Know if You Are Having an Allergic Reaction

People have many different reactions to all kinds of different allergens. Some of us aren't even aware that we are allergic to something until we actually experience the symptoms.

You've heard of people being allergic to animals, dust, mildew, mould, and pollens, and people with allergies or to things like gluten, people who are lactose intolerant and other who have life-threatening allergies to certain things like nuts, sea foods, bee stings and certain kinds of medications. The reaction to allergens vary for each individual. Some just simple get irritated eyes or runny nose, other allergens can incite an asthma attack, while others can send a person into Anaphylactic Shock, and without an EpiPen - it will be fatal.

So what's causing all these allergic reactions?

Our immune system is what's responsible for defending our body against viruses and bacterial attacks. There are some cases, as with allergies, when the body's immune system reacts against foreign bodies that enter our system, even if they aren't really a threat. They are what we call the allergens. The reaction takes place when allergens make contact with the body. Allergens can either be inhaled, ingested or have direct contact with the skin.

Ironically, doctors often use the very think you're allergic to, to build up your immunity. You might receive injections that contain mildew, thereby making your body less vulnerable to exposure to mildew. When people with allergies get shots regularly, this is what they are being injected with.

As far as the medical community is concerned, allergies are still a bit of a mystery. They are still not sure why allergies develop in the first place, but it will be to our benefit to learn about allergic reactions and how to deal with them.

Allergic reaction symptoms can be mild or severe. Usually, the reaction is mild when you are exposed to a certain allergen for the very first time. The severity increases with each repeated exposure.

• Itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Hives
• Rashes
• Rhinitis (congested nose)

More Severe Allergic Reactions

While most allergic reactions are mild, they could sometimes lead to life-threatening symptoms. This is especially so when the airway is blocked resulting in a life and death struggle to breathe. Anaphylaxis can also result in an abrupt drop of a person's blood pressure. When left untreated, this can end a person's life in just 15 minutes. Some symptoms of more severe allergic reactions include:

• Vertigo ( dizziness)
• Nausea (vomiting)
• Abdominal pains/cramps
• Palpitation of the heart
• Anxiety
• Breathing difficulty
• Weakness/fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Unconsciousness
• Swelling of the tongue

Things that Trigger Anaphylaxis

• Common foods such as egg whites
• Shellfish
• Sesame seeds
• Dairy products
• Nuts
• Bee or wasp sting

Symptoms of Unusual Allergic Reactions

1. 1
   Blisters on skin

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   While we have been advised to get natural Vitamin D from the sun, there are some people who are allergic to the sun. When they are exposed to the sun, they get hives, blisters and swelling on their skin. According to the most recent studies done on sun allergies, there are about 10-20% of Europeans and Americans suffering from this strange allergy. It is believed that the reaction is caused by the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun.

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2. 2
   Swollen tongue

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   People suffering from hay fever could at times suffer from a swollen tongue. A person's immune system reacts to the pollen as if it's a threat. The body's way of flushing out the intruders is through sneezing or a runny nose. In the case of oral allergy syndrome, the immune system reacts to proteins found in certain vegetables and fruits in the same way as the body reacts to pollen in hay fever. Other symptoms include swollen and itchy mouth, throat and face.

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3. 3
   Red butts

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   Also called the Baboon Syndrome, a person exposed to certain kind of metal, plants or medicine develop bright red rashes on their bums. It is so red that it can be compared to a baboon's butt, so it's quite obvious how it got its name. While the rashes primarily appear on the butts, they can also develop on the inner thighs and even on the genitals. This allergic reaction is not fatal but the sufferer experiences pains and itchiness. According to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, some metals such as nickel, mercury and gold can trigger the reaction. Based on studies recently done, certain antibacterials and antibiotics can also trigger these kinds of effects, whether taken orally or intravenously.

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Can I get a baboon butt from dairy allergy?

Yes, baboon syndrome can be caused by a dairy allergy. Usually, the syndrome is caused by skin touching whatever it is you're allergic to, but it can sometimes be caused by eating or drinking something you're allergic to, as well. Talk to your doctor to make sure that it is indeed baboon syndrome, and not something more serious.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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