Allergic reaction

UNDER SUPERVISION
PROF. NAGWA MAHMOUD EL KOBBIA

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

Some people sneeze like crazy. Others get itchy hives

or watery eyes. But whatever the reaction, it boils

down to one thing: allergies.
While your problem may seem to start in the nose or
the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune
system run wild.
Learning why these reactions happen can help you
keep things under control and feeling better.

Why Allergic Reactions Happen

our immune system has an important job: to defend

your body from invaders such as bacteria and viruses

that mean you harm.
But when it makes war on substances it shouldnt,
thats an allergy.
Peanuts, eggs, or pollen, for example, can trigger
reactions. They are called allergens.

During a reaction, your immune system releases

antibodies. These are proteins that deliver a

message to cells: Stop that substance! The cells
then send out histamine, which causes blood
vessels to expand, and other chemicals, and these
trigger the allergy symptoms.

What Things Most Often Cause an Attack?

Animal dander
Bee stings
Certain medications such as penicillin
Dust mites
Foods -- particularly peanuts, tree nuts, fish,
shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy
Insect bites
Latex or other materials you touch
Mold
Plants and pollens

The Symptoms
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy eyes, nose or roof of mouth
Red, swollen, watery eyes

some common types of allergies

Hay fever: Also known as allergic rhinitis
Food allergies : you may feel tingling in your

mouth. Your tongue, lips, throat, or face might swell

up
Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, it is a
skin condition. You might have it if you have itching,
redness

Medications: If youre allergic to a certain drug,

you may get a rash, facial swelling, or hives

Stings: If youre allergic to bees or other insects
you may get:
1-A large area of swelling, known as edema, at the
site of the sting
2-Itching or hives all over your body
3-Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness,
or a cough

treatment
Antihistamines
decongestants
If you have an allergic-type asthma, your doctor

might also prescribe an inhaler

What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs

to be treated right away

Anaphylaxis is rare, and most people recover from it.
But it's important to tell your doctor about any
drug allergies you have before any kind of medical
treatment, including dental care. Its also a good idea
to wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant or carry a
card with information about your allergy.

If you've had an anaphylactic reaction before, you

have a higher risk of having another one. You also

have a higher risk if you have a family history of
anaphylaxis or have asthma.

Symptoms
The first signs of an anaphylactic reaction may look

like typical allergy symptoms: a runny nose or a

skin rash. But within about 30 minutes, more serious
signs appear.

Coughing; wheezing; and pain, itching, or tightness

in your chest

Hives; a rash; and itchy, swollen, or red skin

Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing and rapid

heartbeat
Swollen or itchy lips or tongue
Swollen or itchy throat, hoarse voice, trouble
swallowing, tightness in your throat
Vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps
Weak pulse, paleness

Causes
Anaphylaxis happens when you have an antibody,

something that usually fights infection, that

overreacts to something harmless like food. It might
not happen the first time you come in contact with
the trigger, but it can develop over time.

Typical food triggers for children are:

Peanuts
Shellfish
Fish
Milk
Eggs
Soy
Wheat

Common food triggers for adults are:

Shellfish
Tree nuts (walnuts, hazel nuts, cashews, pistachios,

pine nuts, and almonds)

Peanuts

Common medication triggers are:

Penicillin (more often following a shot rather than a

pill)
Muscle relaxants like the ones used for anesthesia
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs)
Anti-seizure medications

Anaphylaxis also can be triggered by a few other things. But these

arent as common:

Pollen, such as ragweed, grass, and tree pollen

Stings or bites from bees, wasps, yellow jackets,

hornets, and fire ants

Latex, found in hospital gloves, balloons, and rubber
bands

In rare cases, it can be triggered by 2 to 4 hours of

exercise after eating certain foods or by exercise on

its own.
Anaphylactic reactions usually start within minutes
of contact with the trigger, but they can also happen
an hour or more later.

Treatment
Epinephrine is the most effective treatment for

anaphylaxis, and the shot should be given right away

(usually in the thigh). If youve had an anaphylaxis
reaction before, you should carry at least two doses
of epinephrine with you at all times.
You shouldnt take an antihistamine for an
anaphylactic reaction.