Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or a food that does not cause a reaction in most people. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it is not. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies cannot be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.

Causes of allergies

An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen. When you are exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mould

• Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
• Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp
• Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
• Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

A food allergy can cause:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy can cause:

• A large area of swelling (oedema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can cause:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:

• Itchy
• Redden
• Flake or peel

Anaphylaxis/sever reaction

Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Loss of consciousness
• A drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Light-headedness
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma or allergies, such as hay fever, hives or eczema
• Having asthma or another allergic condition

When to see a doctor

• See a doctor if you have symptoms you think are caused by an allergy, and over-the-counter allergy medications do not provide enough relief.
• If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the doctor who prescribed it right away.
• For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), seek emergency medical help.

Complications

• Anaphylaxis: If you have severe allergies, you are at increased risk of this serious allergy-induced reaction.
• Asthma: If you have an allergy, you are more likely to have asthma, an immune system reaction that affects the airways and breathing.
• Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs: Your risk of getting these conditions is higher if you have hay fever or asthma.

Prevention

• Avoid known triggers. 
• Keep a diary. When trying to identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, track your activities.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have had a severe allergic reaction.

Medication used to treat allergies

• Chlorpheniramine (Allergex) tablets
• Cetirizine tablets
• Loratadine tablets
• Decongestants

ALLERGIES SELF-HELP QUESTIONNAIRES

Answer the following questions with a YES or NO (sad emoji) to find out if you suffer from allergies:

The outcome of your answers will determine your allegy risk profile. For any further information or concerns, please contact Student Health Services: [email protected]. Additional contact information is on the UP website.