WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

An allergy is the result of the body's immune system reacting to a substance that is not normal to the body. The most common allergic conditions include hay fever, asthma, and skin allergies. The basic cause of allergy is unknown, however, some believe the reactions stem from a misguided immune system. The misguided immune system over reacts to these foreign substances that are not harmful.

Allergies run in families, but there are other factors as well. For example, breast-fed babies are less likely to have allergies than are bottle-fed babies. It is not known why a person can become sensitive to some things and not to others.

Many substances are capable of causing an allergic reaction. The most common are pollen, mold, house dust, animal hair and dander, feathers, food, drugs, and insect stings. These allergens cause different kinds of allergic reactions. Pollen of trees, grasses, weeds, or molds cause hay fever. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itching and weeping eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and cough.

Asthma results from a partial closing of the airways of the lungs. The main symptoms are wheezing and shortness of breath. Pollens, molds, house dust, exercise, infection, weather changes, and stress can trigger asthma attacks.

Skin allergies, such as contact rashes and eczema, affect the skin. Contact with allergens like plants, nickel in jewelry, and dyes can produce itchy rashes and weeping blisters. Hives may be small, red, itchy, inflamed swellings found in clusters on the skin. They also may be large, join together, and cover a large portion of the skin.

Certain foods may also cause a person to have allergic symptoms. Common ones include fish, eggs, milk, nuts, and wheat. Symptoms include diarrhea, hives, eczema, headaches, asthma, and a runny nose. Food allergies often occur in children, who usually outgrow it after age 6.

Anaphylactic shock is the most serious kind of allergic reaction and is life-threatening. It affects many areas of the body at the same time. Insect stings, certain foods, and drugs such as penicillin may cause it. Within seconds or minutes, allergic shock affects breathing and circulation. If not treated right away, breathing may stop and death may occur.

Whatever the type of allergy, learning the cause can help to avoid the substance. If the cause is known it is easier to manage the symptoms.

For more information:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network provides information on food allergy and anaphylaxis and other issues of this disease. Call (800) 929-4040 or visit their website at www.foodallergy.org.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers a variety of services including patient and consumer education information, pollen count reports and maps, and a physician referral directory. Call (800) 822-2762 or visit their website at www.aaaai.org.

www.foodallergy.org

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File ALLE4158.rf2 VRS# 4158 Data Version 7.0