An allergic reaction is the hypersensitive response of the immune system to a usually harmless substance. Normally, the immune system will destroy a foreign substance, or antigen, without any outward signs or symptoms. However, sometimes the immune system overreacts and releases excessive antibodies in response to these antigens (allergens) triggering an inflammatory response in the body. Allergic reactions can happen to any one person at any time in his or her life for a wide variety of reasons. Common allergens are airborne (pollen, mold, dust mites), food (dairy, eggs, wheat), insect stings (bees, wasps), medications (penicillin), plants (poison ivy), and industrial products (latex). Allergies usually cause a person to have annoying and uncomfortable symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin irritations. However, occasionally a person may suffer a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, a life-threatening form of shock.
Allergens enter the body by being injected or absorbed into the skin, ingested, or inhaled into the lungs and the resulting symptoms can range from mild to severe. Allergies elicit a wide variety of symptoms that affect the respiratory system, the circulatory system, and the skin.
Respiratory System
- Hoarseness
- Itchy, runny nose and/or sneezing
- Dry cough
- Labored breathing
- Wheezing
Circulatory System
- Low blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Skin
- Flushing, itching, or burning skin (especially the face and chest)
- Hives
- Swelling of face, neck, hands, feet, lips, and/or tongue
- Warm, tingling feeling in the face, mouth, chest, feet, and hands
Other Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Itchy, watery eyes