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allergies

allergies are a personalized immune system reaction to foreign substances, including pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or food. when people with allergies come into contact to a specific substance, their immune system makes antibodies that see non-harmful substances as dangerous, and causes symptoms to develop in an effort to fight off the foreign substance.

symptoms of allergies may differ depending on the type. for example, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, tends to cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, watery and red eyes, and itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth.

when someone is allergic to a type of food, they may experience hives, swelling of the lips tongue, face, or throat, and tingling in the mouth. insect allergies develop into swelling at the sting site, itching or hives across the entire body, chest tightness, wheezing or feeling short of breath, or a cough. if someone is allergic to a drug or medication, they will also develop symptoms, including hives and itchy skin, a rash, facial swelling, and wheezing.

in some cases, a person can be so severely allergic to something they develop anaphylaxis, which is a severe form of allergic reaction that is life-threatening. it can lead to shock, and includes symptoms such as:
• loss of consciousness
• a dangerous drop in blood pressure
• severe shortness of breath
• skin rash
• lightheadedness
• rapid and weak pulse
• nausea and vomiting

to diagnose mild allergies, people can see their healthcare provider for a physical exam, and to explain the signs and symptoms they experience when they are around a particular allergen. some tests they may do include a skin test, which involves poking the skin with small amounts of the allergen to see if there’s a reaction, or a blood test to check for specific antibodies indicating allergies.

to treat allergies, people can avoid their allergen as best they can, take allergy medications to ease symptoms, try immunotherapy for more severe allergies that are not alleviated by other forms of therapy. in anaphylaxis, a shot of epinephrine using an epi-pen is the best form of treatment until emergency medical assistance arrives.

research continues to dive into possible causes, and new treatment directions to help improve the lives of those with mild to severe allergies.

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