Thursday, May 17, 2012

Allergy / allergies

Source: "http://health.kompas.com"

DEFINITION
Allergies occur when the body's immune system overreacts to foreign objects or substances such as pollen, bee venom or animal dander. The immune system produces proteins called IgE antibodies. These antibodies protect the body from objects or unwanted substances that can make you sick or cause infections.

Allergies can cause symptoms that are visible on the skin, sinus, respiratory, or digestive system. Severity of the allergies vary in each person and can occur from ordinary irritation to anaphylaxis - a state of emergency with a potentially life-threatening. If the allergy is not curable, some treatments can help to relieve allergy symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
Allergy symptoms that occur depend on the particles that cause allergies, and can affect the airway, sinuses and nose, skin and digestive system. In many cases, an allergic reaction that causes the irritation will interfere, but this is mild. Severe allergic reactions can be more dangerous because it involves organ systems in the body. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
• Nasal congestion
• wet and itchy nose
• Eyes itchy, watery, and swelling (conjunctivitis)

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction also called eczema, can cause:
• Itchy skin
• Skin flushing
• Exfoliation

Food allergy / food allergies can cause:
• The feeling of tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives (itchy with red spots or swelling)
• Anaphylaxis

Insect sting allergy / allergic to insect stings can cause:
• Swelling (edema) in the shock
• Itching or hives (itchy with red spots or swelling) on ​​the entire body
• Coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath

Drug allergy / allergy medications can cause:
• Hives (itchy with red spots or swelling)
• Itchy skin
• A rash on the skin
• Swelling of the face
• Breathing becomes short
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, including allergies to food and insect sting, could potentially trigger a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or. These reactions involve multiple organ systems. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
• Loss of consciousness
• The feeling of floating
• Shortness of breath is severe
• The pulse is rapid and weak
• A rash on the skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the airways which can block the airway

Causes & Risk Factors
Cause
Allergies begin when the immune system reacts abnormally to substances that are harmful to the body. The immune system then produces antibodies that are always memperingatan the existence of particles of allergens. When you are exposed to the allergen again this antibody release of chemicals such as histamine, which causes allergy symptoms.

Which include allergy triggers are:
  • Wind-borne allergens, such as plant pollen, animal dander, dust and mold
  • Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
  • Insect sting, sting like a bee or wasp
  • Drugs, such as penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics.
  • Sap or other substances you touch, which can cause skin reactions.
Risk factors

Will increase the risk of developing allergies to you if:
  • Having a family history of asthma or allergies. Will increase the risk of allergies if you have family members who have asthma or allergies such as hay fever, hives or eczema.
  • By the time the children. Although you can develop allergies at any age because of something, basically children are more susceptible to allergies than adults.
  • Has asthma or allergies. Having asthma can increase the risk for developing allergies. Also if they have an allergy because it will cause allergies to other things.
Prevention

Depending on the type of allergy prevent allergies you have. In general it can be done the following actions:
  • Avoid known triggers. If you take medication to treat your allergy symptoms, you are still required to avoid triggers. In general, the allergens that trigger allergies are carried by the wind outside, at home or at work, and certain foods, insects or medications. Some allergic reactions triggered or aggravated by extreme temperatures or feelings of stress.
  • Take care of your daily life. When trying to identify clearly what the cause or aggravate symptoms of your allergies, try to look back on all the activities you do. Make a note of when the symptoms of allergy occur, and write what might be helpful. It can help you and your doctor to identify the triggers of allergies and the best measures to prevent and treat your allergies.
  • Use the marker bands. If you've had a severe allergic reaction. Bracelet (or necklace) markers will tell others that you have a serious case of allergic reaction and when it happens you certainly can not afford to tell others what happened to you. With a bracelet so others can easily find out.