Our immune systems are designed to help us fight off bacterial or viral invaders, and once the body detects the presence of these pathogenic organisms, antibodies are released to deal with the invaders. However, when an allergic reaction occurs, the body often mistakes harmless substances such as pollen or peanuts for viruses or bacteria that would cause illness and actually begins to attack itself. When an ‘invader’ has been detected, the immune system produces substances called ‘mediators’, which help to produce more antibodies. The most common mediator is histamine, which can be released in large quantities. Histamine is fine when a real threat is present as is enables the body’s defenses to fight the infection more effectively. But, when there is nothing present but dust or pollen, the reaction turns against the body itself.
What Causes Allergic Reactions?
Allergic reactions can be caused by substances that we breathe in such as pollen, cat dander, or perfumes. Many reactions are the result of foods, and certain foods, such as nuts, dairy products, eggs, or gluten, and as soon as the allergen is pinpointed, the food should be avoided in the future. Prescription medications, especially antibiotics are implicated in many allergic reactions, as are the toxins found in insect stings.
Mild Allergic Reactions
Nearly everyone has experienced an allergic reaction at one time or another – hay fever occurs in late summer when ragweed pollen is in the air, and many people are allergic to cat dander. In these cases, the symptoms of allergy will usually be sneezing, runny and red eyes, and a scratchy throat. It is possible to relieve these symptoms with decongestants or antihistamines, both of which are available over the counter.
Contact allergic reactions can happen not only when someone has brushed up against poison ivy or sumac, but also with exposure to such substances as latex. A rash will be the result and in some cases, blisters can form. Most people will get relief by applying calamine or other soothing lotions to the area, and most of these rashes will need no further intervention. Hives often appear and differ from a simple rash in having pimple-like projections that can become infected.
Someone who has eaten a food to which they are allergic will usually experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or cramps. These food reactions can also cause rashes. Another fairly common reaction to a specific allergen will be tingling or numb lips.
Mild reactions such as these generally do not require medical intervention, and will resolve themselves either with over the counter medicines or when the allergen is no longer present.
Severe Allergic Reactions
A severe allergic reaction to a substance, whether it is a hornet sting, medication, or food, generally will not occur when the person is first exposed to the allergen. It is generally only subsequent exposures that will cause a more serious response. These allergic reactions are called anaphylactic reactions and can cause a range of symptoms that will often need emergency medical attention.
When an anaphylactic allergic reaction occurs, the victim will often find that their face and mouth will swell up, making swallowing and breathing difficult. Anyone who is having trouble speaking, or whose voice has suddenly become hoarse, will probably be suffering from this severe reaction. A call to 911 should be made immediately. Do not attempt to take the person to the hospital yourself, as a crisis could occur while driving that you would be unable to cope with. These reactions will cause a very fast drop in blood pressure and the person experiencing it can easily go into shock.
If the person has a weak pulse or difficulty breathing, it may be necessary to administer CPR. If the affected person has medications to deal with this attack, give them, and also treat the person for shock.
As anaphylactic shock is responsible for a number of deaths every year, it is important for the person who suffers from the allergy to avoid that which triggers it. It is relatively easy to avoid foods and medications known to cause this, but if bee or hornet stings are responsible, it may be necessary to have a series of allergy shots administered and to carry an epinephrine autoinjector at all times.
