Allergy: Types, Symptoms And Causes
Over response of the immune system to an allergen is known as allergy
. Allergens are the substances that cause allergy. Examples of allergens are dust mites, metal, food, chemicals, medicines, pollens etc. When one gets exposed to an allergen the immune system prompts allergic symptoms.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of allergy are: sneezing, rashes, redness of skin, itching etc.
Types
Based on the type of symptoms, allergies can be classified as: Anaphylaxis, Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, Hives, Eczema and Contact dermatitis.
Based on allergens, allergies can be classified as: Food allergy and Medication allergy.
Anaphylaxis
It is a hazardous response made by the immune system when one gets exposed to some allergens such as antibiotics that contain penicillin or sulfa, certain anesthetics, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, latex etc. It will affect the nervous system, breathing system and cardiovascular system. If proper treatment is not given at the right time, it can even lead to death. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis are nausea, dizziness, breathing problems, swelling of eyes, lips, throat, or tongue, itchy hives, palpitations, vomiting etc.
Allergic Rhinitis
It is also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies and is caused by inhaling pollens, molds, animal dander and dust mites. It causes irritation, swelling, sneezing and discharges in the nose and sinuses. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, itching, runny and blocked nose and watery eyes.
Asthma
Inflammation of lungs and respiratory airways occurs as a result of inhaling allergens and it is the main cause of asthma. Symptoms of asthma are breathing troubles, wheezing, stiffness of chest and dry cough.
Hives
Hives are also known as urticaria. Exposure to some allergens present in food, clothing materials, plants, medicines, foods etc. can result in hives. The most common symptoms are itchy rashes and red bumps.
Eczema
Eczema is usually termed as atopic dermatitis. It is a non contagious allergic skin condition. It usually starts at early childhood and in some cases it can last lifelong. Most common symptoms are blisters, bumps, swollen and oozing red rashes.
Contact dermatitis
Direct contacts of skin with allergens are the main cause of contact dermatitis. Allergens that trigger contact dermatitis can be metals, jewellery, nickel, cobalt, neomycin, latex, poison ivy, poison oak etc. Common symptoms are red rashes on skin, fluid filled blisters, bumps etc.
Food allergy
Allergies that are caused by taking some allergens present in food are called food allergies. The common allergens that results in food allergy are nuts, eggs, milk, chocolates etc. Symptoms are diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, itching, rashes, inflammation and itching of lips and mouth. This type of allergy is most common in small children.
Medication allergy
It is caused as a result of reaction to some medicines especially antibiotics that contain penicillin, sulfa etc. Symptoms of medical allergy can be breathing troubles, itching and rashes. Sometimes severe symptoms may also arise.
Conclusion
Earlier diagnosis and medication can help avoid severe allergic reactions to an extent. Awareness about treatment methods and symptoms of different allergies can be more helpful in treating allergies.
by: Valdes Johansen
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