What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction? How can you identify them quickly and get the necessary treatment? Explore the key indicators of anaphylaxis and other life-threatening allergic responses in this informative guide.

Identifying the Early Symptoms of Severe Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs of a potentially life-threatening reaction. One of the earliest signs of a severe allergic reaction is a sudden onset of symptoms, often within an hour of exposure to the allergen. These can include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and a feeling of tightness in the chest or throat. If you experience these symptoms after taking a new medication or consuming a new food, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Recognizing the Progression of Severe Allergic Reactions

As a severe allergic reaction progresses, the symptoms can quickly worsen. Hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing are all signs that the reaction is becoming more severe. Anaphylaxis, a sudden and potentially fatal allergic response, can cause these symptoms to escalate rapidly, leading to a drop in blood pressure and confusion or a feeling of impending doom. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s crucial to call emergency services right away.

Understanding the Underlying Causes of Severe Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions can be triggered by a wide range of substances, including foods, medications, insect bites or stings, and even certain chemicals or latex. While some individuals may have known allergies, others may not be aware of their sensitivity until a severe reaction occurs. It’s important to work with an allergist to identify the specific trigger and develop a plan to manage and prevent future reactions.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention for Severe Allergic Reactions

If you or someone you know is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, time is of the essence. Prompt medical treatment is crucial to prevent the reaction from becoming life-threatening. This may include the administration of epinephrine, the primary treatment for anaphylaxis, as well as other interventions to stabilize the individual’s condition. Seeking emergency medical care is the best way to ensure a safe and effective response to a severe allergic reaction.

Developing a Plan to Manage and Prevent Severe Allergic Reactions

Once the immediate crisis has been addressed, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive plan for managing and preventing future severe allergic reactions. This may include identifying and avoiding trigger substances, carrying emergency medication (such as an epinephrine auto-injector), and learning how to recognize and respond to the early signs of a reaction. By taking a proactive approach, individuals with severe allergies can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening events.

Recognizing the Importance of Regular Allergy Assessments

Allergies can change over time, and it’s important to regularly assess and monitor your condition. Even if you’ve never experienced a severe allergic reaction, it’s a good idea to have your allergies evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if you’ve recently moved to a new area or have noticed changes in your symptoms. Regular check-ups can help ensure that you’re taking the appropriate steps to manage your allergies and minimize the risk of a severe reaction.

The Role of Epinephrine in Treating Severe Allergic Reactions

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This medication works quickly to constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, and improve breathing, effectively counteracting the life-threatening symptoms of a severe reaction. Individuals at risk of anaphylaxis are often prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors, which can be used to administer the medication quickly in an emergency situation. Knowing how to properly use an epinephrine auto-injector and keeping it readily available can be a matter of life and death in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on June 27, 2022

If your nose drips or stuffs up a few minutes after you walk outside, it may be allergic rhinitis. That’s a reaction to tiny particles in the air you breathe. Common causes include mold spores, pollen, detergents, and cleansers. A runny nose could be a serious warning, though, if it starts about an hour after you take a new drug. You might be allergic to this medicine.

A sneeze doesn’t seem too big a deal. But it could be a mild, early sign of a severe allergy, even to a food you eat. Your sneezes could also quickly give way to more serious symptoms. The next time you eat that food, you may not sneeze. But you might have a more intense reaction that sends you to the hospital.

Many things could cause your eyes to itch or fill up with tears from time to time. It could be a mild reaction to springtime pollen. But it might be something more serious like a drug allergy. Take note when you start a new medicine. A reaction could happen right away, or a few days or weeks later.

You may notice sudden itches in strange places soon after you’ve eaten a new food. While itchy ears seem harmless, it could be an early sign you’re headed for a more severe allergic reaction to this food.

Strange changes could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction to a food or a drug. You may notice a sudden wheezing. Or you might just feel like you can’t quite catch your breath. If your breathing changes out of the blue, seek treatment right away. It could be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe reaction.

These raised, red, itchy lumps can look pretty scary. Also called urticaria, they pop up on your skin all of a sudden. Causes include allergies to drugs, chemicals, foods, or just about anything else. Hives alone may not be serious, but if you have them along with swollen lips or wheezing, they could be a warning sign of a more severe reaction. 

Rashes can be itchy, painful, hot, bumpy, or blistered. They’re a common result of an allergic reaction to pet dander, chemicals, foods, drugs, or makeup. A mild rash may clear up quickly with treatment, or by avoiding triggers. But it might be an early sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that could threaten your life.

If your tummy reacts strongly a short time after you eat a certain food, it could mean you’re allergic. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are clues. They could worsen quickly. They’re also signs of anaphylaxis, so don’t shrug them off as a stomach bug.

Sometimes your chest suddenly tightens or hurts when you breathe. Your throat can also feel tight or constricted. This is a common sign of a severe food allergy. When it happens, get medical help right away.

If your mouth, lips, or tongue swells up for no apparent reason, it could be angioedema, a sign of an allergic reaction. It isn’t always serious. But if the swelling makes it hard to breathe, it could be life-threatening. If your lips or tongue swells up often, let your doctor know so you can get treatment and find the cause.

Food allergies can cause redness around your mouth and eyes. If your skin quickly flushes or reddens right after you’ve contacted any allergic trigger, it could be mean your allergy is severe. Get help quickly. Don’t wait for the redness to go away.

It sounds strange, but confusion or a feeling of doom are signs of a severe food allergy. How does an allergic reaction cause these feelings? Doctors think it’s linked to a sudden drop in your blood pressure. Seek medical help right away if you notice this symptom in yourself or others.

A sudden drop in your blood pressure can make you think you’re about to pass out. You may feel weak all over or confused. This is a serious medical condition. If your blood pressure drops too much, your life could be at risk. 

This sudden, severe allergic reaction can cause death if it isn’t treated right away at the emergency room. You may not know you’re allergic to something until anaphylaxis happens. Signs include trouble breathing, pale or blue skin, hives, itching, vomiting, or anxiety. Symptoms can start within just a few minutes after you come in contact with the cause.

Many things can cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. You might be highly allergic to certain foods, drugs, insect bites, or latex in gloves. While there is emergency treatment for a severe allergic reaction, see an allergist to figure out what causes it. You may be able to avoid the trigger in the future and prevent these serious attacks.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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SOURCES:

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “Allergic Rhinitis,” “Hives (Urticaria),” “Rashes. ”

Mayo Clinic: “Anaphylaxis,” “Drug allergy,” “Low blood pressure (hypotension).”

Food Allergy Research & Education: “Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Food.”

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “Anaphylaxis.”

National Health Services: “Angioedema.”

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Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) (for Parents)

en español: Reacciones alérgicas graves (anafilaxia)

Reviewed by: Hillary B. Gordon, MD

Allergy & Immunology at Nemours Children’s Health

What Is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Things that can cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

Anaphylaxis (an-eh-fih-LAK-siss) most often happens during allergic reactions to:

• foods
• insect stings
• medicines
• latex

Anaphylaxis can be scary. But being prepared will help you treat a reaction quickly.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Severe allergic reactions can cause:

• trouble breathing
• throat tightness or feeling like the throat or airways are closing
• hoarseness or trouble speaking
• wheezing or cough
• nasal stuffiness
• nausea, belly pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• trouble swallowing or drooling
• low blood pressure
• skin itching, redness, or swelling
• hives
• a feeling like something bad is about to happen
• passing out

Anaphylaxis can cause different symptoms at different times. An allergic reaction is considered anaphylaxis if someone has:

• any severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, passing out, or throat tightness
  or
• two or more mild symptoms, such as hives and vomiting or coughing and swelling

A person with symptoms of anaphylaxis needs treatment right away.

How Is Anaphylaxis Treated?

Someone with anaphylaxis needs help right away. The reaction can get worse very quickly. Doctors usually want people with severe allergies to carry epinephrine auto injectors. The medicine epinephrine enters the bloodstream and works quickly against serious allergy symptoms. The injectors should always be with a child who has severe allergies, including at school, sports, jobs, and other activities. The auto injectors are small and easy to use.

If the doctor prescribes epinephrine auto injectors for your child, they will show you how to use them. Two auto injectors should always be with your child in case one injector does not work or your child needs a second dose.

The doctor also might instruct you to give your child antihistamines in certain cases. But always treat a serious reaction with epinephrine. Never use antihistamines instead of epinephrine in serious reactions.

What Should I Do If My Child Has a Serious Reaction?

Time matters during anaphylaxis. If your child shows signs of a serious allergic reaction:

1. Give the epinephrine auto-injector right away. If you are alone with your child, give this medicine first, then call 911. If someone is with you, have the person call 911 while you give the epinephrine.
2. Lay your child down with legs raised while you wait for the ambulance.
3. Go to the emergency room, even if symptoms improve after epinephrine. Your child must be under medical supervision for several hours. This is because a second wave of serious symptoms (called a biphasic reaction) can happen. Your child can get more treatment at the emergency room, if needed.

What Else Should I Know?

Serious allergies can be scary. To help keep your child safe:

• Help your child avoid allergens.
• Always have two epinephrine auto injectors with your child.
• Tell any caregivers, teachers, or coaches about your child’s allergy and be sure they know what to do in an emergency.
• Check that your child’s auto injectors have not expired and don’t get too hot or too cold.
• Have your child wear a medical ID bracelet so others know about your child’s allergies and know to use the epinephrine auto injectors in case of an emergency.

Reviewed by: Hillary B. Gordon, MD

Date reviewed: January 2022

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Allergic diseases | TAIC

Allergic symptoms are varied.

Allergy symptoms can present in a variety of ways and range in intensity from mild to severe. The mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are especially often affected. Therefore, common allergy symptoms are watery, red, itchy, or swollen eyes, as well as an itchy, runny or stuffy nose, and bouts of sneezing. Cough, difficulty breathing, itchy skin, redness of the skin and a rash with blisters or nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are also possible signs of an allergy. Allergic reactions are clinically manifested in detail as follows:

• allergic reaction of the mucous membrane of the eyes and nose (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis): watery eyes and red eyes, “runny nose” and nasal congestion
• allergic reaction of the bronchial system (bronchial asthma): contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchi and, as a result, shortness of breath (especially difficult to exhale), mucus production due to chronic inflammation, hypersensitivity to other substances (tobacco smoke, campfire smoke, strong perfume smell) and some environmental factors (frost, stuffy room, laughter . ..)
• allergic skin reactions (urticaria): redness due to dilation of blood vessels, blisters due to secretion of tissue fluid, itching
• allergic reaction of the gastrointestinal tract (food allergy): increased intestinal motility due to contractions of the intestinal muscles, increased secretion of water and consequent diarrhea

Allergic symptoms usually appear immediately after exposure to the allergen. Depending on the frequency and duration of exposure to the allergen, there may be either seasonal symptoms, as in patients with pollen allergy during the pollen season, or year-round symptoms, for example, to cat allergens or house dust mite allergens.

Allergic shock – always a medical emergency

In the worst case, an allergic reaction leads to a life-threatening so-called anaphylactic shock, with a sharp drop in blood pressure, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis is an extreme form of an allergic reaction that affects the entire body. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may begin with tingling in the palms and soles of the feet, headache, dizziness, and cold sweats.

People at risk include people who are allergic to insect venom and those with food allergies (eg, nuts, seafood, chicken eggs) or drug allergies (eg, penicillin, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), radiopaque agents).

Anaphylactic shock is always a medical emergency!

Emergency kit for risk groups

People who are allergic to bee or wasp venom and people from other risk groups should always carry a first aid kit prescribed by a doctor. It must contain emergency medicines such as adrenaline, which can stabilize blood circulation again. Adrenaline in European countries is available in an emergency kit as a pre-filled syringe (auto-injector) and can be injected into muscle tissue through clothing.

In Russia, an emergency kit usually contains hormonal drugs and antihistamines to treat an acute allergic reaction.
To reduce the risk of anaphylactic shock, at-risk patients are either helped to avoid allergens, i. e. to avoid especially important foods or drugs, or, in case of allergy to insect venom, to receive specific immunotherapy (SIT).

Emergency: anaphylactic shock

If you feel signs of an allergic shock or if the victim has critical symptoms, call Ambulance 9 immediately0005

Allergic to venom of stinging insects.

(most dangerous allergic reactions)

People allergic to insect venom often develop severe allergic symptoms after being stung by a wasp, hornet, or bee. Bee venom and wasp venom, or the proteins they contain, are the most common allergens to insect venom, with wasp venom allergy even more common than bee venom or hornet venom. Bumblebee or mosquito venom rarely causes allergies.

A wasp sting (usually without a sting) or a bee sting (usually with a remnant of the needle) is always painful and results in a local skin reaction, even in non-allergic people, in which the skin around the sting becomes red and swollen. If a person who is allergic to insect venom is stung by a bee or wasp, within a very short time (from 1 second to 5 minutes), reactions of the whole body can develop in the form of a severe systemic reaction or anaphylactic shock.

Therapy is especially important for allergies to insect venom.

Due to the high health risks, accurate diagnosis and treatment are important, especially for those who are allergic to insect venom. At the latest, when symptoms occur after a bee or wasp sting that is not limited to the site of the sting, victims should consult a medical specialist with special training in allergology.

Specific Immunotherapy (SIT) is considered to be particularly effective in cases of allergy to bee venom or aspen venom: up to 95% of wasp venom allergies and up to 85% of bee venom allergies can be successfully treated with SIT.

Advice for people allergic to insect venom

• No fidgeting when wasps or bees are around
• Do not blow or knock down wasps or bees
• Do not drink from open cans, cover glasses, use a straw.
• Do not eat sweets (ice cream, cakes, etc.) and grilled meat outdoors in summer/early autumn.
• Do not walk on the grass without shoes
• Do not use strong perfume or hairspray; Use fragrance-free deodorants, creams, and sunscreen lotions.
• Avoid outdoor sports in summer/early autumn as sweat attracts wasps.
• Do not plant flowers on the balcony or near the terrace.
• Carry the emergency kit with you at all times (note the expiration date of the medicine it contains)

House dust mite allergy

(most common house allergy triggers)

House dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to house dust mites, more specifically to the components of the mite’s faeces and body. House dust mites are tiny (<0.5 mm), invisible to the naked eye, arachnids that live in every home. House dust mite allergens are the strongest triggers for house allergies; Allergic particles are lifted up with the dust and then inhaled. Mite allergy is the second most common form of allergy after pollen allergy.

Allergy to ticks always year-round

• People who are allergic to house dust mites usually have symptoms throughout the year. Symptoms are often more severe during the early morning hours, as the bed is a major source of mite allergens in many homes. House dust mites love warm, humid climates and feed mainly on dead human skin cells. House dust mites are especially fond of nesting on beds or mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains and soft toys.

• Allergic symptoms are usually worse in autumn and winter. Because at the beginning of the heating season, many house dust mites die due to low air humidity, and dried, decaying excrement and the chitinous shell of dead mites increase the amount of mite allergens in the air.

• Each person who is allergic to mites reacts differently to contact with mites. People who are allergic to house dust mites often struggle with persistent colds, slightly reddened eyes and itchy noses, and the urge to sneeze. Some people who are allergic to house dust mites have coughing and breathing problems, which are typical signs of asthma, as an additional or only symptom. In addition, fatigue and irritability may occur. In addition, children in particular sometimes react to mite allergens with skin infections. In any case, if a house dust mite allergy is suspected, it is recommended to conduct an extensive diagnosis with an allergist.

Treat dust mite allergy as early as possible

• Acute symptoms are treated with antihistamines or, depending on the symptoms, hormonal sprays and anti-asthma drugs. Because house dust mite allergy can worsen, long-term treatment in the form of specific immunotherapy is important.

Advice for people who are allergic to house dust mites

• Change bed linen every week
• Blanket every 3 months
• Use special mattress covers, wipe them monthly with a damp cloth.
• Wash soft toys regularly or put them in a plastic bag in the freezer for a day.
• Ventilate several times a day, especially in the bedroom.
• Avoid an abundance of carpets, furs, open shelves and plants, at least in the bedroom.
• Clean upholstered furniture regularly
• Use special filters (HEPA filters) for vacuum cleaners.
• Prefer to rest above 1200 m (a.s.l.)
• When choosing a hotel, pay attention to such marks as “Suitable for Allergy sufferers”.
• Be careful when consuming shellfish and shellfish as cross-reactions may occur.

Allergy to pets

(often allergic to cats)

• Animal dander allergy is usually caused by pets. In some animals, people who are allergic to hair (hair) are hypersensitive to wool or hair proteins, skin flakes, and body fluids (saliva, urine, skin secretions). In particular, cats can cause extremely serious allergic reactions. But dogs, horses, guinea pigs, hares, golden hamsters and other rodents can also be a source of allergens.

• Animal allergens can be found almost everywhere, especially in cat and dog owners, because dandruff and hair stick to clothes, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, bedding, and even walls. Cat saliva also contains particularly high levels of allergens, which cats distribute throughout their body when brushing their fur, so cat hair often acts as a carrier for allergens. And it is not surprising that allergens of cats and other animals can be found in residential and public buildings (for example, a kindergarten), where they do not exist.

Inhaled animal allergens quickly cause symptoms

• Animal allergens are mainly inhaled (inhalation allergens) and cause symptoms in allergic persons within a very short time. Possible signs of an allergy to animal allergens include burning eyes and tears (allergic conjunctivitis), runny nose and bouts of sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing up to shortness of breath and asthma attacks, as well as itching and rash. If the animal causing the allergy lives in its own home, the symptoms appear all year round.

• Symptoms can also occur in people who are allergic to animal hair if there is no direct contact with an animal, because some animal allergens, especially cat allergens, are very long-lived. Thus, it is possible that cat hair on a passenger’s coat on public transport, on a neighbor’s sweater at school, or when moving, if the new home has previously been occupied by cats, may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to pet dander.

People who are allergic to animal allergens usually have to do with more than just pets.

• Anti-allergic drugs (eg, antihistamines) from the pharmacy can help with allergies to animal hair in acute complaints. The medicine is recommended only for temporary use, for example, when visiting a cat farm. If a family member is allergic to animal hair, pets should not be kept in the apartment or house.

• Unfortunately, allergic reactions to beloved animals can develop even after several years of living together. A provoking factor can be, for example, a viral infection. Due to the longevity of some animal allergens, a subsequent renovation of the apartment is highly recommended. If the “allergenic animal” continues to live in the house, there is a risk of developing allergic asthma. Victims should consult with their physician about animal dander allergy treatment in the form of specific immunotherapy (SIT).

Pollen allergy common

• Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, is the most common type of allergy. The triggers (allergens) of pollen allergy are plant pollen or pollen in the air, or more specifically, certain proteins in the pollen.

• Pollen allergy is especially common to early-flowering plants such as hazel, alder and birch, or to meadow grasses such as timothy and bluegrass, or to weeds, mugwort, ragweed.

Symptoms of pollen allergy

• Typical symptoms of a pollen allergy are red eyes, sneezing and a runny nose (allergic rhinitis). Most victims feel itching in the eyes and nose. The nasal mucosa swells due to inflammation, so a stuffy nose is also one of the symptoms of a pollen allergy.

• Depending on the flowering time (pollen season) of the respective plant allergen and the severity of the allergy, pollen allergy sufferers suffer to varying degrees. Many sufferers feel tired during the pollen season and cannot concentrate properly. In addition, some people who are allergic to pollen have allergic reactions to certain foods because they contain proteins similar to plant pollen – this is called cross-allergy or pollen syndrome.

Stop the spread of pollen allergy

• Over-the-counter allergy medications, called antihistamines, provide only temporary relief from symptoms of acute hay fever. In the long term, only specific immunotherapy (SIT) helps people with pollen allergies, usually for three to five years. It significantly reduces allergic symptoms and prevents the expansion of the spectrum of allergens, the development of allergic asthma.

• When a pollen allergy is suspected, it is important that an allergist rule out other causes of symptoms and diagnose allergenic plants in order to be able to tailor therapy accordingly.

Tips for people with pollen allergies.

• Shower and wash your hair in the evening
• Wipe the apartment regularly with a damp cloth.
• Ventilate the air for a short time each day when pollen counts are at their lowest (in the countryside in the evening, in cities in the early morning or when it rains)
• Do not dry laundry outdoors
• Leave your shoes and jacket/coat in the entrance area and don’t take off your clothes in the bedroom.
• Use car pollen filters
• Holidays by the sea, in the highlands or in regions where allergenic plants do not bloom.
• Keep track of the current amount of pollen using the sites (Pollen Club, etc.)

Indoor allergies, allergic rhinitis

Important information for those suffering from “indoor allergies”.

You have noticed that you feel worse in any room (whether at home or at work). Nasal congestion, sneezing or itching of the eyelids, lacrimation appeared. Or maybe you have difficulty breathing or coughing?
It is likely that this is an allergy.

Allergy (hypersensitivity) can manifest itself in different ways. This is due to the fact that the contact of the skin and mucous membranes of a person with allergens, i.e. particles that provoke the onset of allergy symptoms leads to the appearance of an inflammatory process in various organs and tissues of a person. Most people are not allergic and therefore do not notice the presence of these allergens. However, those who have such a predisposition experience significant discomfort, and in some cases suffer from severe allergies.
Here are the most common manifestations of allergies that can be associated with exposure to allergens present in various rooms:

1. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis : nasal congestion, sneezing, itching in the nasal cavity, profuse discharge from the nasal passages, pain in the middle ear, decreased sense of smell. In more severe cases, allergic rhinitis may be complicated by sinusitis or ethmoiditis. Polyps can form in the nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses.
2. Symptoms allergic conjunctivitis : lacrimation, redness of the eyes, feeling of “sand in the eyes”, itching of the eyelids. In severe cases of the disease, edema of the eyelids may appear, the addition of a secondary infection.
3. Symptoms of bronchial asthma : attacks of suffocation or shortness of breath, cough. If timely measures are not taken to prevent exacerbations of the disease, then severe complications may develop that affect the function of the lungs and heart.
4. Atopic dermatitis : skin manifestations in the form of rashes, peeling and redness of the skin. With a long course, it leads to the appearance of complications: the addition of a secondary infection, trophic disorders, etc.
5. Possible development of urticaria and angioedema (especially in people with hypersensitivity to fungal allergens when eating certain foods – see below).

In some cases, the same person has not one, but several of the above diseases at once. Symptoms may vary in severity, be present all the time, or be disturbing from time to time. In addition to the above manifestations of allergies, there may be complaints of swelling in the face, headache, weakness, decreased performance, irritability.

Most often, a person suffering from this form of allergy feels a clear connection between their presence in a certain room and the appearance of symptoms. However, in some cases, it is very difficult to assume the “guilty” allergen without an allergological examination, especially if the allergic reaction does not occur immediately (delayed type reactions are possible in the presence of a fungal allergy).

Without special recommendations to eliminate the “guilty” allergens, allergic diseases begin to progress, complications appear, and a need for more serious treatment arises.

“GUY” ALLERGENS

House dust, mites.

One of the main “culprits” of indoor allergies is house dust. An allergy that is associated with exposure to house dust is called household. It should be noted that house dust is not one allergen, but a whole mosaic of allergens – particles of vegetable (wood dust, fabrics – flax and cotton) and animal origin (pet hair, feathers and fluff of birds), fungal spores, fragments of insects, etc. .

But microscopic mites and their metabolic products can be considered as the sources of the most dangerous allergens. According to various sources, from 3 to 30% of people suffer from hypersensitivity to house dust mites. These creatures, invisible to the eye, are present wherever they can find food (descended epidermis). Their number is huge, at least 50 species of mites are present in the dust. Dermatophagoides mites are the most common. Their concentration is especially high where there are animals and birds, as well as things made of wool, down and feathers. The main dwelling places are pillows, blankets, mattresses, feather beds, upholstered furniture, carpets. Optimal conditions for the life and reproduction of ticks – ambient temperature 22-27 ° C, humidity 70-80%. The number of ticks increases significantly in late August – early October, so during this period, allergy symptoms may worsen.

In addition, allergies can be caused by barn mites, which also settle in indoor dust and food products – flour, cereals, cheese, etc.

Signs of allergy to house dust and mites: ;
– symptoms can be both permanent and episodic;
– rather characteristic is the increase in symptoms during cleaning, shaking out old things, when using dust-accumulating things – upholstered furniture, carpets, bedding with natural filler, soft toys, etc . ;
– symptoms are aggravated by contact with pets and birds.

Library dust

Library dust is also an allergen! Those who are allergic to paper dust know well that if you spend too much time reading a book or magazine, unpleasant symptoms will immediately appear. The “older” the book, the faster and brighter the disease will manifest itself. In those rooms where books and paper are stored for a long time on open shelves, there is a high concentration of library dust in the air. In addition, it must be remembered that in addition to paper dust in libraries and other rooms where books are stored, there are other allergens in the air – fungal spores.

Signs of an allergy to library dust:

– you develop allergy symptoms from contact with books and other paper products;
– You feel aggravated if you are in rooms where books are stored on open shelves.

Pets and birds.

Wool, feathers, dander, dander, saliva and other waste products from pets and birds are also allergens and can be a serious hazard. In the presence of epidermal allergy, symptoms appear on contact with animals, birds, or particles of animal origin. If animals are constantly present in the house, then the symptoms may not disappear at all. Wearing woolen clothes or using bedding filled with wool and down, the presence of carpets and other wool products in the house or office can lead to an exacerbation of an allergic disease. Most people think that the shorter an animal’s coat, the less likely it is to cause an allergic reaction. However, it is not. The risk of allergies has nothing to do with the length of the coat and the size of the animal or bird itself! It must also be remembered that after the removal of animals or birds from the premises, the smallest particles of wool and feathers can remain in it for a long time (months, and sometimes years).

Signs of allergy to animal and bird waste products :

– Allergy symptoms occur during direct contact with animals and (or) birds or with their waste products – wool, saliva, etc. ;
– Allergy symptoms in the room where animals or birds are (or were) located;
– Allergy symptoms appear when wearing woolen items, using bedding filled with wool and down, while staying in a room where there are carpets and other wool products.

Fungal microorganisms.

Another group of allergens are particles of fungal microorganisms. The world of mushrooms is huge, the number of species studied is in the tens of thousands. Some of the most common are fungi of the genus Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria. In most cases, the “culprits” of allergies are spores of these microorganisms. Mushrooms can live in almost any environment: in household and library dust, food products, on various surfaces, and even in the human body. They can cause not only plant diseases – rot and mold, but also provoke pronounced allergic reactions (fungal allergies). Moreover, one and the same person may develop hypersensitivity not to one, but to several varieties of fungi at once. The most optimal conditions for the reproduction of many types of fungi are high humidity and ambient temperature – 16-32 ° C.

Fungal microorganisms do not only live indoors. Throughout the warm period of the year, fungal spores are present in the open air in fairly high concentrations. In this regard, manifestations of an allergic disease can occur not only indoors, but also on the street. Symptoms of a fungal allergy may be present all the time or occur sporadically. Possible seasonal exacerbations of the disease associated with periods of the most active reproduction of fungi.

In some cases, the symptoms of a fungal allergy do not appear immediately, but some time after contact with the allergen, for example, after a few hours. Indoors, fungal microorganisms can colonize paper products, wallpaper, wood, natural fibers, leather, and may be present on rubber products. They can be found in flower pots, trash cans, sinks and wash basins.

The concentration of fungi is especially high in closed damp and poorly ventilated rooms, in broken hay, grass and fallen damp leaves. Their presence is found in products that have undergone fermentation – beer, kvass, sauerkraut, cheese, yeast dough, etc. , in libraries;
– allergy symptoms appear on contact with wet hay, grass, fallen leaves;
– allergy symptoms appear when eating foods that have undergone fermentation – beer, wine, cheese, yeast dough, sauerkraut, kvass, etc .;
– allergy symptoms may not appear immediately, but some time after contact with the allergen.

Insects.

Insect allergy refers to an allergic reaction associated with contact with insects. This contact can occur in different ways: by stinging, by contact of insects with the skin, by inhalation of particles of bodies and their metabolic products. The most “dangerous” allergens are proteins that make up the integumentary tissues of insects. The list of insects that can cause allergies is very large. Let us dwell only on those that live in the premises.
An allergic reaction in such cases, as a rule, occurs when particles of bodies and waste products of insects are inhaled.

Cockroaches! They not only cause moral damage, but can also damage the health of a person suffering from insect allergies. Cockroach asthma is not uncommon. And the culprit of this disease is the Blattoptera detachment – cockroaches, which can be present in large numbers, both in homes and workplaces, offices.

In addition to cockroaches, very severe allergic reactions can occur from contact with other arthropods. These are bloodworms (Diptera order) and daphnia, which are components of food for aquarium fish Allergy symptoms can occur when inhaled or in contact with scales and body particles of representatives of the Lepidoptera orders – Lepidoptera. The most common indoor insect from this order is the moth.

Bloodworms and daphnia (a favorite food for aquarium fish) can also cause severe allergy symptoms.

Signs of indoor insect allergy:

– allergy symptoms appear in rooms where the above insects are present;
– Allergy symptoms occur on contact with food for aquarium fish;
– there are no clear signs of an “insect” origin of an allergic reaction that appears in the room.
Therefore, it is quite difficult to independently assume the presence of such an allergy without an allergic examination.

OTHER ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Remember that people with allergies are always more sensitive to various environmental factors: cold air, pollutants (for example, ozone), tobacco smoke, as well as particles that are present in the air and, getting on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (nasopharynx, bronchi), lead to a worsening of the condition.

In addition, irritating factors include pungent odors – perfumes, fragrances, etc.

HOW TO FIGHT ALLERGIES gene , i.e. stop contact with him. If it is not possible to completely get rid of the allergen, then it is necessary to minimize its negative impact.

The presence of an allergy can only be finally confirmed by a specialist – an allergist who, using specific examination methods, will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, as well as recommend preventive measures necessary in each specific case of the disease.