma or other lung diseases are more likely to be affected.
How does your body react?
As a result of coming in contact with an allergen (a substance responsible for allergic reactions), your body’s white cells start producing an antibody which targets that exact allergen. The antibody’s role is to destroy any possible disease which you may have picked up. However, during an allergic reaction the antibody produced,called Immunoglobulin E ( IgE for short), aids the production of hormones and chemicals known as mediators. These are the ones responsible for the allergic reaction.The rate and the quantity in which these mediators are released influences the severeness of the allergic reaction. For example, if the release of mediators is sudden the chances are your reaction will also come all of a sudden.
10 Most Common Signs of an Allergic Reaction
1. Irritation (hives)
2. Inflammation (swelling of the face,throat,lips,tongue,etc.)
3. Runny nose
4. Shortness of breath
5. Coughing
6. Sinus pain ( pain or intense discomfort around your eyes, the upper part of your nose and the front of your skull)
7. Wheezing
8. Itchy eyes, lips, etc
9. Nausea
10. Vomiting
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which settles in shortly after coming in contact with an allergen.This condition requires immediate medical attention as it is life-threatening.
The most common triggers for this are insect bites/stings, medication and food. The symptoms usually settle in rapidly. For example, if the exposure to the allergen is intravenous, let’s say a bee sting, the symptoms occur 5 to 30 minutes after. If it were food, it would take a little longer, about 2 hours since it was ingested.
Though they may vary, anaphylaxis generally consists of symptoms such as :
- Swelling ( usually of the mouth or throat)
- Serious breathing problems (because of the swelling of the airways)
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Tingling sensation in the feet,hands, scalp,etc.
- Vomiting
