An allergy is a condition that occurs when one experiences hypersensitivity in the immune system when exposed to certain foreign items in the environment. What happens is that when someone is exposed to something he or she is allergic to, the body responds by releasing antibodies that in turn break up cells with certain chemicals.This leads to a sensitization that may not fully express itself as an allergy. Based on statistics, over 50 million people in America deal with allergic reactions.
Below are some of the symptoms that may show an allergy.
- Sneezing
- A rash on certain body parts
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A running nose or eyes
- Itchiness
- Sinuses that may cause pain
- Swelling in certain body parts like the lips
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea and cramping of the abdomen
- Coughing
When the allergic condition worsens, it causes anaphylaxis, which may be characterized by all or most of the above symptoms. If it is not managed medically on time, it may lead to death due to the decreasing blood pressure and unconsciousness. This article provides a description of some of the common types of allergies that affect most people.
Types of Allergies
Allergies can be categorized into four groups based on the type of hypersensitivity experienced: Type I, II, III, and IV. Although there are various types of allergies, this article narrows down its discussion into food, respiratory, skin, mold, animal, seasonal, asthma, latex, contact dermatitis, and drug allergies.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies are commonly viewed as intolerance because they are common. The allergies include Sulfite sensitivity, allergies to milk, soy, nuts, shellfish, wheat, casein, and eggs. When some people eat these items, they tend to develop a certain bad reaction. An allergy to proteins is most shared among a majority of the global population. Food allergies can be self-diagnosed as you notice hypersensitivity to certain foods. However, some individuals who have a hard time identifying the food they are allergic to seek medical assistance where lab tests are carried out for diagnosis. It is important to note that food allergies are chronic. As such, there is a need to avoid the specific food types that affect you.
2. Respiratory Allergies
Like most other types, respiratory allergies are different based on the cause. Some of the common allergies recorded to affect the respiratory system include pollen, spring, summer, fall, winter, hay, cat, dog, mold, and dust. The seasonal allergies occur due to the effects that the weather has on the environment surrounding you. For instance, fall and winter allergies are triggered by mold and dust. Summer allergy on the other hand occurs when you get in contact with pollen from plants like weeds. Hay fever that is commonly known as allergic rhinitis may be seasonal based on the time of the year it occurs.
3. Skin Allergies
Like other types of allergies, skin sensitivities vary based on the causative agents and symptoms. For instance, we have contact dermatitis that occurs when your skin is exposed to certain items. The result is an itching skin that develops red rashes due to the allergens produced. Some common skin allergies are nickel and cosmetic allergy, contact dermatitis, hives and angioedema, allergies to the sun, poison ivy, sumac, insect sting and oak. Skin allergies are medically treated after a series of lab tests to identify the skin condition for proper diagnosis.
4. Mold Allergy
Mold allergy occurs when someone is exposed to spores of mold. In most cases, mold allergy is categorized as a type of respiratory allergy since its symptoms tend to affect the respiratory tract system. Sneezing, itching, and development of red rashes are some of the common symptoms. Although acquiring treatment may come in handy, you should know that the condition is incurable. It, therefore, is more helpful if you avoid places with molds because it is mostly medium-term and is bound to disappear within a few months.
5. Animal Allergies
These refer to the hypersensitivity of the immune system when someone comes in contact with proteins contained in various animal products like saliva, cells, or urine. Some people tend to develop negative immune system reactions when they have dogs or cats around them. While this problem can be self-diagnosable, you can seek medical attention for further understanding of your condition after lab imaging. However, you should know that animal allergies are usually lifelong and cannot be cured. This hypersensitivity affects people who would like to keep pets but find themselves allergic to their proteins.
6. Seasonal Allergies
You know that you have a seasonal allergy if you find yourself displaying hypersensitivity symptoms like sneezing in certain periods of the year. It is commonly known as hay fever and it is triggered by various agents that are mostly characterized by spore production. This leads to the production of pollen grain from substances like molds, grass, etc. About 36 million of the America population experiences seasonal allergic rhinitis. This may affect your overall productivity since it may weaken you and hinders you from basking in the exciting season. Spring, fall, summer, and winter seasons all come with varying types of allergies. Mold allergy is usually seen as a seasonal allergy that occurs during winter and fall.
7. Allergic Asthma
This type of asthma affects children more than it does adults. It occurs when you breathe in allergens from substances like mold, pet fur, or pollen. Allergic asthma is genetic and may run in a certain family line if the relatives have a history of such cases. A good example of this asthma type is hay fever, which is mostly seasonal. The allergy is chronic and incurable. This type of asthma requires a medical diagnosis to determine the best drug to be administered. Because these drugs have varying chemicals that may affect your health, you can use various home remedies to ease the hypersensitivity. This is one of the most dangerous allergies since it affects your breathing by causing a wheezing effect and the tightening of the chest.
8. Latex Allergies
The natural rubber latex has certain proteins that may trigger some level of hypersensitivity in some people. The allergy does not necessarily occur immediately but will often take time from the first time you are exposed to latex. Latex allergy may develop into asthma, which is a problematic medical condition. Latex allergies can be categorized into two major categories that include Type I and IV. Although the allergy is life threatening, you can obtain medical treatment to ease your reaction but not obtain a cure.
9. Contact dermatitis
This is a skin condition also referred to as eczema that is characterized by a reddish rash that develops upon contact with various items. The red rash often represents an allergic reaction in the skin against particular foreign materials. Your skin tends to be itchy, an irritation attributable to the inflammatory reactants produced. Although it is possible to obtain a self-diagnosis, you should seek medical assistance in severe cases for further treatment. The allergy is a short-life skin condition. As such, you can get medicine that in most cases needs to be applied on the affected areas for some time.
10. Drug allergies
Drug allergies occur when your immune system reacts unnaturally to certain medication administered. In most occasions, this type of allergy is represented by a skin reaction that occurs when you take some drugs. Feeling dizzy, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and light headaches are also some of the common symptoms associated with drug allergies. This is why a physician or pharmacist will inquire about your medical history and previous cases of allergic reactions before prescribing certain drugs. It is important to have a series of lab tests conducted to determine with certainty your allergy to particular drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergies
Q: What is an allergen?
A: This refers to a foreign item that is physically harmless to you but your immune system identifies them as foreign threats. Common allergens include pollen, certain food, drugs, and animal proteins.
Q: Are new allergies being experienced?
A: Yes. The new lifestyles that people have adopted have led to the introduction of new materials like latex that could cause allergic reactions after pre-exposure to them.
Q: At what age can someone experience allergies?
A: You can have an allergy at any age depending on the cause and type. However, most allergy types are evident in kids and people at the age of 2 to 40.
Q: How do I determine that am experiencing an allergy and not a cold?
A: Most allergies and colds are characterized by similar symptoms. If self-diagnosing does not help, you need to seek professional medical help for lab tests and imaging to determine your medical condition.
Q: How does taking fish oil affect allergies?
A: It is recommended especially for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to take omega-3 fatty acids as a way of preventing allergy developments like eczema.
Q: Can I rely on immunotherapy to treat allergies?
A: Commonly referred to as desensitization, immunotherapy is still being researched on for evidence that is more conclusive.
Q: What treatment can I rely on for my allergies?
A: You can get medication for severe and mild allergies respectively.
