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What are Allergies?
An allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. The reactions are due to allergens that are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, molds, foods, and some medications. The symptoms can be mild, but for some people, they can be very dangerous.
Symptoms of Allergies
- Hives
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
- Vomiting and nausea
- Itching in just one certain part of your body
- Itching all over your body
- Stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Swelling around your mouth, throat, tongue, or face
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the Causes of Allergies?
- Certain foods. Food allergies develop when your body releases a specific antibody to a particular food.
- Inhalants. These are airborne elements that you breathe in. Also, allergens that may affect you all over the year and seasonal allergens. If you have asthma, inhalant allergies can also worsen or trigger your symptoms, including shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Dust mites. These are too small to notice with your eyes. They live in dust and the fibers and the fibers of household objects, such as upholstery, carpets, mattresses, and pillows,
- Pets. Pet allergens include certain proteins in animal fur, skin, saliva, and pee
- Molds and insects. Molds are tiny fungi that have spores that float in the air, like pollen. Insects such as cockroaches also trigger an attack. The proteins in their poop, eggs, spit, and dead body parts can cause allergic reactions.
- Medications. Certain medications can cause an allergic reaction. Common medications that cause allergies include NSAIDs, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and insulin.
- Latex. Latex allergies usually develop after repeated contact with natural rubber latex. Common natural rubber latex products include rubber gloves, rubber balls, balloons, and bandages. The most common reaction to latex is skin irritation. It shows as a rash on the area of the skin that touched the latex. It may develop within minutes of exposure to latex.
- Stinging insects. It can inject venom, which is a toxic element. The venom in insect stings can cause an allergic reaction. The most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction include bees, hornets, fire ants, and wasps.
Are Allergies Life Threatening?
Most allergic reactions are mild to moderate and do not cause major problems. However, a small number of people may experience severe reactions, which require immediate life-saving medication. Allergens that may cause this condition include foods, insects, and medications. People with severe allergies should have an immediate action plan.
When to Seek Help?
For a severe attack or also known as anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency number or seek emergency medical help. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector, give yourself a shot right away. Even if your symptoms improve after the injection, you should go to the emergency department to make sure symptoms don’t return when the effects of the injection wear off.
How to Prevent Allergic Reactions?
Preventing allergic attacks depends on the type of allergy you have. Even if you’re treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. Stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high if you have pollen allergies. If you’re allergic to dust mites, dust, and vacuum and wash the bedding often. When trying to identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, track your activities and what you eat to help you identify the triggers.
Treatment for Allergies
Depending on your allergy, medicines can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. Your provider might suggest OTC or prescription medication in the form of pills or liquid, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
Nasacort Aqua Nasal Spray. It eliminates the symptoms such as stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. This treatment reduces the action of chemicals in the body that causes redness and swelling. Talk to your doctor before using this medication and get help with the proper dosage and treatment period.
