Allergies Defined: What Exactly is an Allergy?

Oddly enough, allergies are actually an overreaction (of the immune system) to substances, which usually don’t cause reaction in most people! These substances can trigger all sorts of symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing and of course, itching. Allergies are not only bothersome, but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses, such as sinusitis and asthma.  While this site mainly focuses on skin problems, allergies encompass a wide range of issues, some of which can be quite serious.  (Please make sure to visit our sister website Wheezing.com for details about respiratory related issues.)

In extreme cases, allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal. However, with proper management and patient education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.

Common allergies include but are not limited to the following:

• Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever, seasonal, perennial, nasal allergies): Characterized by nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, clear nasal discharge, and itching of the roof of the mouth and/or ears.

• Asthma (Allergic Asthma) Symptoms triggered by an allergic reaction. Characterized by airway obstruction that is at least partially reversible with medication and is always associated with allergy. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.

• Food Allergy: Most prevalent in very young children and frequently outgrown, food allergies are characterized by a broad range of allergic reactions. Symptoms may include itching or swelling of lips or tongue, tightness or constriction of the throat, chest tightness and wheezing; itchy, burning eyes; decreased blood pressure, even a loss of consciousness and anaphylaxis can occur in extreme cases.

• Drug Related Allergy: Is characterized by a variety of allergic responses affecting any tissue or organ. Drug allergies can cause anaphylaxis! Even those patients who do not have life-threatening symptoms initially may progress to a life-threatening reaction, as a result. Always consult your physician before taking drugs of any kind.

• Anaphylaxis (extreme allergic reactions to specific food or drugs): Characterized by life-threatening symptoms. This is a medical emergency and the most severe form of allergic reaction. Symptoms include a sense of panic, fear or paranoia; flushing or hot flashes; tingling, burning or itching of palms, soles of feet or lips; light-headedness; bloating and chest tightness. These extreme cases can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock and respiratory distress. Possible causes can be medications, vaccines, food, latex, insect stings and bites, and more.

• Latex Allergy: An allergic response to the proteins in natural, latex rubber characterized by a range of allergic reactions. Persons at risk include healthcare workers, patients having multiple surgeries and rubber-industry workers. Symptoms include hand dermatitis, eczema and urticaria; sneezing and other respiratory distress; and lower respiratory problems including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

• Insect Sting/Bite Allergy: Characterized by a variety of allergic reactions; stings cannot always be avoided and can happen to anyone. Symptoms include pain, itching and swelling at the sting site or over a larger area and can cause anaphylaxis. Insects that sting include bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire and harvest ants.

• Urticaria (hives, skin allergy): A reaction of the skin, or a skin condition commonly known as Hives. Characterized by the development of itchy, raised white bumps on the skin surrounded by an area of red inflammation. Acute Urticaria is often caused by an allergy to foods or medication.

• Atopic Dermatitis (eczema, skin allergy): A chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by lesions, scaling and flaking; it is sometimes called eczema. In children, it may be aggravated by an allergy or irritant.

• Contact Dermatitis (skin allergy): Characterized by skin inflammation; this is the most common occupational disease representing up to 40 percent of all occupational illnesses. Contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in adults. It results from the direct contact with an outside substance with the skin. There are currently about 3,000 known contact allergens.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis (eye allergy): Characterized by inflammation of the eyes; it is the most common form of allergic eye disease. Symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes and lid distress. Allergic conjunctivitis is also commonly associated with the presence of other allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Did You Know? People tend to inherit allergies, although not necessarily to any specific allergen. When one parent is allergic, their child has a 50% chance of having allergies. That risk jumps to 75% if both parents have allergies.  If you are a parent and you and your spouse have allergies, makes sure to get your children tested immediately by your local physician or healthcare provider.

As with any major health issue you may be experiencing, make sure to consult your doctor or healthcare professional right away for medical assistance.