Allergic conditions are common in the United States. If your body encounters an allergen, it reacts by producing antibodies to fight it. So, an allergic reaction is your immune system's reaction to a foreign substance, such as pet dander, pollen, or even some foods. The reaction can either be mild or life-threatening and takes various forms, including skin inflammation, sneezing, nasal congestion, or even anaphylaxis.
How Do You Become Allergic?
Typically, there are three main types of allergens:
- Ingested allergens
- Inhaled allergens
- Contact allergens
If you are allergic to a certain allergen, the body produces an antibody known as an immunoglobulin (IgE). Every time you are exposed to a specific allergen, the body produces large amounts of IgE, resulting in an allergic reaction.
People react to various allergens differently. The reaction depends on three main factors:
- The type of allergen one is exposed to
- The amount of allergen encountered
- The body's immune system response
Do You Need Allergy Testing?
If you are not sure whether you have an allergic reaction, you should go for an allergy test. This test is performed by a trained physician to determine if your body negatively reacts to a known substance. The exam mainly takes three forms:
- Skin test
- Blood test
- Elimination diet
Here are three main indicators that you need to go for allergy testing and treatment:
1. Hay Fever
Hay fever, popularly known as allergic rhinitis, is the body's reaction to allergens in the air. The main symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
On most occasions, hay fever is triggered by environmental allergens, including mold, dust, pollen, and pet hair. If you have had this reaction, you should seek immediate allergic treatment.
2. A Food Allergy
Food allergies occur when your immune system produces antibodies soon after eating specific foods. The main signs of this allergic reaction include:
- Swelling of the face
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain diarrhea
- Itching in the mouth
- Itchy red rash on the skin
If you have witnessed these signs after eating a certain food, you might be allergic to it, and it's advisable to go for allergy testing.
3. Atopic Dermatitis
If your skin becomes suddenly red and itchy, it might be atopic dermatitis, a common form of an allergic reaction. The condition's signs and symptoms vary from person to person and mainly include:
- Dry and flaky skin
- Redness of the skin
- Severe itching that makes the skin appear swollen
- Raised pus-filled bumps
Apart from irritants, allergens, and other environmental factors, atopic dermatitis can also be a sign of bacterial infection. You should go for allergy testing to identify what might be irritating your skin.
Conclusion
As you know, your immune system defends the body against foreign substances, mainly viruses, and bacteria. However, there are instances when the body produces antibodies against substances that don't pose any threat to it, causing an allergic reaction. If your body reacts to a particular allergen, you need immediate allergy treatment.
