An allergic reaction can occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander. The immune system is responsible for defending your body against bacteria and viruses. In some cases, it can defend your body against substances that generally pose no threat to you. These substances are known as allergens and when your body reacts to them, an allergic reaction takes place. Allergies can vary among individuals. You can have an allergic reaction after eating, touching or inhaling an allergen.
Research shows that allergies are very common; more than 50 million people in the US have an allergic reaction every year. Most cases of allergies are mild and symptoms go away in a day or two. However it is advisable to see the Best General Physician in Lahore if your allergic reaction doesn’t start getting better on its own.
Symptoms
Allergies can affect anyone. But you are more likely to develop them if your parents have allergies. Allergy symptoms depend on the allergens involved, and allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Here are the symptoms of a mild allergic reaction:
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives, or itchy, red spots on the skin
- Scratchy throat
- Watery, itchy or tingling eyes
- Nasal congestion or sneezing; this is commonly caused by hay fever, or allergic rhinitis
People typically have severe allergic reactions to foods, insect stings and medications. Symptoms can include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Fear or anxiety
- Face feeling hot; flushing of the face
- Swelling on the face, tongue, or eyes
- Heart palpitations
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Weakness
- Unconsciousness
In some cases, if your allergies are quite severe, they can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of this condition can include:
- Inability to breathe
- Swelling of the airway
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abrupt and drastic drop in blood pressure
- Light-headedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Skin rash
Causes
It is still unclear why some people experience allergies. One reason is genetics. If your parents have allergies, it can put you at a higher risk of developing them. Similarly, if you have a close family member with allergies, you can also get them. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding why allergies develop. But some edibles, things, insect bites and substances are known to cause allergic reactions. Here is a list of them:
- Plants and pollen
- Medications such as penicillin
- Bee stings
- Animal dander
- Latex
- Insect bites
- Dust mites
- Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish
- Mold
Diagnosis
If you think that you have an allergic reaction, visit a General Physician in Islamabad. To start off, they begin by diagnosing your allergic reaction. To do that they perform a physical exam and ask you about your health history. Then, they may proceed with allergy tests to determine what exactly is causing the allergy. The tests can include:
- Skin Tests
These can include patch tests, skin prick tests or intradermal tests where the suspected allergens are injected under the skin.
- Challenge or Elimination-Type Tests
These tests are useful in diagnosing food allergies. This type of diagnosis works by making you remove certain foods from your diet for a few weeks and monitoring for symptoms when you eat that food again.
- Blood Tests
These tests require the doctor to check for antibodies against a potential allergen in your blood.
Treatment
Once you’ve discovered that you are allergic to something, it is important that you avoid being exposed to it as much as you can. However, avoiding allergens doesn’t completely end allergic reactions. Here are some ways of treating them:
- Antihistamines
These are over-the-counter medications taken in order to manage your allergies.
- Decongestants
Decongestants provide relief from blocked and stuffy noses. However doctors recommend using these medications with caution since they have side effects.
- Nasal Sprays
These are medications that are effective and safe for regular use. However, they can take a few days to work.
- Asthma Medications
These include inhaled or oral bronchodilators, inhaled steroids and oral antileukotrienes. Asthma medications can also include injectable drugs.
- Immunotherapy
Your general physician can recommend this treatment if you are not able to manage your allergy symptoms through over-the-counter and prescription medications. In immunotherapy, you are exposed to small amounts of allergens over the course of several months. This gradual exposure helps create a tolerance to the allergens.
