ALLERGY
The word “allergy” was first used by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906. Allergy, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system or It is an overaggressive immune response triggered by ingesting certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant such as pollen or animal dander or something in the environment that usually causes little or no problem in most people.
Allergies are the sixth most common cause of chronic illness in the United States, with an annual cost of more than $18 billion. As many as one in five Americans (about 50 million) have some type of allergy, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Allergies are common.in the developed world, about 20% of people are affected by allergic rhinitis about 6% of people have at least one food allergy, and about 20% have atopic dermatitis at some point in time. Depending on the country about 1–18% of people have asthma. Anaphylaxis occurs in between 0.05–2% of people Rates of many allergic diseases appear to be increasing. The prevalence of food and skin allergies in children has increased in recent years, but experts aren’t sure why. Food allergies affect about 1 in every 13 American kids, according to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). Each year, allergic reactions account for about two million missed school days.
THE MOST COMMON ALLERGENS:
THE MOST COMMON ALLERGENS: Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to substances called allergens.
Pollen Dust mites * Pet dander or fur * Cockroaches Mold spores * Foods (eggs, fish, milk, nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, and others) * Insect stings or bites (from wasps, bees, mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, horseflies, black flies, and others) * Medicines (penicillin, aspirin, and others) * Latex * Household chemicals * Metals (especially nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc)
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a food allergy may include: *Tingling in the mouth * Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat * Hives * Stomachache * Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction).
An insect sting allergy may cause: * A large area of swelling at the site of the sting * Wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath * Itching or hives all over your body.
A reaction to medications may lead to: * Itchy skin * Hives (small red spots especially on the chest, back, or abdomen) or other rashes * Facial swelling * Wheezing.
Airborne allergies can cause: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which is characterized by: * Sneezing * Runny, stuffy nose * Watery, red, or swollen eyes * Coughing * Itching of the nose, eyes.
