The body’s immune system defends against several external agents such as viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes, the body ends up flaring the immune response against agents that are not a threat for humans. These are referred to as allergens, and they trigger allergic reactions that usually require the attention of an allergist.
Allergens can cause an allergic reaction in the body when you touch them, inhale them, or consume them. Furthermore, doctors also often use allergens to test allergies. At times, they may as well inject the allergens inside the body.
This is a form of allergy treatment referred to as allergy shots, in which very small levels of allergen are introduced to the body. While this amount is not enough to cause an allergic reaction, it is enough to let the body develop an immune response against the allergen.
The results of such treatment may last for several months, after which they begin to wear off. After that, a person would need the treatment again.
Causes of allergic reactions
Currently, doctors cannot really tell why some people are allergic to certain things. It looks like allergies can be genetic, and often also run in the family. So, if someone close to you in family has an allergy, chances are that you may also develop it later in life.
Nevertheless, nobody knows exactly why allergies develop. Though, there are some substances that are commonly considered as a reason for allergies.
So, people who have an allergy are typically allergic to pet dander, bee stings, medications, foods, plants, and pollens. However, apart from that, certain types of fabrics may also flare up one’s allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of allergic reactions
This topic is about the symptoms of allergic reactions. Well, the symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from severe to mild. For instance, if this is the first time you are getting exposed to a potential allergen, you may have mild symptoms.
However, when one comes in contact with different allergens multiple times, the allergy symptoms may begin to flare up.
Typically, symptoms of mild allergies include itching, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, hives, watery eyes.
However, severe allergic reactions can result in symptoms that may be life threatening. These include pain, tightness in the chest, dizziness, diarrhoea, fear, anxiety, nausea, weakness, heart palpitations, wheezing, breathing difficulties, and unconsciousness.
Though, the symptoms may vary from person to person. If you feel something unusual after you come in contact with certain foods, it is time to get an allergy testing.
Diagnosis of allergies
Allergy diagnosis is done by a trained allergy doctor. If you are experiencing weird symptoms, your doctor will examine the history of your health and will run some tests.
Furthermore, if the symptoms that you are experiencing are quite worse, the doctor may as well as you to maintain a journal. In this journal, you will be asked to write all the details of the symptoms. Furthermore, you will also be based to create a list of the potential allergens.
Depending on what might be causing your allergy symptoms, your doctor will either run skin tests, blood tests, or challenge tests.
Allergens can vary, and different substances will result in a different response in people. So, the symptoms that one may experience due to different allergens can vary. While some people will only suffer from mild symptoms, others may experience life-threatening symptoms.
When it comes to allergy issues, it is very important to take the help of a qualified allergist doctor Manassas. Otherwise, you will potentially be putting your life at risk. Protection from allergy is the only way to go!