Allergy some facts

Allergy Fact It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly. Hay fever affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children. Asthma affects 15 million Americans, 5 million of whom are children. The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years.

Allergies are an overreaction of the body's immune system to specific substances that it misidentifies as harmful. This overreaction of the body's immune system is known as an allergic reaction and the substances that cause it are called allergens. Potential allergens can be anything from dust mites and pollen to insect stings, fragrances, and foods such as shellfish and peanuts. Whatever the allergen, allergic reaction symptoms can be miserable, ranging from a runny nose and watery eyes to breathing problems, diarrhea, hives, and even death.

There are many types of allergies, but the most common include: Food Allergies - triggered by certain types of food Anaphylaxis - triggered by food, drugs, or insect stings Respiratory Allergies - triggered by airborne allergens Contact Allergies -triggered by allergens that affect your skin Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by the venom in some insects

Normal Immune Response IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD and various immune cells respond to attack. Foreign substance is eliminated Misguided Immune Response IgE is overproduced in response to cat dander, pollens, and other harmless allergens. Subsequent exposure results in an allergic reaction.

Hay Fever Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites or molds. Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose (mucus lining or membranes) after allergens are inhaled. Adjacent areas, such as the ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved.

Hay Fever Runny nose Stuffy nose Sneezing Nasal itching (rubbing) Itchy ears and throat Post nasal drip (throat clearing)

Asthma Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies.

Asthma Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness

Respiratory Allergies Mild Symptoms: Sneezing Coughing or wheezing Postnasal drip Itchy nose and throat Throat hoarseness Impaired sense of smell Runny or clogged nose with clear, thin mucus Watery, itchy, red, or swollen eyes Congestion Fatigue Conjunctivitis (inflammation of membrane that lines eyelids, causing swollen eyelids and redness around the eyes)

Respiratory Allergies Severe Symptoms: Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing Chest tightness and pain

Allergic Eyes Allergic Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs a result of an allergic reaction.

Allergic Eyes Redness under the lids and of the eye overall Watery, itchy eyes Swelling of the membranes

Allergic Eczema Allergic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Allergic Eczema Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin Rash on the face, especially children Rash around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in adults

Contact Allergies Symptoms of a contact allergy usually occur within 30 minutes after exposure to the allergen, although symptoms may take up to several hours to appear. Common contact allergens include poison oak and poison ivy, latex, rubber, nickel, preservatives, dyes, medications, fragrances, and cosmetics such as hair dye and perfume. Nickel, a metal very commonly used in jewelry, buttons, hairpins, metal clips, zippers and snaps, is the source of much misery for those allergic to it. Exposure to the sun can also cause reactions.

Contact Allergies Mild Symptoms: An itchy or bumpy rash Fluid-filled bumps on skin Redness or swelling of skin Hives Eczema (inflamed, dry, cracked skin covered in pimples or blisters)

Contact Allergies Severe Symptoms: Anaphylaxis

Hives Hives (Urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non- allergic people.

Hives Raised red welts Intense itching

Food Allergies Symptoms of a food allergy usually occur within minutes after ingesting the food allergen, although some may not occur for several hours. The symptoms may be isolated only to areas around the mouth, lips and digestive tract, or they may involve other areas of the body. Foods that most commonly cause allergic reactions include milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.

Food Allergies Mild Symptoms: Itching, tingling or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat Tightness in the throat Difficulty swallowing or speaking Nausea Abdominal cramps and indigestion Diarrhea and vomiting Skin rashes Congestion, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing Stuffy, itchy, or runny nose

Food Allergies Severe Symptoms: Difficulty breathing Dizziness, sweating, and faintness Rapid increase in heart rate Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak Immediate and extreme facial swelling and itching Anaphylaxis

Insect Sting Allergies Symptoms of an insect sting allergy usually occur within the first 15 to 30 minutes after the sting, although symptoms may take up to several hours to appear. Insect venoms that most commonly cause allergic reactions are from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants.

Insect Sting Allergies Mild Symptoms: Pain, itching, and swelling at the site of the sting or sometimes over a larger area such as the entire hand or forearm Fever Nausea or fatigue Hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site Tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing Swelling of the tongue

Insect Sting Allergies Severe Symptoms: Anaphylaxis

Medications that Commonly Induce an Allergic Reaction Penicillin and related antibiotics Sulfa drugs Barbiturates Anticonvulsants Insulin preparations (particularly animal sources of insulin) Local anesthetics such as Novocain Iodine (found in X-ray contrast dyes) Allopurinol (prescribed for gout) Anti-seizure drugs Anti-arrhythmia (heart) medications

Allergic Shock Allergic Shock (Anaphylaxis or Anaphylactic Shock) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. This response typically occurs when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods) or injected (for example, a bee sting).

Allergic Shock Hives or reddish discoloration of the skin Nasal congestion Swelling of the throat Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting Shortness of breath, wheezing Low blood pressure or shock

Anaphylaxis Flushing of the skin Tingling or itching around the body Swelling of the mouth and throat area Difficulty swallowing and breathing Tightness of the chest Confusion, agitation, or lightheadedness Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Irregular heartbeat

Anaphylaxis In the most severe cases the sufferer can go into shock. Swelling of the bronchial tissues in the lungs can cause a person to choke and lose consciousness. A precipitous drop in blood pressure due to dilated (expanded) blood vessels can also result in a loss of consciousness. In such cases of anaphylactic shock it is imperative that treatment be administered immediately. Without prompt attention anaphylactic shock can be fatal.