An allergic reaction happens when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, certain foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. These substances, called allergens, trigger the immune system to release chemicals like histamine, which cause symptoms. Reactions can range from mild—such as sneezing, itching, rash, or watery eyes—to severe, life-threatening responses known as anaphylaxis, which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine for emergencies, along with avoiding known triggers.

Allergies begin when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. The immune system then produces antibodies, tagging that substance as your allergen.Every time you encounter that allergen in the future, antibodies flood your body. The antibodies trigger histamine release, histamine causes specific symptoms, and those symptoms result in an allergic reaction.

The most common allergens and their symptoms include:

Airborne allergens

The allergens you inhale cause classic symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congested nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Itchy nose, eye, or mouth

Airborne allergens include pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.

Contact allergens

These allergens trigger a rash, redness, and swelling when they come into contact with your skin. The most common contact allergens include latex, nickel, and poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Stinging insect allergies

When insects like bees, hornets, and wasps inject venom, most people experience localized pain, redness, and swelling. You have a more severe allergy if your reaction spreads beyond the area of the sting.

Food allergies

Food allergies primarily cause nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and abdominal pain. They can also cause a full range of symptoms, including an itchy mouth, a runny nose, nasal congestion, wheezing, hives, and skin rashes.

Most food allergies come from:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy

Though food allergies often start in childhood, you might have your first allergic reaction as an adult.

Drug allergies

Drugs travel through your body, where they can cause any of the symptoms already mentioned. You may develop an allergy to any medications, but the most common are penicillin, sulfa drugs, aspirin, ibuprofen, and anticonvulsants.

If you have allergies, you can have a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs rapidly and causes an overwhelming response that can lead to shock and even death.

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
• Feeling faint
• Feeling confused
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

The allergens most likely to cause anaphylaxis include food, latex, insects, and drugs.

If you have a high risk of anaphylaxis, your provider at Bellagio Family Medical, prescribes a self-injectable epinephrine pen. Injecting yourself quickly with the pen stops an anaphylactic reaction.

If you need help dealing with allergic reactions, call Bellagio Family Medical, or book an appointment online today.