{"id":402,"date":"2022-10-12T07:02:18","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T07:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=402"},"modified":"2022-10-19T07:12:39","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T07:12:39","slug":"allergic-reactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/allergy-medications\/allergic-reactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergic Reactions: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Allergic reactions are the results of an overactive or misguided immune system.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Some allergic reaction symptoms can be life-threatening.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Doctors can treat allergies with sprays, pills, drops, or epinephrine shots.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>You can find the lowest price for allergy medications with BidRx.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reaction symptoms are the consequences of an overreaction of the immune system to allergens. Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin, the nose, the mouth, the eyes, or the lining of the stomach and guts. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7277149\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">41.7%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of US adults suffer from some form of allergy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Allergic Reaction Symptoms and Their Triggers<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reaction symptoms range from barely noticeable to life-threatening. Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is the most severe allergic reaction, and it can cause death if it\u2019s not treated in time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different allergens cause different allergies and trigger different symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Allergic Rhinitis<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK538186\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affects the nasal airway<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s caused by pollen, dust, or other airborne allergen particles. Its symptoms are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stuffy or runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The irritation of the mucus membrane of the nose and the palate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen and itchy eyes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Eczema<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eczema is an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK538209\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction of the skin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Skin allergies can result from contact with materials like latex. Their symptoms tend to be localized and less severe. Eczema symptoms include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy, irritated skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness at the affected site<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peeling or flaking of the skin\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite its less-severe symptoms, eczema can ruin your quality of life if you leave it untreated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Food Allergies<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food allergies can be severe, as food-borne allergens linger in the body for longer and are more difficult to eliminate. Some food allergy symptoms are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the throat, face, or lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tingling sensations in the mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylactic shock\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Insect Sting Allergies<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insect stings involve more or less potent toxins that make their way into the body, causing pain, irritation, and allergic reactions. Some allergic reaction symptoms to insect stings are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusually large swelling at the site of the sting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tightness around the chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing and coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives breaking out locally or all over the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylactic shock\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insect stings are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mp.pl\/paim\/issue\/article\/3216\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more likely<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to produce severe symptoms than other allergy triggers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Allergies<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, may trigger severe symptoms that can take life-threatening turns. Patients allergic to any medication should look out for these symptoms:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rashes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing and wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy and irritated skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylactic shock\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reaction symptoms like anaphylaxis, or anything that impairs breathing, require immediate medical attention.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Anaphylactic Shock<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike less-severe, localized allergic reactions, anaphylaxis affects the entire body. It is life-threatening, as it can lead to a respiratory collapse and cause the victim to suffocate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482124\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1%-3%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the world\u2019s population will experience anaphylaxis, but the prevalence of the condition is rising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many allergens can trigger an anaphylactic shock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bee stings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Latex hypersensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6016602\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foods<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, anaphylactic shocks occur without known triggers. Doctors call these instances of anaphylaxis <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">idiopathic anaphylaxis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of anaphylaxis are severe:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting and nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A drop in blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rashes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety and the feeling of impending doom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain and discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hoarse voice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac arrest\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_405\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-405\" class=\"wp-image-405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2.jpeg-81.jpg\" alt=\"Epinephrine shot\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-405\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Anaphylactic shock requires immediate intervention.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, most allergic reaction symptoms are not life-threatening. Even mild symptoms can ruin your quality of life, however, if they occur often and you can\u2019t alleviate them quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Allergic Reaction Causes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our immune systems react to foreign substances, thus protecting the body from poisoning and profound damage. How the immune system reacts differs from person to person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bee sting may be a minor annoyance for one person and the cause of a life-threatening systemic reaction for another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The immune system creates antibodies to fight the foreign substances that enter the body through food, drugs, insect bites, or skin contact. Sometimes immune systems may \u201cthink\u201d that an otherwise harmless allergen is dangerous and attack it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Airborne allergens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These particles float in the air and can be difficult to escape. You may be allergic to dust mites, mold, flower pollen, or animal dander. A dander allergy explains why some people have unpleasant reactions to cats or dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Food-borne allergens. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many foods<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contain substances that may trigger allergic reactions. Some of these foods are milk, flour-based products, soy, eggs, shellfish, and peanuts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insect stings. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During our lifetime, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mp.pl\/paim\/issue\/article\/3216\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">94.5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of us suffer insect bites. The most frequent causes of allergic reactions are honeybee and wasp stings. Hornets, bumblebees, and even some fly stings can trigger allergic reactions. Due to their size and the amount of poison they inject, hornets are particularly dangerous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medications. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penicillin is a common cause of severe allergic reactions. Before giving patients penicillin injections, doctors will perform a skin-deep test shot to assess the patient\u2019s reaction to the medicine. Other penicillin-based antibiotics may trigger allergic reactions as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Touch-based allergens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Latex is an example of a material that can trigger allergic reactions in some people when it comes in contact with skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Allergic Reaction Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several factors can play a role in the development of allergies. They include<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Age. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children are more likely than adults to develop allergic reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetics. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a family history of eczema, asthma, or other allergy-related condition, you are more likely to develop an allergy yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Repeated exposure.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Repeated or prolonged exposure to allergens <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000005.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can increase the likelihood of sensitization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Following sensitization, even a small exposure to the allergen can trigger allergic reaction symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Allergic Reaction Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to asking questions about your symptoms and performing a physical examination, doctors can diagnose your allergies in two ways:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Prick testing.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your provider will superficially <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31690371\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prick your skin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with proteins from a series of allergens. If you are allergic, your skin will respond by developing hives in the test area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Blood tests. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccjm.org\/content\/ccjom\/78\/9\/585.full.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergy blood testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows your doctors to measure the number of antibodies in your blood. Doctors can test blood samples for sensitivity to various allergens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Allergic Reaction Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three primary treatment options for allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor to find out which is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoidance. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding the allergens you know can trigger your allergic reactions is your first line of defense. Don\u2019t expose yourself to allergens hoping that your medication will protect you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Medication. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many eye drops, nasal sprays, pills, and liquid medications available that can ease your allergic reaction symptoms almost instantly. However, it\u2019s not a good idea to become overly reliant on over-the-counter medications. When possible, avoidance is always the best option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/epinephrine-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epinephrine injections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a last-resort solution for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Some people with severe allergies always carry epinephrine shots with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a detailed list of medications used to treat allergies, read our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/allergy-medications\/reference-guide-to-allergy-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference Guide to Allergy Medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Allergen immunotherapy. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/acaai.org\/allergies\/management-treatment\/allergy-immunotherapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immunotherapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your doctors can train your immune system to tolerate the presence of an allergen. They will give you increasing amounts of purified allergen extract, promoting the immune system to get used to its presence and reduce its production of the antibodies that attack the allergen.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Find the Lowest Price for Allergy Medications<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-404\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3.jpeg-78.jpg\" alt=\"Woman using an inhaler\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To manage your allergies and reclaim your quality of life, you must use allergy medications regularly. Find the lowest price for allergy medications to make your allergy management affordable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allowing pharmacies to compete for your business by engaging in a bidding war is the best way to find the lowest price for allergy medications. It\u2019s easy! Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create an account at BidRx.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find your allergy medicines on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and create a bid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let pharmacies compete to fill your prescription.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive your allergy medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may get offers from online or local pharmacies, and you can choose the offer that works best for you. Create your bid today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0 Allergic reactions are the results of an overactive or misguided immune system. Some allergic&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":403,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-allergy-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=402"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":407,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions\/407"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}