Allergies Specialist

What causes allergies?

Allergies are simply your immune system kicking into action and doing its job. In the case of allergies, however, your immune system “kicks in” on a substance that doesn’t bother most people. Antibodies protect people from harmful things, such as viruses. When a person makes antibodies for a substance that’s not actually harmful, it’s an allergy. Antibodies kick into action when a person touches, breaths, or eats this substance. This is called an allergen.

How do people react to allergens?

The severity and effects of allergies vary and differ depending on the sufferer. Minor irritations, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes, may be the extent of a reaction in some; others may enter anaphylaxis, which is potentially deadly. Allergies can’t be cured, but sometimes they pass, particularly with children as they grow older. Allergies can be treated, however, as can some of their symptoms.

What symptoms are common with allergic reactions?

This often depends on both the allergen and the system it typically affects, but can include:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): This affects the respiratory system, causing sneezing, runny nose, head congestion, and itchy sensations to the nose and mouth. The eyes are also commonly affected, turning watery, red, and itchy — a condition called conjunctivitis.
• Food allergies: Symptoms include tingling in the mouth, swollen lips, tongue, face, and throat. Swelling in the mouth is serious if it progresses to the point where it interrupts breathing. Food allergies may also cause rash or hives.
• Drug allergies: Symptoms usually cause skin issues, such as itchy skin, rash, and hives. In more serious cases, it can also cause facial swelling, asthmatic-type wheezing, and anaphylaxis.
• Insect stings: These may result in swelling at the sting site, itching, hives, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, or anaphylaxis.
• Skin allergies (eczema): These typically cause skin to itch, peel, or redden.