Urticaria/Allergic Reaction

Allergic Reaction

A healthy immune system works to locate and destroy unwanted pathogens before they can cause damage within the body.  Sometimes, however, innocuous substances are targeted instead of dangerous pathogens.  When the immune system overreacts to a benign substance, the result is what's known as an allergy.

Most people have allergies of some sort, but some individuals will have reactions that are more serious or life-threatening.  Common allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.  Dietary allergies might manifest instead as nausea, diarrhea or digestive difficulty.  In the case of a serious allergy, anaphylaxis can occur. 

 

 

It's possible to be allergic to nearly anything, but the following categories are most common:

-- Food allergies.  Some common food allergens include peanuts, strawberries, wheat and shellfish.  Some food allergies display as intestinal discomfort, while others can cause hives and difficulty breathing. 

-- Medicine allergies.  Many people are allergic to Penicillin, and other medications can cause a reaction as well.  Skin rashes and swelling are a common symptom of medicine allergy. 

-- Insect venom allergies.  The most common of these is allergy to bee venom from a sting.  Other insect bites can also trigger allergic reactions. 

-- Animal allergies.  People with animal allergies usually experience respiratory symptoms after inhaling a the dander from a dog or cat, but skin welts and itchiness can occur as well. 

-- Latex allergies.  Some people experience skin rashes and itchiness after coming into contact with the latex in gloves or condoms. 

-- Seasonal allergies.  If your allergy symptoms are strongest at a specific time of year, you are probably allergic to a certain pollen or other plant substance found outside during that season. 

Anaphylaxis can involve itching, hives, wheezing and swelling of one or more body parts.  In the most serious cases, the lips, tongue and throat will swell, making it difficult to breathe.  Patients can also go into anaphylactic shock, which leads to a dramatic drop in blood pressure and unconsciousness.  This is a serious medical emergency and can rapidly become fatal if not treated. 

The treatment for allergies will depend on their type and severity.  An antihistamine like Benadryl can be used effectively to stop allergy symptoms from setting in, especially if it's taken preemptively.  People with series allergies may be prescribed an epinephrine injection, or epi-pen, to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. 

Most importantly, though, allergies should be managed primarily through prevention.  It's important to identify exactly what substances trigger your allergies and avoid them whenever possible as allergies can shift from mild to severe without warning.  If you're experiencing allergy symptoms that are more severe than normal or don't respond to over-the-counter antihistamines, it's important to seek medical attention right away.