Understanding Common Allergy Symptoms and Their Causes
Learn about the symptoms and causes of common allergies, their triggers, and risk factors. Know how immune responses to allergens can lead to mild or severe reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Early understanding helps in better management and prevention of allergic reactions.
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a foreign substance. When someone has allergies, their immune system produces antibodies to identify and fight these substances. The symptoms vary depending on the allergen involved, ranging from mild to severe reactions.
Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and swelling. Food allergies may cause tingling, swelling, or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Insect sting allergies lead to swelling and difficulty breathing, while medication allergies cause skin rashes and swelling. Skin conditions like eczema, known as atopic dermatitis, cause itching and peeling. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis can lead to loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and breathing issues.
Allergies are triggered when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances such as dust, pollen, certain foods, insect venom, medications, or latex as threats. The immune system then releases chemicals causing allergy symptoms.
Risk factors include family history, with allergies running in families; children being more susceptible; and existing allergies or asthma increasing the risk of developing others.
