How Does an Allergic Reaction Occur?
When you are allergic to a certain type of allergen, you will have an allergic reaction every time you are exposed to it again.
There are two most common types of allergic reactions: those caused by antibodies or those caused by cells.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. The onset time ranges from seconds to minutes after exposure to the allergen, or even hours. Severe allergic reactions can lead to Anaphylaxis, which can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing.
Causes of Anaphylaxis
The most common allergens are food and insect venom (wasps).
Avoid Allergens
- Peanut
- Nuts
- Fish and shellfish
- fruit
- Dairy products such as milk and eggs
The Following Substances Can Also Cause Anaphylaxis:
- Insect venom, systemic allergies are particularly common after being bitten by wasps and bees. In addition, being bitten by a wasp or bumblebee may also trigger systemic allergies, but the chance is small.
- Medications – usually antibiotics (e.g. Penicillin), Aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen)
- Latex
Allergic Reaction Caused by Antibodies
The body's immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (or IgE) that specifically targets allergens. When the immune system produces antibodies, they pass through the blood and enter various systems in the body, such as the skin, trachea, intestines and stomach, etc. These parts contain mast cells, especially those under the skin. There are IgE receptors on the surface of the mast cells that bind to IgE in the blood. When an allergen comes into contact with IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells, it triggers mast cell activity. The activated mast cells will release some inflammatory factors (such as histamine, leukotriene, etc.), causing patients to have allergic reactions, such as blood vessel leakage, blood vessel dilation, itching, tracheal narrowing, etc. This reaction can occur within a short period of time, such as minutes to an hour. Nasal allergies, asthma, urticaria, rubella, acute food allergies, drug allergies, insect allergies, etc. are all caused by type 1 allergic reactions.
Allergic Reaction Caused by Cells
The T cells of the immune system are sensitized to certain allergens. When the T cells are exposed to such allergens again, they will release some factors that cause an inflammatory reaction. Delayed allergic reactions usually occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Delayed allergic reactions can cause skin eczema , contact skin sensitivity or gastrointestinal sensitivity caused by food, etc.
People with Severe Allergies Should Note:
- Know what causes allergic reactions and try to avoid exposure to allergens
- Recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Carry it with you Adrenaline, make sure you have enough medicine and that it has not expired
- Learn how to use medications
- Educate family, friends, and co-workers about the symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to treat them with medications
- Adrenaline It is the drug of choice for treating systemic allergies. Because it works quickly and can instantly improve the condition
- Injection Adrenaline After reaching the thigh muscles, the blood vessels will immediately contract, preventing swelling of the face and lips, and relaxing the lungs. Makes breathing easier. In addition, adrenaline stimulates the heart and increases blood pressure.
- The sooner the drug is injected, the better, and then the patient should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If symptoms do not improve or symptoms reappear after five to fifteen minutes, the patient should prepare for a second injection.
Allergy Test
Allergy Medicine
The same goes for taking allergy medicines. It is very important to use different treatment drugs for different allergic mechanisms. Failure to be careful may result in diagnostic or treatment errors.
Epinephrine Injection Pen
Desensitization Treatment
Immunotherapy is currently the only treatment that can cure allergies, targeting the cause of the allergy to desensitize it. Desensitization treatment (sublingual/injectable) It contains a specific amount of allergens to help patients gradually build immunity. After a period of immunotherapy, when the patient is exposed to the same type of allergen again, the allergic reaction will be greatly weakened. In other countries, especially Europe, desensitization treatments are increasingly common.