Seven common allergies you need to know of
Allergies in our body occur due to hypersensitivity of our immune system toward certain foreign substances found in food, drinks, medicines, and the environment. The substances causing allergic reactions in our body are called allergens. These allergic reactions are a response of the immune system toward the foreign body. Through this response, the body tries to attack and destroy the foreign body. A survey suggests that around 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from allergies in the country.
The following article mentions some common type of allergies and the allergens that cause the same. Read on to find out more.
Respiratory allergies
Also referred to as allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy, it is one of the most common forms of allergy. Respiratory allergies often begin around the age of two years, but only surfaces in a person’s late 20s. This type of allergy is usually seasonal. The ones that remain throughout the year are called persistent allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Other respiratory allergies can affect the bronchial tubes leading to asthma and lungs leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Atopic dermatitis or eczema
Children with a family history of allergies are prone to this form of allergy and are likely to develop some other form of skin allergies later in life. Atopic dermatitis is usually caused due to very dry skin. It has a typical appearance of a rash and always feels itchy. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can be both, acute or chronic.
Hives
Bommels, wheals, welts, or hives can last for minutes or days. They are characterized by itchy red bumps on the skin and are caused due to systemic (whole body) immune reaction. Factors such as foods, pollen, animal dander, insect bites, drugs, and emotional stress can cause hives. Although not painful, hives can be itchy. When they heal, they don’t leave any light or dark marks on the skin.
Food allergies
Allergens such as proteins present in cow’s milk, wheat, soybean, peanuts, egg whites, and others can cause an allergic reaction such as rashes and swelling of the skin. The allergic reaction to these food products can usually occur within five minutes to one hour of eating. Other less common causes include shellfish, beans, preservatives, and colorants.
Drug allergy
Allergic reaction caused due to certain chemicals and substances present in the medicines are referred to as drug allergy. Some common allergens present in the medicines include sulpha, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants. The reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. The symptoms may include wheezing, throat and mouth swelling, nausea, vomiting, cramping (abdominal pain), fall in blood pressure, and fainting.
Insect allergies
Bees, hornets, wasps, fire ants, mosquitos, kissing bugs, and lone star ticks are some of the insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Some of these allergens can also develop an allergy toward meat. Symptoms of allergies due to insect bites include skin rashes, swelling of the eyelids and lips, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Mold allergy
A seasonal form of allergy, it occurs due to mold, spores, and other fungi. Inhaling these can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath and can also develop into other serious conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
