Asthma can cause shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, breathing problem and wheezing. Allergic eyes or conjunctivitis can produce symptoms like watery eyes, redness of eyes, itchy eyes and swelling of eyes. The soft membranes of the eyes develop inflammation due to allergy causing the above symptoms. Hives or urticaria is a kind of skin allergy that causes red itchy welts on the body. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can cause severe itching, peeling of skin and raised itchy patches on the skin.
- Anaphylaxis :
It is a serious life threatening allergic reaction of the body caused by some allergens like poisonous foods, drugs and insect sting. It can cause symptoms like sudden loss of consciousness, reduced blood pressure, shortness of breath, severe skin rashes, weak pulse and nausea/vomiting.
Allergy Causes :
Allergy is the response produced by the immune system that senses any harmful substances. The immune system would produce antibodies and keeps the body in high alert for specific allergen and whenever the person gets in contact with the same allergen, antibodies are produced. Allergy can be caused by number of factors.
- Dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander and mold are some types of airborne allergies.
- For some people certain foods like milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, sesame oil and soy foods can cause allergy.
- Certain medications like penicillin and common drugs like Ibuprofen and aspirin can cause allergic reactions.
- Insect stings, bee venom and snake bite can cause allergy.
- Certain substances like latex and some kind of plants can cause skin allergy.
Who Are At Risk?
Allergy can occur to anyone. But some factors like having a family history of allergy or asthma, very young age or old age (weakened immunity) and having asthma increases the risk of developing allergy. In most of the cases allergy does not cause any complications. But in severe type it can cause anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition that needs emergency treatment.
Tests :
Your doctor would complete physical exam and look for the above symptoms. He may order for blood test to measure the antibodies IgE in the blood, skin test for checking any hives and any other tests necessary.
Allergy Treatment :