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ALLERGY
Description |
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Symptoms |
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Abdominal cramps |
Abdominal bloating |
Abdominal pain |
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Anxiety |
Blood pressure - low |
Breathing - difficulty |
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Breathing - wheeze |
Chest - feeling of tightness |
Consciousness - loss |
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Cough |
Diarrhea |
Dizziness |
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Eyes - burning |
Eyes - dry |
Eyes - itching |
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Eyes - redness |
Eyes - swelling |
Eyes - watery |
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Face - swellling |
Lips - itching |
Lips - swelling |
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Mental - confusion |
Mouth - itching |
Mouth - swelling |
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Muscles - cramps |
Nausea |
Nose - itching |
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Nose - runny |
Pulse - rapid |
Skin flushing |
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Skin - itching |
Skin - rash |
Skin - swelling |
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Smell - loss |
Sneezing |
Swallowing - difficulty |
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Taste - loss |
Throat - itching |
Throat - swelling |
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Tongue - itching |
Tongue - swelling |
Vomiting |
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Description |
Allergy is a physiological reaction caused when the
immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as damaging to the body. These
normally harmless environmental substances are called allergens. The body's
immune system treats the allergens as an invader and reacts inappropriately,
resulting in symptoms that can be harmful to the person. In a severe reaction
called anaphylaxis, the response to the allergen is so intense that it
affects the whole body. It is rare and is life-threatening. The most common
allergens are: pollens, molds, animal dander, and dust.ds, animal dander, and dust.
Evolution of a skin rash produced by allergy.
In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system of the allergic person
produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Each IgE antibody
specifically targets a particular allergen. In this process, inflammatory
chemicals like histamines, cytokines, and leukotrienes are released into the
bloodstream, causing some of the symptoms mentioned above. Symptoms vary in
severity from person to person. Allergy symptoms could be mild, moderate or even
severe.
Allergies can be inherited. The child has more risk of getting it if both
parents have allergies. |
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Diagnosis
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Initially,
allergy tests can be done for
common environment, foods and drugs allergens. Allergy can be confirmed with the following
procedures and tests:
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Medical history of the patient
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Physical examination
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Lung
function tests
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X –
rays
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Skin
tests, which are more accurate than blood tests but the direct exposure to
allergens, might represent some risks.
- Blood tests (looking for antibodies of
common and specific allergens).
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More information: |
Allergy
Treatment
Allergy Healthcare Centers
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