Allergic Reactions
Alternate Names : Acquired Sensitivity Reaction, Induced Sensitivity Reaction
An allergic reaction is an immune system response to exposure to a specific substance.
What is going on in the body?
Allergic reactions are fairly common. Most reactions happen soon after contact
with an allergen. An allergen is a trigger that causes the reaction after
touching a certain part of the body.
The blood may be exposed from
an injection.
The blood or gut may be exposed from swallowing an allergen.
The
lungs may be exposed from inhaling the allergen.
The skin may be directly exposed to an allergen.
Usually these reactions are mild and can be treated at home with simple
methods.
However, some people have a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction within minutes, called
anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and result in
shock
and even death if medical help is not obtained quickly.
Usually, the first exposure produces only a very mild reaction or no reaction
at all. For some people, repeated exposure may lead to more serious reactions.
Even a small amount of a trigger can lead to a serious reaction in some people. Allergic reactions can affect small areas or the entire body. Most reactions
occur within seconds or minutes of exposure. However, some reactions can occur days or
weeks after exposure.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are few things that do not cause an allergic reaction in some people.
However, most people never have an allergic reaction. Those with a family history of
allergies are more likely to develop them. People with asthma, hay
fever, or a skin condition known as eczema are more likely to develop allergies.
Following are some of the common triggers:
bee
stings
foods such as peanuts and shrimp, which can trigger a food allergy
medicines
metals
mold
pets with feathers or fur
pollens or plants
synthetic materials
tiny organisms such as bacteria
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