Understanding Allergic Reaction: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the immune system to substances such as peanuts, eggs, or pollen. During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamines, which cause expansion of blood vessels. Reactions range from mild symptoms to severe and even life-threatening. Common allergens include animal dander, bee stings, medications, dust mites, foods, mold, latex, plants and pollen.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Pollen allergy
- Food sensitivity
- Mold allergy

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms usually develop within minutes to an hour after the exposure to the allergan. They may include:
- Atopic dermatitis - hives, itching, or eczema.
- Swelling of parts of the body, especially: lips, face, tongue, and throat.
- Breathing difficulties: wheezing, nasal congestion.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Allergies can cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. An anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency, which includes the symptoms:
- Airway constriction - swelling of the throat or lump in your throat.
- Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
- Dizziness, or loss of consciousness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of allergic reaction based on medical history and physical examination, as well as, additional tests including a skin test and blood test. On a skin test, the skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of substances which cause allergy. People who haveallergies will develop an elevated bump at the test site in their skin. A blood test can measure the immune system's response to proteins by measuring certain antibodies.

Treatment

The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is not to come in contact with the allergan. But despite all the effort, exposure can occur. In these cases, if the reaction is mild, the treatment includes medications like antihistamines to reduce the symptoms, such as rash and itchiness.
In severe reaction (anaphylaxis), treatment is an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). People at risk for a severe allergic reaction should always carry injectable epinephrine.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital