Severe allergies
Allergies affect each person differently. One person can experience a mild reaction to certain allergens, while a different person might have more severe issues. Milder allergies can be inconvenient, but allergies that are severe may progress to become life-threatening.
Allergies are called by various substances called allergens. Though dust mites, mold spores, and pollen commonly cause allergies, it is very unusual for someone to experience a severe allergic reaction with these types of allergens because they exist everywhere within our environment.
However, allergens that can cause possible severe allergies include, pet dander, bee and insect stings, certain medicines, and certain foods. The foods that are most likely to cause an allergic reaction are soy, wheat, milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and peanuts.
Mild vs. Bad Allergy Symptoms
Mild allergy symptoms are usually not considered to be extreme, but they can affect various parts of the entire bodily system. Milder allergy symptoms may include stomach cramping, nausea, itchy eyes, runny nose, hives, or skin rash.
Bad allergy symptoms can be quite extreme. In these cases often swelling brought on by an allergic reaction will spread into the lungs and throat, causing serious issues such as anaphylaxis and/or allergic asthma.
Allergies That Continue Throughout Life
Sometimes a childhood allergy will become less severe as a person ages. This seems to be especially true for kids who are allergic to eggs. Unfortunately, however, most kinds of allergies last over a lifetime.
In some cases allergies develop for people in response to a repeated and/or frequent exposure to a certain toxin. If enough cumulative exposure occurs, a person’s immune system can develop hypersensitivity to a toxin, causing severe allergic response.
The Immune System and Allergies
Symptoms that occur from allergies are a result of a person’s immune system overreacting to specific allergens in the body. The immune system “believes” mistakenly that an allergen, such as from a food (i.e. a peanut), is actually a harmful invader. To fight agains this invader, the immune system then releases a histamine, or other chemicals. As these chemicals are released by the immune system a person experiences an allergic reaction.
Swelling and Breathing Issues with Bad Allergies
During an allergic reaction, or “overreaction” by a person’s immune system, swelling of certain body parts such as toes, fingers, throat, and tongue, can occur.
If a person’s tongue and lips swell intensely, this can block the mouth and compromise a person’s ability to speak or breathe easily. If a person’s airways and/or throat also swell, it can cause additional issues such as asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.
Luckily, certain steroids and antihistamines can be used to help reduce and control the allergic reaction.
Diagnosis to Be Prepared
If you experience bad allergies, an allergist can assist in evaluating your symptoms and condition and will be able to offer treatments to help manage and control your symptoms. Tests can be done to pinpoint what you are allergic to. An epinephrine injector may be prescribed for you carry with you at all times in case of anaphylaxis.
An allergist can also work with you to assist in developing an anaphylaxis-specific emergency plan.
An emergency medical bracelet is also worth considering, depending on the severity of your specific allergies and reaction, as this can be very helpful in case of emergency for any health workers who may have to treat your condition.