allergic reaction

 Allergic reactions

 
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They are sensitivities to substances, called allergens, that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract and digestive tract. These substances can be inhaled into the lungs, ingested or injected.
Considerations

Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to that caused by hay fever. Most reactions occur shortly after contact with an allergen.

Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be serious and life-threatening. They can be limited to a small area of ​​the body or they can affect everything. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions occur more frequently in people with a family history of allergies.

Substances that do not affect most people (such as venom from bee stings, and certain foods, medicines, and pollen) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

The first exposure can produce only a mild reaction. Repeated exposures can lead to much more serious reactions. Once the person has had an exposure or an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of the allergen can trigger a serious reaction.

Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. Some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been ingested. In very few cases, the reactions develop after 24 hours.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden reaction that occurs within minutes after exposure and needs immediate medical attention. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can worsen very rapidly and lead to death in a matter of 15 minutes.
Causes

Among the most common allergens are:

    Animal dandruff
    Stings of bees or other insects
    Food, especially nuts, fish and seafood
    Insect bites
    Medicines
    Plants
    Pollen

symptom

The common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction are:Hives (especially in the neck and face)
    Itch
    Nasal congestion
    Rashes
    Red, watery eyes

The symptoms of a moderate or severe allergic reaction are:

    Abdominal pain
    Abnormal breath sounds (garish)
    Anxiety
    Discomfort or tightness in the chest
    Cough
    Diarrhea
    Respiratory difficulty, wheezing
    Difficulty swallowing
    Dizziness or vertigo
    Flushing or redness of the face
    Nausea and vomiting
    Palpitations
    Swelling of the face, eyes or tongue
    Loss of consciousness

First aid

For a mild to moderate reaction:

Calm and reassure the person experiencing the reaction, because anxiety can make the symptoms worse.

Try to identify the allergen and make sure that the person avoids future contacts with it.

    If a pruritic rash appears, apply cold compresses and an over-the-counter cortisone cream.
    Observe the person to see if there are signs of increased suffering.
    Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines.

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):

Check the person's airway, breathing and circulation (ABC) for Basic Life Support. A warning sign of a dangerous swelling of the throat is a hoarse or whispering voice, or harsh sounds when the person is inhaling air. If necessary, start mouth-to-mouth breathing and CPR.

    Call the local emergency number (911 in the United States).
    Calm and reassure the person.
    If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the sting of the skin with something firm (such as a nail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers, as squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
    If the person has emergency medicine for hand allergies, help them take it or inject the medicine. Avoid oral medications if the person is having difficulty breathing.
    Take measures to prevent shock. Make sure that the person sits horizontally, raise the feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters) and cover them with a jacket or blanket. Do not put the person in this position if a head, neck, back or leg injury is suspected, or if this causes discomfort.

It must not

If a person is having an allergic reaction:

    Do not assume that any allergy shot that the person has already received will provide full protection.
    Do not put a pillow under the person's head if you are having trouble breathing, as this can block the airway.
    Do not give the person anything by mouth if he is having trouble breathing.

When to contact a medical professionalRequest emergency medical assistance (911 in the United States) immediately if:

    The person is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Do not wait to see if the reaction is getting worse.
    The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check if you have a medical identification plate).

Prevention

To prevent allergic reactions:

    Avoid triggers, such as foods and medicines, that have caused an allergic reaction in the past. Ask in detail about the ingredients when you are eating outside of your home. Also, carefully examine the ingredient labels.
    If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce 1 new food at a time in small amounts, so you can recognize an allergic reaction.
    People who know they have had severe allergic reactions should wear a medical identification tag and carry emergency medicines, such as a chewable form of chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) and injectable epinephrine or a bee sting kit, according to the guidelines. instructions from your provider.
    Do not use injectable epinephrine in any other person, because you may have a condition, such as a heart problem,which could be made worse by this drug.