Spring - the period during which nature is reborn, the sun is smiling at us more often and the time for walks increases. Sounds wonderful! But for people with pollen allergies or suffering from hay fever, it's a real challenge. In the following lines you will learn all about spring allergies - when they occur, what provokes them and different types of allergies.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance - pollen, pets or certain foods. Your immune system produces substances called antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful even though it is not. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, respiratory tract, or digestive system.
The biggest and most common cause of allergies is pollen. It is released from trees and weeds in order to fertilize other plants. Getting some of it into the nose of a person who is allergic triggers the body's defenses. When the antibodies are released and attack the allergen a chemical called histamine is released. It is the one that causes a runny nose, eye or skin irritation.
Types of allergic reactions
Hay fever or allergic rhinitis - it can cause sneezing, itchy nose, eyes or palate, stuffy nose, red and swollen eyes;
Food allergy - often characterized by swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face, and also anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening reaction caused by allergies.
Allergy to an insect sting - can cause swelling at the site of the sting, hives, coughing and even tightness in the chest.
Allergy from medicines - itchy skin, rash, swollen face and wheezing - all this is characteristic of this type of allergy.
As mentioned above, certain types of allergies can cause anaphylaxis. Its symptoms are:
- loss of consciousness
- drop in blood pressure
- severe shortness of breath
- skin rash
- nausea and vomiting
If you observe any of the following signs characteristic of spring allergies, we recommend that you consult your doctor.
