Everything you Need to Know About an Allergic Reaction

Latest

The immune system is tasked with defending your body from viruses and bacteria. However, this system might defend itself against substances that are not harmful to the body; some of these substances are called allergens. An allergic reaction occurs when your body reacts to these harmless substances. 

It is also possible to have an allergic reaction after eating, inhaling, or touching allergens. Most medical practitioners diagnose allergens using them, while some inject them into the body as a treatment. These reactions can be reduced by buying 20x20x1 furnace filters, and below, we discuss all you need to know about an allergic reaction. 

What Causes this Reaction?

It is yet to be clear what causes allergies, but most are inherited from family. You are at a higher risk of contracting allergies if a close relative has been diagnosed. It is unclear why most allergies occur, but certain substances are known to cause them. 

Allergic people are prone to either of the following;

  • Mold
  • Pollen
  • Bee stings
  • Pet dander. 

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

The main allergic reaction symptoms range from mild to severe. You might experience mild symptoms if exposed to allergens for the first time. Also, these symptoms become more intense if you repeatedly contact the allergen. 

Mild Reaction

The main signs of a mild allergic reaction include;

  • Rash 
  • Itching
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Watery eyes
  • Scratchy throat. 

Severe Reaction

Severe allergic reactions lead to the following symptoms;

  • Diarrhea
  • Heart palpitations
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Anxiety or fear. 

How to Diagnose an Allergic Reaction

Your allergist or primary care physician is the best person to detect an allergic reaction. Suppose you experience symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, and your medic will inquire about your health history and perform a test. 

The medic might order tests to determine what caused your allergy. The most prevalent allergy tests include;

  • Blood tests

This test enables the medical officer to detect antibodies in your blood against an allergen. Remember, an antibody is a protein released by the body to fight off toxic substances. 

  • Skin tests

A skin test entails applying a minor allergen amount to the skin and waiting for a reaction. This substance might be taped to the skin or injected beneath it. This test is suitable for diagnosing penicillin and mold allergies.

  • Challenge tests

This test is essential when testing food allergies. It entails removing particular food from your diet and watching your symptoms after retaking it. 

How to Treat an Allergic Reaction

You are advised to contact a doctor whenever you experience an allergic reaction and do not know its cause. A doctor will help you know what you are allergic to. However, you may not need medical help if you have a known allergy.

Final Thoughts

Allergic reactions are prevalent, and specific measures can be used to reduce their intensity. They are caused by dust and pollen, and the above article has discussed everything you need to know about them. Kindly reach out to us for more information. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *