Spring is in the air and that means pollen and other allergens are on the rise. Allergies are the immune system’s overreaction to a foreign substances. They can be caused by something in the air or something you eat, and sometimes allergies are seasonal.
Allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies foreign proteins in pollen, pet dander, medications, food or other substances as something harmful, as if it were a virus or bacteria. Inhaling, eating or touching an allergen activates mechanisms meant to protect and flush the allergen out of the system. This causes the symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
While every person reacts differently to allergens, some typical reactions include “hives, itching and shortness of breath,” according to KHS nurse Nancy Anderson.
Some common allergies include bee stings, dust mites, medications, molds, animals, poison ivy and pollen. For some people, foods like nuts, strawberries or shellfish cause allergic reactions. There are also some rare allergies like water, sunlight, sweat or cold temperatures.
While there is not a cure for allergies, there are some ways to avoid reactions. The allergic reaction will continue as long as the person is exposed to the allergen. Some reactions can start within minutes of exposure, while others don’t start until hours or days later. Once you’re no longer around allergens, symptoms should go away after a few hours. Some allergies, like poison ivy rashes, can last for a few weeks.
Allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies foreign proteins in pollen, pet dander, medications, food or other substances as something harmful, as if it were a virus or bacteria. Inhaling, eating or touching an allergen activates mechanisms meant to protect and flush the allergen out of the system. This causes the symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening.