How long does an allergy appear: when to expect a reaction? How allergy manifests itself in children and adults - the first signs, diagnosis and treatment.

Allergy is 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 "fight back a stranger", that is, well-known allergy symptoms appear. How long an allergic reaction manifests itself and symptoms occur depends on the way the allergen enters the body and the individual characteristics of the patient. Read the article, after what time different types of allergies appear.

Mechanism of allergy

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 a foreign protein - an allergen. How quickly an allergy manifests itself depends on the individual characteristics of the body. For some, a couple of minutes is enough, and sometimes the symptoms are delayed for several days.

Peculiarities

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

It is worse if the patient begins self-medication and prescribes himself drugs 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 to the doctor. Over time, the reaction intensifies, but during this time, the allergy has time to affect many other organs.

In addition, the condition often complicates the occurrence of cross or polyvalent allergies. And the patient needs 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 identify the allergen and eliminate it, as well as select antihistamines that are suitable for age and health.

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

food allergy

An allergy to food is called a food allergy. A reaction to food allergens can follow both instantly, after a few minutes, and 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. The classic types of acute conditions are Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. Acute respiratory symptoms may also develop.

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

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

This is the time it takes for food to be processed and allergens from the stomach and intestines to enter the bloodstream. If absorption has occurred in the stomach, the allergy will appear almost instantly. A little more time will pass if absorption occurs in the intestines.

Food allergies in childhood have one nice feature: they can go away on their 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 underdeveloped enzymatic system. By the age of three, enzymes become sufficient for the normal perception of many products, and the allergy disappears.

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

contact allergy

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

If a person has an allergy to animal hair, then he may develop a contact allergy when bitten or simply by saliva on the skin.

The reaction to the impact of a foreign protein occurs almost instantly. From the moment of exposure to the allergen to the first redness, no more than an hour passes. This is how urticaria and contact dermatitis manifests itself.

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 developed 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 come later, when the allergen and, accordingly, antibodies to it, will become more in the body.

The fastest reaction occurs in children. Delicate skin, combined with fast metabolic processes, makes it possible to develop allergies in a couple of minutes. Redness and a small rash are frequent companions of infants. It is accompanied by severe itching, so remove the allergen from everyday life as soon as possible.

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

There may even be blisters and weeping areas. In this case, the treatment will be delayed for a long time and there is a high risk of secondary infection.

Enough quickly contact allergy and passes. It is only necessary to stop exposure to the allergen and apply an antihistamine ointment.

In more severe cases, long-term treatment with serious drugs may be required.

respiratory allergy

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, after a few minutes. Less common is a “delayed” allergy: before manifesting, the allergen “accumulates” in the body for a long time.

Respiratory allergies usually present with respiratory symptoms such as a 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 on the pollen of various plants contained in the air, wool and particles of the epidermis of animals, chemicals, combustion products. It happens that respiratory symptoms appear instantly, and after a few days others join them, for example, atopic dermatitis.

temperature allergy

Caused by exposure to high or low temperatures. The most "long" 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 presents with skin symptoms such as atopic dermatitis or eczema.

insect allergy

One of the fastest and most dangerous. Occurs when bitten by insects, most often bees. In the presence of allergies, anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema can develop in a few minutes. Therefore, at the slightest indisposition after a bite, call the ambulance brigade.

Thanks

Main points:

Allergy- an abnormal sensitivity or reaction of your immune system to a substance (allergen) that you eat, breathe in or come into direct contact with. Usually this substance is calmly tolerated by people who are not prone to allergies.

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

If both parents have allergies, then it is more likely that their children will be prone to allergies, which may be different from their parents' allergies.

Nearly 70% of adults with food allergies are under 30 years old, 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 reacts by producing proteins called antibodies or by sending special white blood cells called eosinophils to that area.

Once the cells have produced these mediators, "reinforcement" in the form of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) is 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 recurrent ear infections, which in turn can affect children's language development. It is important to note that there is no indication that children have actually outgrown their allergy propensity. They can outgrow a particular type of allergy and develop another allergy. Allergic reactions tend to go away with age, but adults rarely "outgrow" allergies.

Risk factors

Heredity

Environment

Upper respiratory tract infections

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

Environment. If the occurrence of allergies depends on heredity, then the environment, as a rule, activates the very mechanism for the development of allergies. The environmental factor is decisive if you are in a place where you are exposed to intense antigen exposure, especially at an early age.
Upper respiratory tract infections. Children who get viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, and bronchi) in the first six months of their lives are more likely to develop allergies or pre-existing allergies, such as asthma, later in life.

When to See a Doctor

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

severe stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea that are signs of food poisoning, a serious food allergy, or other type of allergic reaction;

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

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

sinus pain, 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 analysis . This blood test is done to measure eosinophils, white blood cells, and immunoglobulin E concentration. If the test results show that the eosinophil count is higher than normal, this 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 a low diagnostic value.

smear from the nasal mucosa. A sample of nasal mucus is checked for eosinophils.

radioallergosorbent test (RAST-test). In the blood serum, the level of immunoglobulin E is measured by the radioimmunological method and the allergen that caused the patient's allergic reaction is determined. If test results show a high amount of IgE 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 the cause of the allergy, then a skin prick test can be done. A solution containing the suspected allergen is injected into the skin to determine if the immune system is hypersensitive to immunoglobulin E. If the person is allergic, after 15 to 20 minutes a small blister and redness will appear at the scarification site. This test gives the best results when testing for inhalant allergies, insect sting allergies, and medications. It can also help determine if you have a food allergy.

These tests are not entirely reliable:

If the treatment prescribed by your doctor does not relieve your symptoms, or if your doctor suspects it may be due to other causes, more advanced diagnostic methods may help. These include x-rays or computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses to detect sinusitis or structural defects in the nose. Nasal endoscopy, which allows the surgeon to examine the inside of the nasal passages with a lighted, flexible tube, may be recommended to look for structural defects, infections, or nasal polyps.

Treatment

Medications

The most common treatments are:

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 with antihistamines to help control nasal symptoms;

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

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 allergic children.

Precautionary measures
If you have had severe allergic reactions in the past, you should always have a set of medicines and tools with you in order to help yourself with the onset of anaphylactic shock and, if necessary, give yourself injections. It is important to get medical help right away, and while waiting for medical help, come, lie down, 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 have a number of tests before surgery.

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

Other Allergy Facts

If you do not have an allergy to a food component, you will not have to change your diet so as not to cause an allergic reaction. Since allergies are not due to 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 airborne allergens.

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

do not store old bedding, toys, clothes and other items that may be carriers of 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 dust mites.

Before use, you should consult with 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 experienced allergic reactions from personal experience. The main signs of an allergy 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 allergic person's immune system recognizes it as hostile and declares war on it.

Excessive activity of the immune system pretty much spoils the life of allergy sufferers, but it also prolongs this very life. Scientists have found that allergy sufferers are less likely to get cancer. A vigilant immune system is more likely to recognize a tumor in the bud and get rid of it with the resources of the body.

Allergy Mechanism

If our immune system protects us, then why does it go sideways to us? Why does an allergic person feel itchy or get a rash? The reason is the entry into the blood of mediators (transmitters) of allergic reactions, such as histamine. These mediators are part of 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, in smokers, allergy symptoms are more pronounced.

Histamine and other mediators cause spasm of the muscles of the bronchi, 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 allergy manifests itself in violation of the respiratory system. The first signs of a respiratory allergy are nasal discharge and itching in the nose, throat, and ears. There may also be frequent sneezing and coughing.

The most common pathogen is, of course, the pollen of plants - birch, poplar, wormwood, quinoa, etc. Pollen allergy is scientifically called pollinosis, and in the old 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 rather, dust mites and their waste products. Dust mites live in upholstered furniture, carpets, pillows, bedding and clothes.

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

This allergy annoys both children and adults. Skin allergies are usually a reaction to food and household chemicals, such as washing powder, soap, shampoo. So, if you find that the skin on your child's body turns red from time to time, try changing the detergent.

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

The main signs and symptoms of a skin allergy are skin peeling, redness, and a rash. A specific infantile 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, and children are more likely to suffer from urticaria and atopic dermatitis. However, the signs of allergies in children and adults are almost the same.

Urticaria manifests itself in the form of blisters, similar to those that come from a nettle burn. Atopic dermatitis in children develops against the background of diathesis and looks like a red rash on the cheeks and body of the baby. Atopic dermatitis often develops at 3-4 months of age due to a change in diet. For example, many parents notice signs of allergies in their children after switching to milk protein formulas. Therefore, pediatricians recommend, if possible, continue breastfeeding for at least six months.

food allergy

Food allergy manifests itself in intestinal upset. Its causative agents are food, for example, milk, nuts, fish, fruits and berries, especially red. The first symptoms of an allergy of the digestive system 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: a 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 a whole range of symptoms - from rashes to choking and from vomiting to swelling.

drug allergy

Allergy to drugs is considered the most dangerous: sometimes it leads to anaphylactic shock. It is accompanied by swelling of the airways, vomiting, low blood pressure and can be seriously life-threatening. 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 allergy are much more common. They generally coincide with 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 the physiological sense, an allergy is a reaction to the effects of a substance, sometimes an allergic reaction can be a manifestation of acute emotional experiences.

For example, an allergy to oranges may not be related to the chemical composition of the fruit, but to unpleasant emotions that a person once experienced and which are subconsciously associated with oranges. For example, he ate fruit when he was informed of 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 the symptoms of allergies.

Allergy symptoms in adults may be 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, the better.

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

What types of allergies develop most often? What type of immune response causes a threat to life? Answers in the article.

The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction

The negative response of the body proceeds according to a certain pattern:

contact with an irritant;
active production of antibodies, interaction with the allergen;
accumulation of certain substances, there are no visible signs;
secondary contact with the allergen, binding of a foreign protein to antibodies, active reaction;
with a fulminant type of allergy, all tissues and some organs are involved in the process, clinical signs of the disease quickly appear;
with a delayed type of allergy, certain cells are sensitive to an irritant. As the hazardous 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 violation of the immune system. All types of allergies adversely affect the health of the patient.

Causes and provoking factors

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

Main allergens:

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

Provoking factors:

Important! The 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 harm to health. The same situation with antibiotics, plant pollen, animal hair.

Types and stages

Classification by area of influence of the stimulus:

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

Classification of allergic reactions according to the type of irritant:

Humoral. Reasons: taking antibiotics, analgesics, sulfonamides, B vitamins, radiopaque agents, NSAIDs. Signs: disruption of the heart, decreased immunity, general weakness, anemia.
Anaphylactic. Dangerous type of immune response. CNS damage 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, lasts about a week. Hospitalization is often required, complex treatment is required to restore all body functions.
Immunocomplex. Symptoms affect many organs and systems. The main factor is the intake of certain types of drugs.
local reactions. Negative signs occur on the face and body upon contact with the 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. It starts from the period of contact with the allergen until the first visible signs appear;
second phase. The pathophysiological stage is accompanied by impaired functioning 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. The characteristic of the main diseases with hypersensitivity of the body is useful information for people of all ages. Subject to preventive measures, there is a real chance to avoid the development of acute and chronic allergies.

In treatment, an integrated approach is important:

exclusion of contact with the allergen or minimization of the negative impact on the body;
taking antihistamines in the form of tablets is mandatory. Children are prescribed syrups and drops;
prevents new rashes and swelling hypoallergenic diet;
a good antipruritic, anti-edematous effect is given by herbal baths and lotions, medicinal teas;
to relieve itching, redness, gels, ointments and creams for allergies are prescribed;
admission recommended. The components of the funds quickly bind and remove toxins, 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, in a short course.

Hives

Peculiarities:

symptoms 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 worries, after taking allergy pills, exclusion of contact with the irritant, the rashes disappear without a trace;
causes many factors: food, cold, strong wind, UV rays, friction of clothing, medication.

Quincke's edema

Characteristic:

- acute allergic reaction of lightning type;
main reasons: taking antibiotics, sulfonamides, analgesics, some products. Angioedema often occurs after a bee or wasp sting, especially in the face, tongue, eyes;
pronounced swelling of the face, lips, cheeks, eyelids, purple blisters are noticeable on the body, the diameter is 5 mm to 10 cm or more. The tissues swell at a high speed, the blisters brighten, the edges are framed by a red border;
the tongue, palate, larynx swell noticeably, the patient suffocates;
edema appears on the internal organs. Signs of dangerous reactions: headache, stomachache, discomfort is felt in the area of the chest, genitals;
to save a life, the patient must take a fast-acting antihistamine, for example, or. It is obligatory to call an ambulance, especially with the development of angioedema in children. An acute reaction must be quickly stopped (there is no more than half an hour in reserve), otherwise a fatal outcome is possible due to suffocation against the background of compression of the larynx.

Atopic dermatitis

Signs:

an allergic disease develops in babies up to a year old, subject to the rules of treatment and prevention, atopy gradually weakens, by the age of five negative symptoms disappear;
sometimes increased sensitivity to stimuli persists throughout life, manifests itself in adults;
crusts, redness, rashes are noticeable on the body, severe itching worries. Localization of manifestations: knees, cheeks, forehead, chin, elbows, skin folds;
negative symptoms are aggravated after eating foods with a high risk of allergies, against a background of weakened immunity, chronic diseases, and problems with the digestive 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, serous wells form after opening, secondary infection often develops;
frequent stress, weak immunity, chronic pathologies, increase symptoms;
during the calm period, acute symptoms are almost imperceptible, the epidermis thickens, a specific skin pattern appears, the skin is slightly flaky;
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 allergy

Peculiarities:

the reason is the use of certain products;
if a particular type of food is an irritant for a person, then the reaction can be severe, up to development;
the immune system is involved in the process, with skin symptoms developing with damage to the digestive tract;
main signs: red dots or spots on the body, swelling of tissues, hyperemia, itching, nausea, abdominal pain, lowering pressure;
during treatment and after recovery, products that provoke allergic reactions are excluded from the menu.

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

Effective ways to treat cold allergies on the hands 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 an irritant on certain parts of the body. Often negative symptoms appear on the hands, forearms;
allergens: household chemicals, oils, acids, solvents, varnishes, disinfectants. Poor-quality cosmetics, washing powders, hair dyes are dangerous;
the area of localization of negative symptoms allows you to quickly determine why blisters, a small rash, redness appeared;
after recovery, it is obligatory to refuse irritating compounds, protect the skin of the hands when working with chemicals.

Bronchitis

Peculiarities:

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

Rhinitis

Irritants:

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

It often accompanies diseases with high sensitivity to stimuli.

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 nose drops do not help, special ones are needed;
headache against the background of difficulty breathing, irritability, weakness appear;
runny nose is often accompanied by allergic eye damage;
characteristic signs cause discomfort seasonally (during the flowering period of some plants) or year-round (for 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, sometimes photophobia develops. An unpleasant sign is peeling of the skin with an increase in the dryness of the epidermis on the eyelids;
severe forms of conjunctivitis lead to damage to the optic nerve, partial or complete loss of vision, pronounced swelling of the cornea;
causes: , bacterial, viral and fungal infections, exposure to allergens, reaction to taking or instillation of a certain medication, eye surgery with suturing, wearing contact lenses;
special, regular wet cleaning in the home, protection of the eyes from pollen and fluff during seasonal reactions are needed.

Knowing the signs, causes of the main types and types of allergies, along with preventive measures, preserves health. Strong immunity, elimination of contact with an irritant, absence of chronic pathologies, proper diet are factors that reduce the risk of relapses after stopping an allergic reaction.

Learn 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 is 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 various ways of interacting with the allergen, as well as the characteristics of the disorder, are associated with the patient's individual tendency to certain allergic manifestations.

Skin manifestations of allergies

Signs of allergy on the skin 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 drugs. Skin allergy rashes can appear anywhere. Their intensity can also be varied, from a couple of minor spots to the defeat of half or more of the skin surface.
The rash can develop instantly, without any precursors, 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 coarsens, the places on which the skin furrows are present acquire deeper and sharper outlines. The areas of eczema appearing become a rich red color. Then the smallest blisters are formed, inside of which there is a liquid. 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 billowing round blisters with a red-pink color. The size, frequency, and location of the congestion 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 is faced with bouts of fever. Rashes with urticaria can itch, and may even go away without this manifestation.

Dermatitis

The first symptom of dermatitis is the appearance of scaly, reddening areas of the skin. In their place, tiny liquid bubbles appear over time. The manifestations of dermatitis pass with terrible itching.

Respiratory allergy symptoms

Allergy manifestations that affect the state and functioning of the respiratory system in medical practice are called respiratory. These disorders are provoked by specific allergens, which, due to their low 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. Allergic processes can involve various organs that are part of the respiratory system. You can meet both isolated varieties of respiratory allergies, and a combination of manifestations of a respiratory nature.

Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a swelling of the mucous membrane, which leads to the fact that the nasal passages are significantly narrowed. As a result, people suffering from this symptom of allergy find it extremely difficult to breathe. Sometimes it is generally possible to do this exclusively by mouth. At the same time, the nasal sinuses are strongly irritated, itching is observed, as well as profuse runny nose and sneezing.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis occurs when an allergen affects the mucous surfaces of the larynx. During an allergic reaction, it can swell, which can cause serious breathing disorders. Therefore, signs of an allergic reaction in the larynx should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. The presence of various voiced noises in the patient's voice indicates participation in the inflammatory processes of the vocal cords.

Alveolitis

Alveolitis is a severe but fortunately rare allergic condition that affects the patient's lungs. Most often, it is provoked by proteins that are excreted along with bird feces. The disease develops for a long time, its manifestations reduce the productive volume of the lungs. Treatment of alveolitis is carried out only in a hospital. The characteristic signs of alveolitis are the appearance of shortness of breath and cough, after the allergen has entered.

Bronchial asthma

Allergic asthma is an acute disorder of the respiratory system, with attacks of which the patient meets 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.

Allergy Asthma Symptoms:

bouts of intense severe coughing;
lack of air;
accelerated heavy breathing;
feeling of pressure on the chest;
the appearance of noise during breathing, resembling a whistle;
chest starts to hurt;
in order to breathe the patient use skeletal muscles;
for the convenience of breathing, the patient changes his position.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of allergy

Most of the disorders of the digestive system happen when in contact with food allergens. Allergic processes can be found over 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 link in the digestive system, the oral cavity, can also respond sharply to eating allergens. In this case, swelling and bouts of itching and irritation are observed in this area. A sore throat may appear.

Allergic reactions provoked by the substance caused by them causes the accumulation of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract. This hormone enhances intestinal contractions, up to the appearance of spasms. A sharp contraction of the intestine causes intense pain in this area. Excessive contractile activity can cause food to go backwards from the stomach back into the esophagus. The walls of this organ are vulnerable to the acidic environment of this organ, and as a result, heartburn occurs.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract directly affect the lack of nutrients in the body. For this reason, during long contact with the allergen, signs of exhaustion may occur: manifestations of beriberi, lack of minerals, weakness, pallor, weight loss.

Allergy symptoms from the organs of vision

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

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

Acute manifestations of allergies

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

Quincke's edema

Quincke's edema is an acute edematous phenomenon that affects skin tissues and mucous tissues. Edema has such a significant manifestation that the tissue swells to unprecedented sizes. There is no pain with Quincke's edema, the only thing that the patient feels is stretching of the skin in the places of its manifestation.

Most often, edematous phenomena are subject to limbs, as well as the face. With swelling of the larynx, a potential threat to life appears. This is due to the blockage of oxygen supply. For the same reason, swelling of the tongue has a significant danger to the patient. With Quincke's edema, shortness of breath develops, coughing fits, the patient breathes often and with great noise. Initially, there is a reddening of the face, which is replaced by an equally sharply advancing pallor. Another dangerous accompanying element in 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 manifests itself over a short period of time. This is done due to the over-intensive production of a high concentration of antibodies, as a response to contact with the allergen. Under the action of antibodies, biologically active substances are released. Their impact in 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 in anaphylactic shock is a large-scale edema 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 internal organs with oxygen and other nutrients. Often, anaphylactic shock passes along with the patient fainting, as a result of which he becomes completely helpless and unable to call an ambulance on his own.

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

People who are prone to anaphylactic shock should avoid contact with the allergen as much as possible, be aware of the signs of its onset and carry a medical emergency kit with them.

Signs of anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis can take place with an unequal degree of intensity, and therefore with a different severity for the patient. Moreover, its manifestations can also vary.

Light degree

With mild anaphylactic shock, the first manifestation is the appearance of a feeling of weakening, migraine attacks, an increase in body temperature, the skin becomes warm to the touch, and the heartbeat accelerates.

Average degree

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

Severe degree

In a severe degree, there is a rapid development of manifestations that are dangerous for the patient: blood pressure drops rapidly, the body and face turn pale, blue appears 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 the severity, it is necessary to call an ambulance. In case of cardiac arrest, it is necessary to take emergency therapy measures in order to prevent cardiac collapse. Remember that anaphylactic shock is most common in people with food, drug, and insect allergies.