What is an Allergy?
Most of the time, we hear people say, “I’m allergic to fish,” “I’m allergic to this,” “I’m allergic to that,” and we are left to wonder the meaning of the word allergy.
An allergy is simply an immune system reaction to a foreign substance that is not normally dangerous to your body. These foreign substances are mostly referred to as allergens. They can include certain pollen, foods, or pet dander.
Interestingly, your immune system’s job is to make sure you are healthy by fighting harmful pathogens. The immune system does this by attacking anything it believes could put your body in jeopardy. Depending on the allergen, this reaction may involve sneezing, inflammation, or a host of other indications.
Your immune system typically fine-tunes to your environment. For instance, when your body runs into something like pet dander, it naturally should realize it’s harmless. In most people with dander allergies, their immune systems perceive the allergen as an outside intruder threatening the body and attack it almost immediately.
Allergies are very common, so do not panic if you discover you are allergic to something or somethings. Various treatments can help you dodge your indications.
The signs you may get to experience because of allergies are the result of so many factors. These factors include the type of allergy you have and how serious the allergy is.
Now, if you take any drug before an expected allergic reaction, there is a huge probability you may still experience some of these warning signs; nonetheless, they may not be as serious as they would have been without the drugs.
For food allergies
When the allergy is caused by food, it comes with some symptoms of its own. These signs include hives, nausea, swelling, weakness, and more. When one has a food allergy, it may take a little time for such a person to find out they have such allergies. If, for instance, you have a severe reaction after ingesting a meal, and you are not really sure why you are responding in such a manner, see a health practitioner immediately to find out why. The medical professional can reveal the exact cause of your reaction and also tell you the next step you should take.
For Seasonal Allergies
Some seasonal allergies can be quite confusing. For instance, if you experience hay fever symptoms, you can easily mistake it for cold. Can mimic those of a cold. These signs could be a runny nose, swollen eyes, and congestion. Most of the time, you can sufficiently manage these warning signs at home using over-the-counter treatments. Nonetheless, do not fail to see your doctor if your warning signs become unmanageable.
For Severe Allergies
Austere allergies can easily result in anaphylaxis. This health condition is a life-threatening emergency that can bring about loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, and lightheadedness. If you start experiencing any of these warning signs after coming in contact with a possible allergen, get medical help as soon as possible.
Everyone’s warning signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction differs greatly.
Skin allergies could also be a symptom or sign of an allergy. They might also be the direct outcome of contact with an allergen.
For example, when you are eating a food you are allergic to, it can cause more than a few symptoms. You may end up experience a tingling sensation in your mouth and throat. You may also grow a rash.
Contact dermatitis, nevertheless, is the outcome of your skin getting in direct contact with an allergen. This health condition could occur if you touch something you are allergic to, such as a plant or a cleaning product.
Types of skin allergies include:
- Rashes. Areas of skin are swollen, red or irritated, and can be itchy or painful to touch.
- Eczema. Patches of skin come to be inflamed and can bleed and itch.
- Contact dermatitis. Itchy, red patches of skin start out almost immediately after contact with an allergen.
- Sore throat. The throat or pharynx is inflamed or irritated.
- Hives. Red, itchy, and raised welts of different shapes and sizes to grow on the surface of the skin.
- Swollen eyes. Eyes may be puffy, itchy, and watery.
- Itching. There’s inflammation or irritation in the skin.
- Burning. Skin inflammation results in the stinging sensations and discomfort of the skin.
Rashes are one of the most noticed signs of a skin allergy.
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