Allergies are part of the immune system’s natural defenses against germs and foreign substances, including germs that enter through our food or the environment. While symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching and wheezing may occur from allergies, they do not lead to fever.
FARE conducted interviews with adults and teenagers living with multiple food allergies as well as caregivers of children diagnosed with food allergies. This eSupplement presents the results from this research project.
Symptoms
Allergies can affect nearly every part of the body, from skin and eyes to nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms generally begin within minutes to two hours of coming into contact with an allergen; their severity ranges from mild to severe and life-threatening.
As soon as you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system identifies it as a threat and creates antibodies in response to it. Once activated by the allergen again, these antibodies release chemical messengers which produce allergy symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes and wheezing.
Your severity of allergy symptoms depends on both how much of an allergen is encountered and where. For instance, airborne allergens, like pollen or mold spores, can cause congestion as well as itchy, runny or stuffy nose symptoms. If an allergen enters through mouth or intestinal passageway instead, symptoms could include diarrhea and/or rash formation; or if it gets into skin pores via inhalation you could develop red itchy welts accompanied by itchy patches on skin which eventually turn into itchy red or swollen patches of itchy red or swollen patches which lasts 1-2 hours before leaving you feeling better than before!
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction may include dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners), difficulty breathing and wheezing (difficulty breathing with an audible whistling sound). Some individuals also exhibit non-IgE allergy symptoms related to environmental irritants like dust, smoke, perfumes or colognes.
Causes
At its root, allergies can be frustratingly annoying and even life-threatening. Their source lies within our immune systems mistaking an allergen as a potential threat, producing antibodies in response, which then release other immune system chemicals to produce symptoms – including pollen, animal dander and mold allergies; certain foods (especially peanuts, tree nuts, fish, milk wheat soy); insect stings as well as pollen.
Allergies can affect several organ systems, including skin, mouth, eyes, digestive tract, respiratory and cardiovascular. Their symptoms range from mild to severe or even life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.
Allergies typically appear during childhood, though they can affect adults of any age. Moving to a different area or adopting a pet may trigger allergies in adults. Also, seasonal and environmental allergies may pass from generation to generation and make life uncomfortable – it is wise to visit an allergist if symptoms do not fit a typical pattern, in order to receive accurate diagnoses and treatments for your symptoms.
Treatment
Untreated allergies can result in life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. If this happens to you, symptoms could include swelling of the mouth or throat, shock and difficulty breathing; seek medical attention immediately! EpiPens can quickly treat anaphylaxis until emergency assistance arrives.
An allergist will review your symptoms and medical history, then conduct skin or blood tests to ascertain which allergens you’re sensitive to. Once this information has been compiled, antihistamines, decongestants or oral steroids may help control symptoms; in more serious cases immunotherapy – consisting of shots – may desensitize your immune system from reacting adversely.
Management of allergies is central to living well. By understanding common allergy triggers such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander as well as safe food options at restaurants, eating out or traveling – FARE offers families resources for safely navigating pre-school and childcare settings, K-12 schools and college campuses; tips to thrive during socializing dating adulthood as well as ways to join our patient registry that makes an impactful statement about this important issue. Join now and make a difference today.
Prevention
Allergies can have devastating and life-threatening repercussions if they go untreated, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, poor immunity and overall reduced health. If left untreated, allergies could increase inflammation levels resulting in disease development and overall worsening health conditions.
Food allergies to nuts may result in digestive symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea as well as effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. A severe reaction could even trigger anaphylaxis – an allergy-related condition in which throat and tongue tissues swell up severely making breathing difficult – making life-threatening conditions likely.
People suffering from seasonal allergies can mitigate symptoms by taking antihistamines prior to pollen season beginning, using nasal sprays, and getting a prescription for oral allergy medication. Avoiding outdoor activities on warm windy days when pollen counts are higher can also help minimize allergic symptoms.
Being responsible pet owners, keeping a clean home, avoiding perfumes or smoke as well as scheduling allergy testing – such as skin prick or blood tests – may help alleviate allergy symptoms. Allergists provide education on setting up allergy-friendly homes as well as tips for living life with allergies effectively. Ultimately, the first step toward managing allergies effectively should be making an appointment with a board-certified allergist.
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