Allergies

Description• Allergies can happen when a

persons immune system reacts to a foreign matter such as pollen, pet fur, etc. These types of reactions aren't common in most people. Your immune system produces substances called antibodies which protect a persons body from foreign objects in the body. When allergies occur a persons immune system makes certain allergens identify as harmful even though they aren't. When in contact with these allergens your immune system can react through inflammation of the skin, sinuses, airways, etc.

Causes• Airborne allergens:

Pollen, Dust, animal dander, mold, or mites

• Foods like peanuts, wheat, soy, types of fish, eggs an milk can cause allergies.

• Insect stings• Medications ex:

penicillin• Products with latex

in them

Symptoms• Depending on the substance

involved with the allergy symptoms can vary.

• Hay fever symptoms: Sneezing, Runny or stuffy nose, Watery swollen and red eyes, itching of the nose.

• Food allergy symptoms: Tingling mouth, swollen lips, hives, etc.

• Insect sting allergy symptoms: Large swollen area of the skin, Itching or hives, Cough or chest tightness, etc.

• Drug allergy symptoms: Hives, itchy skin, rash, wheezing, facial swelling, anaphylaxis

Prevention• Wear a medical alert

bracelet which can let other people know you have a serious allergy in case you have a reaction and aren't able to communicate because of it.

• Keep a diary to track everything you eat.

• Try to avoid the things that trigger your allergies.

Treatment• Immunotherapy

which involves injections of purified allergen extracts.

• Emergency Epinephrine ex: epi-pen, Auvi-Q, etc.

• Allergen avoidance • Medications like

over-the-counter or prescribed medications

Work Cited• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/definition/con-20034030• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/symptoms/con-20034030• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/causes/con-20034030