Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 4/8/2019
Doctor's Notes on Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction is an exaggerated response by the body's immune system to a substance in the environment. Allergies are caused by an inappropriate or misguided reaction to foreign substances. The substances that trigger allergic reactions are called allergens. There are many different kinds of allergens, including pollens, plants, eggs, nuts, foods, and animal dander.
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching and watering of the eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, and cough due to postnasal drip. Other associated symptoms can include fatigue, lethargy, hives, rash, and itching of the skin. Anaphylactic reactions are serious allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. In an anaphylactic reaction, swelling of the throat leads to difficulty breathing.
Allergies : Symptoms & Home Remedies Quiz
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Allergy and Hay Fever Medications
There are many types of medications available to combat the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. The types of medications include antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec), decongestants (Sudafed), anticholinergic nasal sprays (Atrovent), corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasonex), antiallergy eyedrops (Patanol), leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair), and mast cell inhibitors (Nasalcrom). -
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, is recommended for severe allergy sufferers. Typically, immunotherapy consists of a three- to five-year course of allergy shots. The goal is reducing the allergy sufferers' reactions to allergens and to reduce or eliminate the need for other allergy medications. -
Allergy: Insect Sting
Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include: honeybees, bumble bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Allergic reaction to these insects' venom can com in many forms; from redness, itching, and pain to anaphylactic shock and even death in those severely affected. Treatment includes caring for the symptoms as well as administering epinephrine and/or antihistamines. -
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma may be caused by genes and environmental factors. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Treatment includes avoidance of triggers and medications to control and prevent symptoms. -
Asthma during Pregnancy
Experiencing an asthma attack during pregnancy may deprive the fetus of oxygen, so it's important to continue taking the asthma medication that you took before becoming pregnant, especially if your asthma was well controlled. Though it's impossible to predict how pregnancy may affect your asthma, it's important to note that your asthma can still be controlled during pregnancy. -
Asthma FAQ
Asthma is a disease marked by inflammation of the airways that cause difficulty breathing. Ther are millions who suffer from this chronic disease, and this article covers some of their frequently asked questions (FAQs). -
Asthma Medications
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. Asthma medications include corticosteroid inhalers, oral and intravenous corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, beta-agonists, anticholinergic inhalers, methylxanthines, mast cell inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. -
Bee and Wasp Stings
Bees and Wasps are venomous, meaning they have poison stings that may cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. If a person with no allergic symptoms receives a sting, a home remedy may be all that that is necessary for relief. A group of many stings or allergic reaction to a sting may require emergency medical treatment. -
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Contact dermatitis treatment can include medications, such as corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, home remedies, and avoiding irritants. -
Drug Allergy
Drug allergies may result in rashes and other symptoms. Several classes of medications may be associated with drug allergy. Treatment may include antihistamines and other medications. Rarely, blood tests and other tests are used to diagnose drug allergies. Avoidance is the primary strategy to avoid drug allergy. -
Eczema
Eczema is a term frequently used to describe any sort of dermatitis. Causes include genetic inheritance. Common triggers of atopic dermatitis include soaps, detergents, solvents, lotions, sweating, staph bacteria, use of plastic or rubber gloves, or rough wool clothing. Treatment for eczema can be avoidance of irritants, OTC anti-inflammatory creams, prescription steroid and anti-inflammatory creams, and in some cases, antibiotics. -
Eye Allergies
Common allergens include trees, mold, dust mites, grasses, pets, and weeds. Symptoms and signs of eye allergies include swelling around the eyes, eye redness, tearing, and mucous production. Treatment of eye allergies may involve eyedrops antihistamines and/or nasal steroids. -
Food Allergy
For someone with a food allergy, eating or swallowing even a tiny amount of a particular food can cause symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. The best way to prevent a food allergy is to avoid the foods one is allergic to. -
Hay Fever
Most likely you or someone you know has allergies, often referred to as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The telltale signs include itchy, puffy, watery eyes and red, stuffy nose. Spring and fall are main hay fever seasons, but individuals can experience hay fever symptoms all year long. -
Hives and Angioedema
Hives are a sudden allergic skin reaction. Hives are raised reddish bumps that cause severe itching. Angioedema is similar to hives but the welts are larger and involve a deeper layer in the skin. Allergies, insect stings and bites, stress, exercise, and infections are common causes of hives and angioedema. In mild cases, no treatment is needed. Severe reactions should be treated by a health care professional. -
Indoor Allergens
Common indoor allergens include pet dander, molds, plant pollens and other substances. These last year-round and aggravate the immune systems of people with hay fever, asthma, and other allergies. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and headaches. Remove carpet, clean upholstered furniture, and clean regularly to help remove allergens from the home. -
Insect Bites and Stings
Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include: pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery. -
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines. -
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock)
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening. The symptoms of anaphylactic shock are breathing problems, shock, or death. A severe allergic reaction may be caused by an insect sting or certain foods to which the body has been "sensitized" and has developed a powerful antigen for. Anaphylactic shock is an emergency and requires immediate medical treatment. -
Skin Rashes in Children
Skin rashes in children may be categorized as bacterial, viral, life-threatening, fungal, and parasitic rashes. Oftentimes, the associated symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Treatment depends upon the type of rash and the severity of the signs and symptoms. -
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.