What is Allergic Reactions?
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be breathed into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.
With so much attention focused on food allergies, restaurants are starting to become more sensitive.
For example, some restaurants are now asking customers if they have food allergies before they order.
Some even serve separate menus to customers who have food allergies.
But even if you don’t have a diagnosed food allergy, it’s probably best to assume that you do.
And to be prepared in case someone brings something you don’t want to eat into the restaurant.
The most common forms of allergic reactions involve the skin and respiratory system (coughing and sneezing).
But sometimes a person will experience everything from mild skin irritation to severe swelling of the throat or tongue or difficulty breathing.
Severe allergic reactions can also cause damage to internal organs and lead to death in some cases.
People with allergies are more susceptible to skin rashes, itchy eyes and throat irritation.
It’s not uncommon to find people who complain of contact dermatitis.
Hay fever or sneezing every spring and summer, says Dr. John Gorman. A professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine in Iowa City, who has worked in the allergy field for 40 years.
If you have allergies — or suspect that you do — you’ll want to keep a few things in mind if you decide to stock up on certain products.
If you do have an allergy, there are several steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your sensitivity.
The most common way people get allergies is by touching or inhaling the product and then being exposed to it again, with potentially serious consequences if they have another reaction.
Allergies are most common among children, but they can affect adults as well. Symptoms can include hives or an itchy rash that doesn’t go away when you bathe or wash your hair.
You may also feel stuffy, runny or congested after spending time outdoors, or have symptoms like nausea and vomiting after eating certain foods.
The best way to tell if someone has allergies is to watch for specific symptoms after exposure.
If you notice redness, swelling or itching after touching a particular item and later develop other symptoms.
That could be a sign of contact dermatitis caused by the allergen.
You can also try removing all traces of allergens from your environment; for example, keeping your cat away from kitty litter that could be a trigger for allergies.
Foods that may cause reactions: peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs and soy
You may have other symptoms beyond rash, such as itching and asthma. If you have any other symptoms that aren’t consistent with typical allergic reactions (such as a fever), call your doctor immediately.
Please note that regular First Aid and CPR Training is the best way to make sure that you’re prepare in the case of an emergency. Book a course with us!
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