Ladies, do you have any allergies? Allergies are the immune system's response to foreign substances that are usually harmless to the body. These foreign substances are called allergens. These allergens can be certain foods, pollen, pet dander, and so on.
Allergies occur when the body thinks that this foreign substance is dangerous because basically, the immune system will protect the body from pathogens, viruses, and other things that can harm the body. This causes the body to give a certain response such as itching, sneezing, or other symptoms. Usually, this response depends on the type of allergen.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms are the result of several factors, such as the type and severity of the allergy. You can take medication to anticipate an allergic response, but symptoms can still occur in the milder category. Here are some common allergy symptoms:
- Food allergy
Food allergies can trigger swelling, itching, nausea, fatigue, and more. Usually, it takes a while for allergy symptoms to appear after consuming a food. If you experience a serious reaction after eating and are not sure what caused it, talk to your doctor to find the cause of the allergic reaction!
- Weather/seasonal allergies
Sometimes, the symptoms of a weather allergy are similar to those of a cold, such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, and puffy eyes. In general, you can treat this at home with over-the-counter medicines, but if the symptoms are not recognized, don't hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
- Severe allergies
Allergies in severe levels can cause anaphylaxis, which is a condition where people who have allergies have difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with an allergen, seek medical attention immediately.
- Allergies on the skin
Allergy symptoms on the skin can be signs or symptoms of certain allergies (which may not be related to direct touch) but can also be the result of direct exposure to allergens. For example, consuming foods that contain allergens can cause several symptoms, including rashes on the skin.
Allergies caused by contact with allergens are known as contact/atopic dermatitis. People with this type of dermatitis need to be careful and avoid allergens because the drugs given usually only treat the symptoms, not the cause.
Types of skin allergies include:
- Rash
The area of the skin is irritated, red, or swollen, and may be painful or itchy.
- Eczema
The patches of skin become inflamed and may itch and bleed.
- Contact dermatitis
Red, itchy patches on the skin appear immediately after contact with the allergen.
- Sore throat
The pharynx or throat is irritated or inflamed.
- Itchy rash
Red, itchy, raised spots of various sizes and shapes appear on the surface of the skin.
- Swollen eyes
The eye may be watery or itchy and look "puffy."
- Itchy
There is irritation or inflammation in the skin.
- Irritation
Inflammation of the skin causes discomfort and a stinging sensation on the skin, which can eventually lead to irritation.
- Rash
One of the most common symptoms of a skin allergy
Causes of Allergies
Researchers aren't quite sure why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when an ordinarily harmless foreign substance enters the body. However, it is known that allergies have a genetic component. This means that parents can pass it on to their children, even though not all of them are inherited.
Common types of allergens include:
- Animal products
This includes pet dander, dust mite waste, and cockroaches.
- Drugs
Penicillins and sulfate are common triggers.
- Food
Food allergies that often occur are allergies to wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and egg allergies are common.
- Insect sting
This includes a bee, wasp, and mosquito stings.
- Mold
Airborne spores from mold can trigger a reaction.
- Plant
Pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees, as well as resins from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, are very common plant allergens
- Other allergens
Latex, often found in latex gloves and condoms, and metals such as nickel are also common allergens.
- Seasonal allergies
Also known as hay fever, it is one of the most common allergies. Pollen released by plants can cause itchy eyes, runny eyes, coughing
Ladies, you can also read other articles or try consulting a doctor at Fitie!
Source :
Krans, B. & Holland, K. (2018). Everything You Need to Know About Allergies. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies