An allergy occurs when the immune system of the body reacts to certain kinds of substances known as allergens. People have various different types of allergies. In order to cope with the specific type of allergy you suffer from, it is essential to get assistance from a healthcare provider at a good hospital like Hameed Latif Hospital.
Some of the most common types of allergies include the following:
- Food Allergy
People are allergic to many sorts of food. According to research, approximately 6–8% of children and 4% of adults suffer from this type of allergic reaction. A person with an allergy to a particular food may experience symptoms immediately after the consumption of the food. In some cases, symptoms may appear within a couple of hours after consumption. Symptoms of food allergies usually include swelling of the face, mouth, lips, and throat, as well as itching, hives, and nasal congestion.
In extreme cases however, allergic reactions of food can result in “anaphylaxis”. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction involving the whole body. It can cause an instant drop in the blood pressure, impair breathing, or negatively affect the heart rate. This kind of reaction is fatal, so it must be treated with an epinephrine injection.
- Insect Allergy
Some people are allergic to insect bites. Examples of insects that cause allergic reaction include bees, Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants. In addition to stinging insects, certain allergies may also be caused by non-stinging insects such as cockroaches and dust mites.
- Pollen Allergy
One of the most common allergens is pollen. It triggers seasonal allergies among many people all over the world. Pollen allergy is given many names including hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis etc.
- Drug Allergy
While most medicinal drugs do not cause allergic reactions, some people develop allergies to certain kinds of medication.
- Pet Allergy
Another common type of allergy is that from pets. Some people are allergic to dogs, cats, birds, and other types of pets.
- Latex Allergy
A latex allergy refers to an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex. Items of daily use such gloves, balloons, condoms, and other natural rubber products contain latex. People allergic to latex must be cautious and avoid the use of products containing latex. This allergy can become a serious risk to one’s health.
- Mold Allergy
Mold and mildew are fungi. Since fungi grow in so many places, both indoors and outdoors, allergic reactions can occur year round.
Allergies can hamper daily life by lowering productivity and disrupting sleep as well as the ability of individuals to execute everyday tasks. Moreover, most allergies cause symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, chest congestion, swelling, skin irritation, rashes etc. Therefore, it is essential that patients try to avoid allergens as much as possible. But avoiding all types of allergens may not to possible all that.
With proper guidance from a competent doctor at Doctors Hospital, patients can learn effective ways to handle allergies and improve their quality of life.