The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
An allergy is an abnormal response by the bodyÕs immune system to an otherwise harmless foreign substance. Most of the time allergic reactions are mild, but they can also be fatal. An allergic reaction results when your body mistakes a harmless substance, called an allergen, for an invasive foreign body and releases large amounts of protective chemicals as a response. You may come in contact with an allergen by inhaling it, eating it or touching it. Among the most common allergens are: tree and grass pollens mold spores house-dust mites animal dander insect venom drugs (especially penicillin, sulfa and iodine) foods, commonly dairy products, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish latex Although allergies tend to run in families, it is not known why some people have allergies but others do not. Most allergies show up during childhood. Many people outgrow them, while others have allergies that persist into adulthood. Signs and Symptoms On first contact with an allergen, you become sensitized to it but may have minor symptoms or no symptoms. The next time, your immune system reacts and releases chemicals that can cause a host of symptoms. Allergies can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the skin, respiratory system and digestive tract. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after exposure and may include: itchy, watery, swollen eyes runny nose sneezing tingling and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips wheezing and difficulty breathing itchy skin, with or without a rash hives nausea and vomiting anaphylactic shock, a severe generalized reaction of rapid onset that can lead to death Treatment Diagnosis is usually based on your medical history and a physical exam. You may have skin tests to try to find out what you are allergic to. If the allergen can be determined, you will be advised to avoid it if possible. Often, however, the allergen is never identified or cannot be avoided completely. Drugs such as antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to reduce symptoms. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be prescribed to try to block the allergic response to a substance you cannot avoid.
