Allergies: Facts That Will (Or Won’t) Take Your Breath Away

Odds are you or someone you know suffers from some form of allergy. A recent survey shows that over half of the U.S. population (54.6 percent) reported having reactions to at least one type of allergen (Healthline, 2012), but what causes this? An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system attacks something in the body that it sees as dangerous. The consequences of this may be minor, such as sneezing, a rash, or hives. More serious cases can include swelling of the throat or trouble breathing, which may result in anaphylaxis, a fatal form of allergic reaction that can put someone into shock (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2015).

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several types of allergies, all with varying reactions. Here are the most common types along with their typical symptoms:

Hay Fever (AKA allergic rhinitis) - affects 10-30% of adults and 40% of children

• Irritated nose, eyes, or roof of mouth
• Sneezing and runny/stuffy nose
• Conjunctivitis (watery, swollen eyes)

Food Allergies - affects about 4% of the U.S. population

• Swelling and/or tingling of the tongue, lips, throat, or face
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

Insect Sting Allergies - fatal reactions affect 3% of adults

• Swelling at the area of sting
• Itching all over
• Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis

Drug Allergies - 2-4% of people are allergic to certain drugs or medications

• Itchy skin or rash
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis

How to determine your allergies:

If you are unsure if you suffer from allergies, your best bet is to visit with a doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor may have the answers you need from your medical and family history, physical examinations, or by administering certain tests. These tests may include a skin prick test (SPT), blood tests, patch tests, or physician-supervised challenge tests. Once you know what you’re allergic to, there are several ways to avoid a reaction - avoiding the allergens, taking medication to reduce symptoms, or even immunoassay, which helps teach your immune system to not react to the substances in a harmful way (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2015).

Even though allergies can put you at a disadvantage, don’t let them prevent you from living a normal life. Know what you can and can’t be exposed to, avoid what causes reactions, and keep medication with you if necessary. Keep your immune system happy, and you’ll be happy too!

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/statistics#2
https://www.aafa.org/allergies/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497