All about allergy

Author: John P. Cunha, DO Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor, eMedicineHealth.com Previous contributing author and editors: Author: William Larry Haith, DO, FAAEM, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Southern Maine Medical Center. Editors: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Francisco [...]

Most allergic reactions respond well to medications. Hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, even anaphylaxis often improve and disappear in minutes to hours. Some rashes take several days to heal. Your health-care provider may want to monitor you for a few hours. A dangerous allergic reaction may warrant an overnight stay in the hospital. Allergic reactions will [...]

Most people learn to recognize their allergy triggers; they also learn to avoid them. An allergy specialist (allergist) may be able to help you identify your triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to identify triggers. Skin testing is the most widely used and the most helpful. There are several different methods, but [...]

Allergic reactions are sometimes unpredictable. -Always watch for a return of symptoms as medications wear off or exposure to an allergen trigger continues. -Return of symptoms may be sudden and severe. -Anticipate a possible return of the reaction and a need to return to the medical office or emergency department. -Use all medications only as [...]

Allergy shots: These are given to some people who have persistent and disruptive allergy symptoms. -The shots do not treat symptoms, but by altering the immune response they prevent future reactions. (This is referred to as immunotherapy.) -Treatment involves a series of shots, each containing a slightly greater amount of the antigen(s) that cause the [...]

There are may types of antiallergy medications. The choice of medication and how it is given depends on the severity of the reaction. For relief of long-term allergies such as hay fever or reactions to dust or animal dander, the following medications may be recommended or prescribed: Long-acting antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), [...]

Generally, medication is the treatment of choice after the allergen is removed. Very severe reactions may require other therapy, such as oxygen for breathing difficulties or intravenous fluids to boost blood pressure in anaphylactic shock. Patients with very severe reactions usually require hospitalization. Allergy journal

Avoid triggers! If you know you have an allergic reaction to peanuts, for example, do not eat them and go out of your way to avoid foods prepared with or around peanuts (see Food Allergy). Self-care at home is not enough in severe reactions. A severe reaction is a medical emergency. Do not attempt to [...]

For typical allergic reactions, your health-care provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and their timing. Blood tests and X-rays are not needed except under unusual circumstances. In case of severe reaction, you will be evaluated quickly in the emergency department. The first step for the health-care provider is to judge the [...]

 Because allergic reactions can progress and worsen in minutes, medical attention is always recommended for all but the most minor and localized symptoms. If the symptoms of your reaction get worse over a few days, or if they do not get better with recommended treatment and removal of the allergen, you should call your health-care [...]

The look and feel of an allergic reaction depends on the body part involved and the severity of the reaction. Some reactions affect many areas, while others affect just one area. Reactions to the same allergen vary by individual. Anaphylaxis is the term for any combination of allergic symptoms that is rapid, or sudden, and [...]

Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction: The body’s immune system involves the white blood cells, which produce antibodies. When the body is exposed to an antigen, a complex set of reactions begins. The white blood cells produce an antibody specific to that antigen. This is called «sensitization.» The job of the antibodies is to [...]

An allergic reaction is the body’s way of responding to an «invader.» When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. Its overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity reaction, [...]