How long does it take for an allergy to appear: when to expect a reaction? How allergies manifest themselves in children and adults - first signs, diagnosis and treatment.

Allergies are a fairly common disease. It occurs in both children and adults. From a medical point of view, an allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system to foreign proteins entering the bloodstream. In response to the invasion, the body begins to produce specific antibodies - histamines.

Under their influence, human receptors begin to “repel the stranger,” that is, well-known allergy symptoms arise. How long it takes for an allergic reaction to appear and symptoms to appear depends on the method of entry of the allergen into the body and the individual characteristics of the patient. Read the article about how long it takes for different types of allergies to appear.

The mechanism of allergies

At the very first contact with the allergen, no reaction occurs. At this time, the immune system “studies” the stranger and produces protective antibodies. Symptoms begin to appear from the second exposure.

At this time, ready-made antibodies begin to fight the foreign protein – the allergen. How quickly an allergy manifests itself depends on the individual characteristics of the body. For some, a couple of minutes are enough, and sometimes symptoms are delayed for several days.

Peculiarities

An important feature of allergies is the possibility of delayed onset of symptoms. It happens that at the very beginning the manifestations are not noticeable at all or are insignificant: slight redness on the skin or a slight runny nose. Many people do not associate such symptoms with allergies.

It is worse if the patient begins to self-medicate and prescribes medications for colds, runny nose, and others. This does not affect the course of the allergy in any way, but it makes the clinical picture blurry and unclear for the doctor. Over time, the reaction intensifies, but during this time the allergy manages to affect many other organs.

In addition, the condition is often complicated by the occurrence of cross or polyvalent allergies. And the patient now requires much more serious treatment than at the very beginning. Therefore, it is important not to miss the first manifestations and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

He will help you identify the allergen and eliminate it, as well as select antihistamines that are suitable for your age and health condition.

It is important to know that the symptoms and speed of manifestation even for the same allergen may differ from person to person. Therefore, the experience of others is not indicative here, and only an experienced physician can figure it out.

Food allergies

An allergy to food is called a food allergy. A reaction to food allergens can occur either instantly, within a few minutes, or after a few days. There are two types of its flow: acute and chronic.

For acute allergies the clinical picture is observed immediately after the allergen enters the body. Classic types of acute conditions are angioedema and anaphylactic shock. Acute respiratory symptoms may also develop.

For chronic course characterized by a gradual and regular entry of the allergen into the body. Allergy symptoms will be detected some time after exposure begins. This is how eczema and allergic dermatitis usually manifest. The chronic form of respiratory manifestations can develop into asthma.

A food allergy will manifest itself much faster in a child than in an adult. This is due to faster metabolic processes. On average, from the time food enters the stomach until the first symptoms appear in the acute form, it takes from thirty to sixty minutes.

This is the time during which food is processed and allergens from the stomach and intestines enter the bloodstream. If absorption occurs in the stomach, the allergy will appear almost instantly. It will take a little longer if absorption occurs in the intestines.

Food allergies in childhood have one pleasant feature: it can go away on its own by the age of three if you stick to a diet and avoid getting the allergen into the body.

This is due to the good permeability of the intestinal walls in young children and an insufficiently developed enzymatic system. By the age of three, there are enough enzymes for the normal perception of many foods, and the allergy disappears.

Therefore, the foods that most often cause allergies are not recommended for young children: honey, nuts, citrus fruits, chocolate.

Contact allergy

One of the fastest types of allergies. Most often, hypersensitivity occurs to various cosmetics and detergents, chemicals, and less often to plants, fruit and vegetable juices.

If a person is allergic to animal fur, he may develop a contact allergy when bitten or simply gets saliva on the skin.

The reaction to exposure to a foreign protein occurs almost instantly. No more than an hour passes from the moment of exposure to the allergen to the first redness. This is how urticaria and contact dermatitis manifest.

However, this type of allergy can “linger.” For example, if at the first intake of the allergen there was a very small amount, and the body produced a very small number of antibodies, then the reaction will not be noticeable. As you know, with each subsequent exposure, histamine begins to irritate the receptors more and more.

Therefore, in the first few contacts there may be no symptoms, or they will be mild. The strongest reaction will occur later, when there is more allergen and, accordingly, antibodies to it in the body.

The reaction occurs most quickly in children. Delicate skin, combined with fast metabolic processes, makes it possible for allergies to manifest within a couple of minutes. Redness and small rashes are common companions for infants. It is accompanied by severe itching, so remove the allergen from your daily routine as soon as possible.

This could be a certain brand of diapers, cream, oil, soap, shampoo, even washing powder. If the exposure does not stop, the affected areas increase in size and merge into one large affected spot.

Blisters and weeping areas may even occur. In this case, treatment will take a long time and there is a high risk of secondary infection.

The contact allergy goes away fairly quickly. You just need to stop exposure to the allergen and apply antihistamine ointment.

More severe cases may require long-term treatment with serious medications.

Respiratory allergies

It is caused by substances in the surrounding air. When inhaled, they enter the lungs and from there into the bloodstream. Symptoms appear almost instantly, within a few minutes. Less common is a “delayed” allergy: before it manifests itself, the allergen “accumulates” in the body for a long time.

Respiratory allergies typically manifest as respiratory symptoms: runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing and swelling. With a high concentration of the allergen or individual sensitivity of a person, even Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock are possible. Therefore, you need to seek help immediately.

Such an allergy can occur to pollen from various plants in the air, fur and particles of animal epidermis, chemicals, and combustion products. It happens that respiratory symptoms appear instantly, and after a few days they are joined by others, for example, atopic dermatitis.

Temperature allergy

Caused by human exposure to high or low temperatures. The “longest” type, symptoms can appear even a month after the first exposure. In summer it is a reaction to the Sun, and in winter it is a reaction to the cold.

It usually manifests itself as skin symptoms: atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Insect allergy

One of the fastest and most dangerous. Occurs from insect bites, most often bees. If you have an allergy, anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema can develop within a few minutes. Therefore, at the slightest discomfort after a bite, call an ambulance.

Thank you

Main points:

Allergy– an abnormal sensitivity or reaction of your immune system to a substance (allergen) that you eat, inhale, or come into direct contact with. Usually this substance is easily tolerated by people who are not allergic.

Almost 50% of all allergy sufferers suffer from pollen allergies.

If both parents have allergies, it is likely that their children will also have allergies that may be different from their parents' allergies.

Almost 70% of adults with food allergies are under 30 years of age, and most children are around 3 years old.

The function of the immune system is to protect the body from foreign substances or hostile invaders such as viruses, bacteria and harmful chemicals. When such a substance enters the body, the immune system responds by producing proteins called antibodies or sending special white blood cells called eosinophils to the area.

Once the cells have produced these transmitters, “reinforcements” in the form of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) are sent to the site of the reaction, thereby causing a stronger reaction. If left untreated, allergic rhinitis in children can lead to complications such as regular ear infections, which in turn can affect speech development in children. It's important to note that there is no sign that children have actually outgrown their allergies. They may outgrow a particular allergy and develop other allergies. Allergic reactions, as a rule, go away with age, but adults rarely “outgrow” allergies.

Risk factors

Heredity

Environment

Upper respiratory tract infections

Heredity. If one parent has allergies, the risk that their child will inherit allergies is between 30 and 50%. However, a boy or girl will not necessarily develop the same type of allergy that his or her parents had. If both parents have allergies, then the probability of developing allergies in their children reaches 60 - 80%. Only 25 to 50% of identical twins have the same allergy

Environment. If the occurrence of allergies depends on heredity, then the environment, as a rule, triggers the mechanism of allergy development itself. Environmental factors are a factor if you are in a place where you are exposed to a lot of antigen, especially at an early age.
Upper respiratory tract infections. Children who have viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat and bronchi) in the first six months of their life are more likely to develop allergies or allergies, such as asthma, later in life.

When to see a doctor

If you notice the following symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor for an in-person consultation:

severe stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, which are signs of food poisoning, a serious allergic reaction to food, or another type of allergic reaction;

painful or difficult breathing. If you experience this symptom, you need to get medical help immediately. This could be an asthma attack, another serious allergic reaction, or a heart attack;

sudden appearance of hives, accompanied by severe redness and itching, rapid heartbeat. You will need urgent medical attention as these symptoms may indicate the onset of anaphylactic shock;

pain in the sinuses, chills, yellow or green nasal discharge. You may have a sinus infection;

cough or cold that does not go away within one to two weeks;

swelling around the eyes and lips.

Diagnostics

blood test. This blood test is done to determine the levels of eosinophils, white blood cells, and the concentration of immunoglobulin E. If the test results show that the eosinophil levels are higher than normal, it is a sign that the body is trying to fight off foreign invaders, such as allergens. The presence of immunoglobulin E, responsible for the development of allergic reactions, confirms the presence of an allergy. This method has low diagnostic value.

swab from the nasal mucosa. A sample of mucus obtained from the nose is tested for eosinophil content.

radioallergosorbent test (RAST-test). The level of immunoglobulin E in the blood serum is measured using the radioimmunological method and the allergen that caused the allergic reaction in the patient is determined. If test results show a high amount of immunoglobulin E reacting with a particular allergen, it is likely that the person is allergic to that allergen.

skin testing (allergy tests). If it is not clear from the patient's medical history what is causing the allergy, a skin prick test may be performed. A solution containing the allergen that is believed to have caused the allergy is injected into the skin to determine whether the immune system is hypersensitive to immunoglobulin E. If a person has an allergy, after 15-20 minutes a small blister and redness around it will appear at the scarification site. This test performs better when testing for inhalant allergies, insect sting allergies, and drug allergies. It can also help determine if you have a food allergy.

These tests are not entirely reliable:

If your doctor's treatment doesn't relieve your symptoms, or your doctor suspects other causes, newer diagnostic tests may help. These include X-rays or CT scans of the paranasal sinuses to detect sinusitis or structural defects of the nose. Nasal endoscopy, which allows the surgeon to examine the inside of the nasal canals using a lighted, flexible tube, may be recommended to detect structural defects, infections, or nasal polyps.

Treatment

Medicines

The most common treatment methods:

antihistamines prevent the body's mast cells from producing histamine in body tissues (histamine causes allergic reactions);

decongestants relieve swelling and congestion of the nasal passages. These drugs are sometimes taken along with antihistamines to help control nasal symptoms more effectively;

steroids relieve inflammation and stop allergic reactions. At the same time, these anti-inflammatory substances reduce nasal swelling and mucus discharge;

topical creams or skin ointments are used to treat eczema;

immunotherapy or allergy vaccination can gradually reduce sensitivity to allergens to such an extent that the body stops responding to them;

Antibiotics are also used to treat complications such as ear and nose infections, which are common in children with allergies.

Precautions
If you have had severe allergic reactions in the past, you should always carry a set of medications and equipment with you in order to help yourself if anaphylactic shock occurs and, if necessary, give yourself injections. It is important to get medical help right away, and while waiting for medical help, lie down and raise your legs above chest level to increase blood flow to the heart and brain.

Surgery
People with asthma may experience complications during and after surgery. Make sure your doctor knows about your asthma, as you will likely need to undergo a number of tests before surgery.

You should also tell your doctor if you have allergic rhinitis and are unable to schedule surgery after the hives season.

Other facts about allergies

If you are not allergic to a food component, you will not have to change your diet to avoid causing an allergic reaction. Because allergies are not a result of nutritional deficiencies, but merely a reaction of the immune system, vitamin and mineral supplements will not cure an allergic reaction.

Prevention

Recommendations:

sleep on special mattress covers and pillowcases to control dust mites;

Vacuum and dust frequently to get rid of dust mites and other allergens in the air;

use air conditioning in your home and car and change filters regularly;

do not store old bedding, toys, clothes and other items that may carry dust and mold;

keep pets away from the table;

Bathe your pets regularly to reduce dandruff;

Clean non-carpeted floors regularly;

Clean upholstered furniture to reduce the number of dust mites.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

The World Health Association has already called our century the century of allergies: the number of allergy sufferers is growing every year, both among children and adults. How to recognize allergies by symptoms?

What is an allergy

According to some estimates, every fourth person in the world suffers from allergies. So everyone knows about allergies, even those lucky ones who have never personally experienced allergic reactions. The main signs of allergies are familiar to everyone: runny nose, sneezing, skin rash.

An allergy is an atypical reaction of the body to a certain substance. This substance may be completely harmless to others, but the immune system of the allergic person recognizes it as hostile and declares war on it.

Excessive activity of the immune system significantly spoils the life of allergy sufferers, but it also prolongs this very life. Scientists have found that people with allergies are less likely to get cancer. An alert immune system has a better chance of recognizing a tumor in its infancy and getting rid of it with the body's resources.

Allergy mechanism

If our immune system protects us, then why does it backfire on us? Why does an allergy sufferer feel itchy or break out in a rash? The reason is the entry into the blood of mediators (transmitters) of allergic reactions, such as histamine. These mediators are found in some cells and are usually in an inactive state. However, when an allergen enters the body of an allergic person and the immune system attacks it with antibodies, the cells are damaged, releasing mediators of allergic reactions.

Nicotine is a powerful histamine releaser. Therefore, smokers experience more severe allergy symptoms.

Histamine and other mediators cause spasm of the bronchial muscles, vasodilation, lowering blood pressure, increased secretion of gastric juice and tissue edema. All these processes are the underlying causes of allergic symptoms.

Types and symptoms of allergies

Respiratory allergies manifest themselves in disruption of the respiratory system. The first signs of respiratory allergies are nasal discharge and itching in the nose, throat, and ears. Frequent sneezing and coughing may also occur.

The most common pathogen is, of course, pollen from plants - birch, poplar, wormwood, quinoa, etc. Allergy to pollen is scientifically called hay fever, and in the ancient way - hay fever, because it was once believed that it was associated with hay.

Other causative agents of respiratory allergies are animal hair and dust, or more precisely, dust mites and their waste products. Dust mites live in upholstered furniture, carpets, pillows, bedding and clothing.

If your child regularly sneezes or coughs from dust, don't dismiss it as something minor. If the signs of allergies in children are ignored, then innocent sneezing can develop into.

This allergy plagues both children and adults. Skin allergies are usually a reaction to food and household chemicals, for example, washing powder, soap, shampoo. So if you find that your baby's skin turns red from time to time, try changing your laundry detergent.

Cosmetics also often cause allergic reactions. To avoid becoming a beauty victim, follow the instructions for use, do not leave the product on your skin longer than intended, and never use cosmetics that have expired.

The main signs and symptoms of skin allergies are peeling skin, redness and rash. A specific infant symptom of skin allergies is diaper rash of the buttocks and armpits.

Skin allergies come in many varieties. Adults are more likely to suffer from eczema, while children are more likely to suffer from urticaria and atopic dermatitis. However, the signs of allergies in children and adults are almost the same.

Hives appear in the form of blisters, similar to those that occur from a nettle burn. Atopic dermatitis in children develops against the background of diathesis and looks like a red rash on the baby’s cheeks and body. Atopic dermatitis often develops between 3 and 4 months of age due to changes in diet. For example, many parents notice signs of allergies in children after switching to feeding formulas containing milk protein. Therefore, pediatricians recommend, if possible, continuing breastfeeding for at least six months.

Food allergies

Food allergies manifest themselves in intestinal upset. Its causative agents are food products, for example, milk, nuts, fish, fruits and berries, especially red ones. The first symptoms of a digestive system allergy are itching in the mouth and swelling of the tongue and mucous membranes. If nothing is done, more severe symptoms follow: vomiting, colic, constipation, diarrhea. Food allergies can be accompanied not only by intestinal problems, but also by skin manifestations: rash and redness.

Other types of allergies
Each of the allergic varieties listed above had its own specific symptoms. But there are allergies that can manifest themselves with a whole range of symptoms - from rash to suffocation and from vomiting to swelling.

Drug allergies

Allergies to medications are considered the most dangerous: sometimes they lead to anaphylactic shock. It is accompanied by swelling of the airways, vomiting, low blood pressure and can seriously threaten life. However, it should be noted that anaphylactic shock can be a reaction not only to medications, but also to food or insect bites.

But, fortunately, it comes to anaphylactic shock relatively rarely. Other signs of drug allergies are much more common. They generally coincide with the symptoms of respiratory (rhinitis), skin (urticaria, itching, redness, rash) or food (colic, vomiting) allergies.

The most common drug allergens are salicylic acid, penicillin antibiotics and analgesics.

Psychological allergy

Despite the fact that in a physiological sense, an allergy is a reaction to exposure to a substance, sometimes an allergic reaction can be a manifestation of acute emotional experiences.

For example, an allergy to oranges may not be associated with the chemical composition of the fruit, but with unpleasant emotions that a person once experienced and which are subconsciously associated with oranges. For example, he was eating fruit when he was told about some kind of trouble. Apparently, such incredible reactions as are associated with psychology.

It is impossible to cure allergies once and for all. Moreover, there are cases when an allergic reaction is provoked by a substance that for many years before was not perceived by the body as a threat.

But we hasten to please you: everything is far from hopeless. Although it is impossible to remake the immune system, it is quite possible to eliminate allergy symptoms.

Signs of allergies in adults may appear less pronounced than in children, so allergies are often confused with other diseases, such as a cold. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of an allergy, consult your doctor. The sooner you start defending yourself, the better.

Doctors distinguish several types and types of allergic reactions. The strength of the negative impact and the severity of symptoms and signs depend on many factors. With a decrease in immunity, high sensitivity of the body, or health problems, a pronounced negative reaction is possible.

What types of allergies develop most often? What type of immune response is life-threatening? The answers are in the article.

The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction

The body’s negative response follows a certain pattern:

contact with an irritant;
active production of antibodies, interaction with the allergen;
accumulation of certain substances, no visible signs;
secondary contact with an allergen, binding of a foreign protein to antibodies, active reaction;
with the fulminant type of allergy, all tissues and some organs are involved in the process, and clinical signs of the disease quickly appear;
with a delayed type of allergy, certain cells show sensitivity to the irritant. As the dangerous substance accumulates, active destruction of cells occurs in which the concentration of the allergen is too high for normal functioning;
Excessive production of immunoglobulin E is a serious disruption of the immune system. All types of allergies negatively affect the patient's health.

Causes and provoking factors

A negative response with skin symptoms, the appearance of respiratory signs, and a deterioration in general condition develops when immune cells interact with various types of irritants. The strength of the reaction ranges from mild to dangerous, life-threatening. The more histamine enters the blood in a short period, the brighter the negative response.

Main allergens:

medicines;
some products;
pollen;
cold;
animal hair;
household chemicals;
house dust;
mold;
varnishes, paints, pesticides;
sunlight;
animal fur and saliva.

Provoking factors:

Important! Individual sensitivity of the body is a characteristic sign of allergy: for one person, citrus fruits are a powerful irritant, while another consumes juicy fruits without harming their health. The same situation occurs with antibiotics, plant pollen, and animal hair.

Types and stages

Classification according to the area of influence of the stimulus:

skin reactions ();
respiratory reactions (effects on the nasopharynx and respiratory tract);
general signs (impaired activity of the cardiovascular, digestive system, central nervous system);
enteropathy;
damage to the eye area.

Classification of allergic reactions by type of irritant:

Humoral. Reasons: taking antibiotics, analgesics, sulfonamides, B vitamins, X-ray contrast agents, NSAIDs. Signs: cardiac dysfunction, decreased immunity, general weakness, anemia.
Anaphylactic. Dangerous type of immune response. Damage to the central nervous system is observed, all skin integuments are involved in the process, some mucous membranes are irritated (in the mouth, nasopharynx). An acute reaction occurs in the first hours after contact with the allergen and lasts about a week. Hospitalization and complex treatment are often required to restore all body functions.
Immunocomplex. Symptoms affect many organs and systems. The main factor is taking certain types of medications.
Local reactions. Negative signs appear on the face and body upon contact with an allergen. Rashes, itching, swelling or pronounced swelling, burning appear against the background of the body's hypersensitivity to a certain substance.

Stages of allergic reactions:

first stage. Begins from the period of contact with the allergen until the appearance of the first visible signs;
second stage. The pathophysiological stage is accompanied by dysfunction of organs and systems;
third stage. The clinical stage is a period of time characterized by the rapid development of negative symptoms.

Allergic diseases

To prevent dangerous symptoms, it is important to know why various types of reactions occur. Characteristics of the main diseases with hypersensitivity of the body is useful information for people of different ages. If you follow preventive measures, there is a real chance to avoid the development of acute and chronic allergies.

When treating, an integrated approach is important:

avoiding contact with an allergen or minimizing the negative impact on the body;
It is mandatory to take antihistamines in tablet form. Children are prescribed syrups and drops;
a hypoallergenic diet prevents new rashes and swelling;
Herbal baths and lotions, medicinal teas provide a good antipruritic and anti-edematous effect;
To relieve itching and redness, gels, ointments and allergy creams are prescribed;
reception recommended. The components of the products quickly bind and remove toxins and allergens from the body, cleanse the intestines;
with active peeling of the skin, cracks, hyperemia, emollients are prescribed for nutrition, moisturizing, eliminating burning, itching;
used only for severe allergies, for a short course.

Hives

Peculiarities:

signs occur in children and adults;
blisters (pale pink or purple) or red spots are noticeable on the body;
the symptoms are similar to traces after a nettle burn;
negative signs develop suddenly, itching bothers you, after taking allergy pills and avoiding contact with the irritant, the rash disappears without a trace;
caused by many factors: food, cold, strong wind, UV rays, friction of clothing parts, taking medications.

Quincke's edema

Characteristic:

- acute allergic reaction of the lightning type;
main reasons: taking antibiotics, sulfonamides, analgesics, certain products. Angioedema often occurs after a bee or wasp sting, especially in the area of the face, tongue, eyes;
pronounced swelling of the face, lips, cheeks, eyelids, purple blisters are noticeable on the body, diameter - 5 mm to 10 cm or more. The tissues swell at a high rate, the blisters become lighter, the edges are framed by a red border;
the tongue, palate, and larynx visibly swell, the patient suffocates;
swelling appears on the internal organs. Signs of dangerous reactions: headache, stomach ache, discomfort is felt in the chest area, genitals;
To save life, the patient must take a fast-acting antihistamine, such as or. It is mandatory to call an ambulance, especially with the development of angioedema in children. An acute reaction must be stopped quickly (there is no more than half an hour left), otherwise death is possible due to suffocation due to compression of the larynx.

Atopic dermatitis

Signs:

the allergic disease develops in babies under one year of age; if the rules of treatment and prevention are followed, atopy gradually weakens, and by the age of five the negative symptoms disappear;
sometimes increased sensitivity to irritants lasts a lifetime and manifests itself in adults;
There are noticeable crusts, redness, rashes on the body, and severe itching. Localization of manifestations: knees, cheeks, forehead, chin, elbows, skin folds;
negative symptoms intensify after consuming foods with a high risk of allergies, against the background of weakened immunity, chronic diseases, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Eczema

Characteristic:

severe chronic disease of a neuro-allergic nature;
the patient is concerned about skin reactions: peeling of the epidermis, itching, redness, crusts, weeping. Papules appear, after opening, serous wells form, and secondary infection often develops;
frequent stress, weak immunity, chronic pathologies, increase symptoms;
during the calm period, acute symptoms are practically unnoticeable, the epidermis thickens, a specific skin pattern appears, and the skin slightly peels off;
treatment is long and not always successful;
the result of therapy largely depends on the patient: only strict adherence to the rules postpones the next attack for several years, otherwise exacerbations occur every 4-5 weeks.

Food allergies

Peculiarities:

the reason is the consumption of certain foods;
if a specific type of food is an irritant for a person, then the reaction can be severe, even developing;
the immune system is involved in the process, with skin symptoms developing when the digestive tract is damaged;
main signs: red dots or spots on the body, tissue swelling, hyperemia, itching, nausea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure;
During treatment and after recovery, foods that provoke allergic reactions are excluded from the menu.

How and with what to treat? Learn effective and safe methods.

Effective methods of treating cold hand allergies are described on the page.

Go to the address and read about how to properly take eggshells for allergies in children and adults.

Contact dermatitis

Peculiarities:

the reason is the effect of the irritant on certain parts of the body. Often negative symptoms appear on the hands and forearms;
allergens: household chemicals, oils, acids, solvents, varnishes, disinfectants. Low-quality cosmetics, washing powders, hair dyes are dangerous;
the area of localization of negative symptoms allows you to quickly determine why blisters, small rashes, redness, appeared;
After recovery, it is necessary to avoid irritating compounds and protect the skin of your hands when working with chemicals.

Bronchitis

Peculiarities:

penetration of aeroallergens provokes wheezing and sore throat without sputum. Nasal congestion appears, the mucus is viscous, and it is difficult to clear the throat;
sneezing bothers you and a paroxysmal cough develops at night;
often noticeably increased sweating, weakness appears;
a blood test shows an increase in eosinophil levels;
Cough tablets and syrups do not bring noticeable relief. Until the patient takes it, the symptoms will not disappear.

Rhinitis

Irritants:

pollen of ragweed, alder, birch, milkweed, loboda, poplar fluff;
mold;
powders, aerosols for home care, laundry detergents;
animal fur.

Often accompanies diseases with high sensitivity to irritants.

Main features:

nasal congestion;
Liquid mucus constantly flows from the nasal passages. The discharge is odorless and colorless, the nature of the mucus does not change over time;
Ordinary nasal drops do not help, you need special ones;
headache due to difficulty breathing, irritability and weakness appear;
a runny nose is often accompanied by allergic eye damage;
characteristic signs cause discomfort seasonally (during the flowering period of some plants) or year-round (with allergies to pet hair, house dust, household chemicals).

Conjunctivitis

Peculiarities:

one of the reactions with a seasonal and year-round type of negative response of the body, often develops simultaneously with a runny nose;
signs: redness of the conjunctiva, active itching and swelling of the eyelids. The patient feels discomfort and sometimes photophobia develops. An unpleasant sign is peeling of the skin with increased dryness of the epidermis on the eyelids;
severe forms of conjunctivitis lead to damage to the optic nerve, partial or complete loss of vision, and pronounced swelling of the cornea;
reasons: bacterial, viral and fungal infections, exposure to allergens, reaction to taking or instilling a certain medication, eye surgery with sutures, wearing contact lenses;
We need special, regular wet cleaning of the home, eye protection from pollen and fluff during seasonal reactions.

Knowledge of the signs, causes of the main types and types of allergies, along with preventive measures, keeps you healthy. Strong immunity, elimination of contact with the irritant, absence of chronic pathologies, proper diet are factors that reduce the risk of relapse after stopping the allergic reaction.

Find out more about the types and types of allergic reactions in children after watching the following video:

Allergy is a disease that has manifestations of a very different nature. A considerable number of diverse signs of an allergic reaction are due to the fact that, depending on the allergen itself, different organs and tissues can be involved in these processes. The degree of intensity, as well as differences in the manifestations of the disease, in addition to the different ways of interaction with the allergen, as well as the characteristics of the disorder, are associated with the individual propensity of the patient to certain allergic manifestations.

Skin manifestations of allergies

Signs of skin allergies are one of the most characteristic manifestations of this disease. It is by the presence of various rashes that the patient understands that his body does not accept certain materials, cosmetics, food or medications. Skin allergy rashes can appear anywhere. Their intensity can also be varied, from a couple of minor spots to affecting half or more of the skin surface.
The rash can develop instantly, without any warning signs, or it can develop sequentially, with a gradual increase in symptoms and the appearance of new signs.

Types of skin rashes:

Eczema

The skin in the places where this type of rash appears becomes coarser, and the places where skin furrows are present acquire deeper and sharper outlines. The areas where eczema appears take on a deep red color. Then tiny blisters form, containing liquid inside. Over time, the surface of the rash bursts, forming a honey-colored cover. At all stages of eczema, severe itching of the skin is noted.

Hives

This disease owes its name to the fact that these rashes are indistinguishable from nettle burns. In this case, there is the appearance of several raised round blisters with a red-pink color. The size, frequency and locations of accumulation all vary from case to case. With intense damage to skin fragments, an increase in overall body temperature may occur. As a result, the patient experiences bouts of fever. Urticaria rashes may itch, or may even go away without this manifestation.

Dermatitis

The first symptom of dermatitis is the appearance of flaky, red areas of the skin. In their place, tiny liquid bubbles appear over time. Manifestations of dermatitis go away with terrible itching.

Signs of allergies from the respiratory system

Manifestations of allergies that affect the condition and functioning of the respiratory system in medical practice are called respiratory. These disorders are provoked by specific allergens, which, due to their insignificant weight, easily rise into the air, and their microscopic size allows these substances to easily pass through the mucous membranes. Such allergens are: flowering plants, house and other types of dust, animal excretions, fish food, etc. Various organs that are part of the respiratory system can be involved in allergic processes. You can encounter both isolated types of respiratory allergies and a combination of respiratory manifestations.

Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is swelling of the mucous membrane, which leads to the fact that the nasal passages are significantly narrowed. As a result, people suffering from this allergy symptom find it extremely difficult to breathe. Sometimes it is even possible to do this exclusively with your mouth. The sinuses are severely irritated, there is itching, as well as profuse runny nose and sneezing.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis occurs when the allergen affects the mucous surfaces of the larynx. During an allergic reaction, it can swell, which can cause serious breathing problems. Therefore, signs of an allergic reaction in the larynx should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The presence of various ringing noises in the patient’s voice indicates the participation of the vocal cords in inflammatory processes.

Alveolitis

Alveolitis is a severe, but fortunately rare, allergic phenomenon that affects the patient’s lungs. Most often it is provoked by proteins that are excreted along with bird feces. The disease develops over a long period of time, its manifestations reduce the productive volume of the lungs. Treatment of alveolitis is carried out only in a hospital. Characteristic signs of alveolitis are the appearance of shortness of breath and cough after exposure to an allergen.

Bronchial asthma

Allergic asthma is an acute disorder of the respiratory system, with attacks of which the patient encounters after exposure to allergens. The patient's sensitive immunity provokes a sudden and strong contraction of the bronchial muscles. Air cannot freely penetrate through the narrowed gap, which causes suffocation.

Signs of asthma with allergies:

bouts of intense, severe coughing;
lack of air;
accelerated heavy breathing;
feeling of pressure on the chest;
the appearance of whistling-like breathing noises;
your chest starts to hurt;
in order to breathe, the patient uses skeletal muscles;
To make breathing easier, the patient changes position.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of allergies

Most digestive system disorders occur through contact with food allergens. Allergic processes can be detected throughout the entire surface of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, the digestive organs react to the intake of food allergens with diarrhea, vomiting and painful spasms. The initial part of the digestive system, the oral cavity, can also respond acutely to eating allergens. In this case, swelling and attacks of itching and irritation are observed in this area. The throat may feel sore.

Allergic reactions provoked by the substance they cause cause the accumulation of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract. This hormone increases intestinal contractions, even to the point of spasms. A sharp contraction of the intestines causes intense pain in this area. Excessive contractile activity can cause food to flow backwards from the stomach back into the esophagus. The walls of this organ are vulnerable to the acidic environment of this organ, which results in heartburn.

Gastrointestinal diseases directly affect the lack of nutrients in the body. For this reason, during long-term contact with an allergen, signs of exhaustion may occur: manifestations of vitamin deficiency, lack of minerals, weakness, pallor, weight loss.

Signs of allergies from the visual organs

On the part of the visual system, signs of allergy are called “allergic conjunctivitis.” This ailment is an inflammatory process that occurs on the mucous membranes of the eye. The most common manifestation of conjunctivitis is redness of the eyes. This phenomenon is triggered by vasodilation, which develops when the allergen penetrates. This disorder is also accompanied by itching in the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, and increased activity of the lacrimal glands.

The patient encounters signs of allergic rhinitis almost immediately after exposure to the allergen. This allows you to independently discover which substance causes an adverse reaction in the body.

Acute manifestations of allergies

Allergic manifestations of an acute nature are allergy symptoms that are marked by a threat to the patient’s life. They represent a collection of disorders that have different development mechanisms. These phenomena include: Quincke's edema, bronchial asthma, anaphylaxis.

Quincke's edema

Quincke's edema is an acute edematous phenomenon that affects skin and mucous tissues. The swelling is so significant that the tissue swells to unprecedented sizes. There is no pain with Quincke's edema; the only thing the patient feels is stretching of the skin in the places where it appears.

The limbs, as well as the face, are most often affected by edematous phenomena. Swelling of the larynx poses a potential threat to life. This is due to the blocking of oxygen supply. For the same reason, tongue swelling is a significant danger for the patient. With Quincke's edema, shortness of breath, coughing attacks develop, and the patient breathes frequently and with great noise. Initially, there is redness of the face, which is replaced by an equally sharp onset of pallor. Another dangerous concomitant element with Quincke's edema is a decrease in blood pressure. As a result, cardiac arrest may occur.

Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis is an acute variant of the development of an allergic reaction that occurs over a short period of time. This is done due to the super-intensive production of a high concentration of antibodies, as a response to contact with the allergen. Under the influence of antibodies, biologically active substances are released. Their effect during anaphylactic shock leads to a variety of negative transformations in the body. The muscles of the larynx begin spasmodic contractions, blocking the airways. Another extremely dangerous phenomenon during anaphylactic shock is large-scale swelling that occurs in the skin and mucous membranes.

A large amount of blood leaves the internal organs and enters the peripheral tissues. This leads to a lack of supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the internal organs. Often anaphylactic shock passes along with the patient fainting, as a result of which he becomes completely helpless and unable to independently call an ambulance.

The insidiousness of anaphylactic shock is manifested in the fact that its appearance may not necessarily occur immediately after contact with the allergen. This condition can also develop several hours after the ingestion of the provoking substance. These substances may be components of medications, insect poison, or substances found in certain foods. Unlike other allergic disorders, anaphylactic shock is very severe, with a direct threat to life. However, with competent medical care, which was provided with the required haste, the patient can be saved.

People prone to anaphylactic shock need to avoid contact with the allergen as much as possible, know the signs of its onset and have an emergency medical kit with them.

Signs of anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis can occur with varying degrees of intensity, and therefore with varying severity for the patient. Moreover, its manifestations may also vary.

Mild degree

With mild anaphylactic shock, the first manifestation is a feeling of weakness, migraine attacks, increased body temperature, the skin becomes warm to the touch, and the heartbeat accelerates.

Average degree

During moderate anaphylactic shock, its symptoms include: the appearance of angioedema, weakness accompanied by panic attacks, and fog before the eyes. The patient notes an irregular heartbeat and a decrease in blood pressure. Another heart symptom at this stage is the appearance of intense pain in the chest area. Often the patient hears background noise and crackling, and there is pain in the ears.

Severe degree

In severe cases, there is a rapid development of manifestations that are dangerous for the patient: blood pressure quickly drops, the body and face turn pale, blue discolorations appear on the extremities, pupils dilate, and breathing is blocked. The patient may faint or be in a pre-fainting state.

For any manifestations of anaphylactic shock, regardless of severity, you must call an ambulance. In case of cardiac arrest, emergency treatment measures must be taken to prevent cardiac collapse. Remember that people with food, drug, and insect allergies are most likely to experience anaphylactic shock.