What You Thought You Knew, or Didn't Know, About Allergies

mimmii7777
Nov 14, 2020
3 min read

Before delving into the myths surrounding allergies, let's learn the truth about them.

What is it?

Simply put, anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common anaphylaxis reactions are to food, insect bites, medication, and latex.

If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Typically, these bothersome symptoms occur in one location of the body. However, some people are susceptible to a much more serious anaphylactic reaction. This reaction typically affects more than one part of the body at the same time. (aaaai.org)

Symptoms

Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes they can occur half an hour or longer after exposure. Signs and symptoms include:

Skin reactions [hives, itching, flushed or pale skin]
Low blood pressure (hypertension)
Constriction of one's airways and a swollen tongue or throat
Weak and rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Dizziness or fainting

Causes

The most common anaphylaxis triggers in children are food allergies [peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and milk]. Other anaphylaxis triggers, in adults, include:

Certain medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, and other over-the-counter pain relievers, and the intravenous (IV) contrast used in some imaging tests.
Stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and fire ants
Latex

Risk Factors

There aren't many risk factors for anaphylaxis but some things that might increase your risk include:

Previous anaphylaxis. If you've had anaphylaxis once, your risk of having this serious reaction increases. Future reactions might be more severe than the first reaction.
Allergies or asthma. People who have either condition are at increased risk of having anaphylaxis.
Certain other conditions. These include heart disease and an abnormal accumulation of a certain type of white blood cell (mastocytosis).

Complications

Anaphylactic reactions can be fatal. Your heart or breathing may stop.

Prevention

Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet to indicate that you have an allergy to specific drugs or other substances.
Keep an emergency kit with prescribed medications available at all times. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, you should check the expiration date and be sure to refill your prescription before it expires.
Be sure to alert all your doctors to medication reactions you've had.
If you're allergic to stinging insects, use caution around them.
If you have food allergies, carefully read the labels of all the foods you buy and eat.
When eating out, ask how each dish is prepared, and find out what ingredients it contains. Even small amounts of food you're allergic to can cause a serious reaction.

Allergy Myths Busted!

Don't fall prey to these myths!

Myth 1: Allergies Are Just for Kids

-->You can definitely experience allergies as an adult.

Myth 2: You Can’t Outgrow Allergies

-->You can, in fact, outgrow allergies.

Myth 3: Pollen and Food Allergies Don’t Overlap

-->Some allergens are triggered by pollen which can be found in certain raw fruits, vegetables, or tree nuts.

Myth 4: You Can’t Tell Colds and Allergies Apart

-->You can tell colds and allergies apart due to some of the different symptoms such as body aches and fever which are not associated with allergies and itchy eyes which are common allergic reactions. Moreover, cold last around 7 to 10 days, whereas allergies last longer.

Myth 5: The Only Treatment for Allergies Is to Avoid Triggers

-->Allergies can be treated with allergy shots, decongestants, antihistamines, and saline or steroid nasal sprays. If a sudden allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine should be administered.

Myth 6: Allergy Medication Should Only Be Taken After You Have Symptoms

-->Taking medication before symptoms develop can prevent the reaction altogether.

Myth 7: Short-Haired Breeds Are Fine for People With Pet Allergies

-->If you are allergic to animals, you are not just allergic to their fur but their saliva and urine as well.

Myth 8: Moving to Another Part of the Country Can Get Rid of Allergies

-->Allergies exist everywhere, regardless of your location. Also, new allergies may develop in a new environment.

Myth 9: Allergies Don’t Happen in the Winter

-->You can be allergic to dust, Christmas trees, and even smoke from fireplaces. You can also be allergic to the cold, although this is a rare condition.

That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed learning about anaphylaxis. Until next time!