Allergies

There are several different types of allergies currently affecting 1 in 5 Americans. An allergy starts when your immune system reacts to a substance that may not be harmful but recognized as a foreign allergen. An allergen can include pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, chemicals and skin irritants.

The immune system will produce antibodies against that particular allergen. When the body detects the allergen again, the antibodies begin to release histamine causing allergy symptoms. The response may inflame your sinuses, skin, airway or digestive system. Once you develop an allergy, you are more likely to develop another one.

Most Common Types of Allergens and Their Examples Include:

• Airborne Allergies: Pollen, Animal Dander, Mold, and Dust Mites
• Certain Foods: Peanuts, Soy, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Milk, and Shellfish
• Insect Sting: Wasp and Bee Stings
• Latex, or Other Substances That Contact Skin: These Allergens Produce Skin Reaction if Touched
• Medications: Penicillin of Penicillin-Based Antibiotics

There is a large variation in allergic reactions. Some only show up as a mild skin irritation. Some are life threatening and severe like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that can trigger the body to go into shock.

Food and insect sting allergies are capable of triggering anaphylaxis. The signs of an anaphylactic reaction include a swelling of mouth or throat, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting.

More common symptoms: