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.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe. If you become exposed to an allergen for the first time, your symptoms may be mild. These symptoms may get worse if you repeatedly come into contact with the allergen.
Symptoms of Mild Allergic Reactions
A severe and sudden allergic reaction can develop within seconds after exposure to an allergen. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis and results in life-threatening symptoms, including swelling of the airway, inability to breathe, and a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. If you experience this type of allergic reaction, seek immediate emergency help. Without treatment, this condition can result in death within 15 minutes.
The most commonly ordered types of allergy tests are
A skin test involves applying a small amount of a suspected allergen to the skin and watching for a reaction. The substance may be taped to the skin (patch test), applied via a small prick to the skin (prick test), or injected just under the skin (intradermal test).
A skin test is most valuable for diagnosing
A blood test for an allergy checks your blood for antibodies against a possible allergen. An antibody is a protein your body produces to fight harmful substances. Blood tests are an option when skin testing isn’t helpful or possible. Prevent an Allergic Reaction
Once you identify your allergy, you can:
You may not be able to avoid an allergic reaction completely, but these steps can help you to prevent future allergic reactions.
They can take from a few hours to a few days to disappear. If exposure to the allergen continues, such as during spring pollen season, allergic reactions can last for longer periods, such as a few weeks or months.
Four different types of allergic reactions are immediate, cytotoxic, immune-mediated, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system reacts to a substance it considers harmful, called an allergen.
The most common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include coughing, difficulty or irregular breathing, wheezing, itchy throat or mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Red itching, bumps or bumps on the skin (hives), and redness of the skin.