Everything you need to know about allergies

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Allergies develop when a person’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless.

The first time a person is exposed to an allergen, they do not usually experience a reaction. It often takes time for the immune system to build up a sensitivity to the substance.

In time, the immune system learns to recognize and remember the allergen. As it does so, it starts making antibodies to attack it when exposure occurs. This buildup is called sensitization.

Some allergies are seasonal. For example, hay fever symptoms can peak between April and May, when the tree and grass pollen count in the air is higher. A person may experience a more severe reaction as the pollen count rises.

Is it an allergy or an intolerance? Learn about the differences here.

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. However, the specific symptoms will depend on the type of allergen. For example, allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, or nasal passages.

Below are some triggers and the symptoms they may cause in people with an allergy.

Dust and pollen

• a blocked or congested nose
• itchy eyes and nose
• a runny nose
• swollen and watery eyes
• a cough

Food

• vomiting
• a swollen tongue
• tingling in the mouth
• swelling of the lips, face, and throat
• stomach cramps
• shortness of breath
• rectal bleeding, mainly in children
• itchiness in the mouth
• diarrhea

Insect stings

• wheezing
• significant swelling at the site of the sting
• a sudden drop in blood pressure
• itchy skin
• shortness of breath
• restlessness
• hives, or a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body
• dizziness
• a cough
• chest tightness

Medication

• wheezing
• swelling of the tongue, lips, and face
• a rash
• itchiness

If symptoms become severe, anaphylaxis can develop.

Anaphylaxis is the severest form of allergic reaction. It is a medical emergency and can be life threatening. Anaphylaxis can develop quickly, with symptoms appearing within minutes or hours of exposure to the allergen.

Research suggests that anaphylaxis most commonly affects the skin and respiratory system.

Some symptoms include:

• hives, flushing, and itchiness
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• swelling
• low blood pressure
• changes in heart rate
• dizziness and fainting
• loss of consciousness

Recognizing these symptoms can be crucial to receiving timely treatment.

Learn more about the symptoms of anaphylactic shock here.

When an allergic reaction occurs, allergens bind to antibodies that the body produces called immunoglobin E (IgE). Antibodies combat foreign and potentially harmful substances in the body.

Once the allergen binds to IgE, specific types of cells — including mast cells — will release chemicals that trigger the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Histamine is one of these chemicals. It causes the muscles in the airways and walls of the blood vessels to tighten. It also instructs the lining of the nose to produce more mucus.

People may have a higher risk of allergies if they are under 18 years old or have a personal or family history of asthma or allergies.

Some researchers have suggested that those born by cesarean delivery may also have a higher risk of allergies, as they do not have exposure to the mother’s microbiome during childbirth.

Potential allergens can appear almost anywhere.

In theory, a person can have an allergy to any food. Specific components — such as gluten, the protein present in wheat — can also trigger reactions.

The eight foods most likely to cause allergies are:

• eggs, especially the whites
• fish
• milk
• peanuts
• tree nuts
• crustacean shellfish
• wheat
• soy

Learn more about food allergies here.

Some other common allergens include:

• pet fur, dander, skin flakes, or saliva
• mold and mildew
• medications, such as penicillin
• insect stings and bites
• cockroaches, caddisflies, midges, and moths
• plant pollens
• household chemicals
• metals, such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc
• latex

If a person believes that they may have an allergy, their doctor will be able to help them identify what is causing the reaction.

The person should be ready to explain:

• any symptoms they have noticed
• when and how often they occur
• what seems to cause them
• any family history of allergies
• whether or not other household members have a similar reaction

The doctor may recommend some tests or refer the person to a specialist.

Tests

Below are some examples of allergy tests:

• Blood tests: These measure the levels of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the immune system.
• Skin prick tests: A doctor will prick the skin with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin reacts and becomes itchy, red, or swollen, the person may have an allergy.
• Patch tests: To check for contact eczema, a doctor may tape a metal disc with a small amount of a suspected allergen to the person’s back. They will check for a skin reaction 48 hours later, and then again after 2 days.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can help a person find a certified allergist.

The best way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen, but this is not always possible. In these cases, medical treatment can help.

Medications

Drugs will not cure an allergy, but they can help a person manage the symptoms of a reaction.

Many treatments are available over the counter. Before using a medication, however, a person should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Options include:

• Antihistamines: These block the action of histamine, which the immune system releases during a reaction.
• Decongestants: These can help relieve a blocked nose.
• Corticosteroids: These are available in the form of a pill, cream, nasal spray, or inhaler. They help reduce inflammation.
• Immunotherapy: This can help a person develop long-term tolerance. A person will take gradually increasing doses of the allergen, either as a tablet or an injection.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (antileukotrienes): These may help with some allergies if other treatments have not worked. The drugs block some of the chemicals that cause swelling.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening medical emergency that may require hospitalization.

If a person has difficulty breathing following exposure to an allergen, they will need immediate treatment. This will usually be in the form of an auto-injector.

Using an auto-injector

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that people at risk of anaphylaxis carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times. If one dose is not effective, the person will need the second.

Use an auto-injector to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) within minutes of any severe symptoms appearing. Someone should also call the emergency services.

EpiPen is a common auto-injector. When using an EpiPen, the FDA advise people to:

1. Hold the injector in one fist, with the orange end pointing downward.
2. Remove the blue safety release with the other hand, without bending, twisting, or making any sideways movements.
3. Swing and push the orange end firmly against the outer thigh, at a right angle to the leg. There will be a click as the needle exits from the orange end.
4. Hold the needle in place for at least 3 seconds.
5. After activation, the orange end will cover the needle, and the window will be blocked. If the needle tip is still visible, do not reuse it.

Do not use the thumb to flip off the blue safety release. Always use two hands to prepare the injector.

Incorrectly removing the safety device can cause the injector to release its contents too early. As a result, there may be no medication in the device when a person needs it.

The EpiPen is just one type of injector; there are many different versions. All injectors have the same effect, but the ways of using them may differ.

The links below contain instructions on how to use the different types:

• Adrenaclick
• Auvi-Q
• SYMJEPI

Learn more about medicines for allergies here.

There is no way to prevent or cure an allergy, but it is possible to prevent a reaction or manage the symptoms if a reaction occurs.

Those at risk of an allergic reaction should:

• Take measures to avoid exposure to known allergens.
• Carry two auto-injectors and know how to use them correctly.
• Inform friends, relatives, colleagues, and others about the allergy and how to use the auto-injector.
• Consider wearing a medical identification bracelet with details of the allergy.
• Seek allergy testing to know which substances to avoid.