Allergies
Allergies are nothing more than our immune system kicking into high gear. It is one of our body’s methods for fighting against incoming “foreign” offenders. So when one of the allergens hit, our defense mechanisms reacts to take care of it. Allergy might be brought on by several types of irritants which range from pollen to dust. Only a few commonly cause allergic symptoms.
For example, consider pollen. A natural substance produced by budding plants, flowers and trees. For some it appears to be a heart-warming sight, on the other hand for others it causes unwelcome symptoms, which include:
- Redness, Itching or Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Persistent Running Nose
- Sinus Congestion
- Respiratory problems including Asthma or Wheezing
- Coughing
- Hives
- Hay fever
- Nausea, or Vomiting
At times allergies causes life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylaxis: It is the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they are allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may result in death. If you are unaware of it, you might be putting your life under risk! It’s better to learn what anaphylaxis is and how to address it.
Anaphylaxis -Tough word, tough symptoms. It is a severe reaction to a common allergen.
This reaction may go along with throat constriction, swelling, and an inability to swallow or breathe and shock.
Normally it affects only a small percentage of the population that is consistently re-exposed to allergens. They are highly sensitive. Some other symptoms may include heart palpitations, low blood pressure and fluid in the lungs.
Some allergens are more likely to produce this type of reaction than others, including:It is one of the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they’re allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may lead to death. If you’re unaware of it, you might be putting yourself under risk! It’s better to understand what anaphylaxis is and how to handle it.
Some allergens are more likely to produce this reaction than others, including:
- Stings or bites from insects.
Consumption of certain foods, including shellfish or peanuts.
Use of medications including antibiotics or sulfa drugs in some patients.
Exposure to latex, and
Specific vaccines, which includes those that contain egg proteins.
Unless and until you’re taking a substance, (like a medication) you cannot realize that you’re hypersensitive to it. But the good thing is that, if you might take proper treatment and care, the symptoms of anaphylactic reaction could be reversed.
Many hospitals offer patients epinephrine and other medications, that will reduce inflammation. Knowing you’re super sensitive to a particular allergen, your physician may prescribe an “at-home” care kit which might include a pre-loaded dose of epinephrineyou can use in the event you are subjected to a known allergen and initiate an anti-anaphylactic reaction.
Using this home kit will stabilize you long enough to seek emergency care. Knowing you’re prone to having this severe reaction, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or inform those you deal with of your condition, to take proper precautions to shield yourself.
In case you use a home kit, you should still seek the care of your physician immediately following exposure, as symptoms often return even with treatment a few hours after your initial reaction.