what is allergic reaction
An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the body's immune system to certain foreign substances, called allergens. These allergens are usually harmless to most people, but people with allergies can develop abnormal immune responses to them. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild itchy skin to severe anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. In recent years, the incidence of allergic reactions has increased year by year and has become one of the health issues of global concern.
The following are content related to allergic reactions that have been hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days:
| hot topics | Hot content | Discussion popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Spring pollen allergies | There is a high incidence of pollen allergies in spring, and the number of allergy clinics in many hospitals surges | high |
| New research on food allergies | Scientists discover new treatment for peanut allergy | middle |
| Cosmetic allergy | A well-known brand of cosmetics caused allergies to many people, triggering consumer rights protection | high |
| Allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccine | Experts explain the mechanism of rare allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines | middle |
| Allergy Prevention for Children | Latest study: Early exposure to allergens may reduce children's risk of allergies | middle |
Common types of allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can be divided into many types. Here are some common ones:
| type | Common allergens | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory allergies | Pollen, dust mites, pet dander | Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough |
| skin allergies | Cosmetics, metals, detergents | Skin redness, itching, urticaria |
| food allergy | Peanuts, seafood, eggs, milk | Oral itching, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing |
| drug allergy | Penicillin, aspirin, vaccines | Rash, fever, anaphylactic shock |
| Insect venom allergy | Bee and wasp stings | local swelling, systemic allergic reaction |
The pathogenesis of allergic reactions
The occurrence of allergic reactions involves complex immune mechanisms, which mainly include the following stages:
1.Sensitization stage:When an allergen first enters the body of an allergic person, the immune system recognizes it as an "enemy" and produces specific IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach to the surface of mast cells and basophils.
2.Activation phase:When allergens enter the body again, they bind to IgE antibodies, causing mast cells and basophils to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine.
3.Effect stage:The released inflammatory mediators can cause reactions such as blood vessel dilation, smooth muscle contraction, and increased mucus secretion, leading to the occurrence of various allergic symptoms.
Diagnosis and treatment of allergic reactions
Diagnosing anaphylaxis usually requires a combination of history, clinical findings, and laboratory tests:
| diagnostic methods | content | Applicable situations |
|---|---|---|
| skin prick test | Inject tiny amounts of allergens into the skin's surface and observe the reaction | Respiratory allergies, food allergies |
| Blood IgE test | Detection of specific IgE antibody levels in serum | Various allergic reactions |
| food challenge test | Gradually consume suspicious foods under medical supervision | Diagnosed food allergy |
Treatment of allergic reactions mainly includes:
1.Avoid exposure to allergens:This is the most fundamental treatment method. For example, people with food allergies should strictly avoid eating allergenic foods.
2.Medication:Including antihistamines, glucocorticoids, epinephrine, etc., used to relieve symptoms or treat acute allergic reactions.
3.Immunotherapy:By gradually increasing allergen exposure, the immune system develops tolerance. This method is effective for certain respiratory allergies.
How to prevent allergic reactions
Preventing allergic reactions can start from the following aspects:
1.Know your personal allergy history:Keep a record of your own or your family's experiences with allergic reactions to avoid exposure to known allergens.
2.Pay attention to environmental hygiene:Keep the room clean, wash bedding regularly, use an air purifier, etc.
3.Try new foods with caution:Especially children and people with allergies should try new foods gradually and in small amounts.
4.Carry first aid medications with you:People with severe allergies should carry emergency equipment such as epinephrine auto-injectors with them.
5.Breastfeeding:Studies have shown that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of allergies in babies.
With the deepening of medical research, scientists' understanding of allergic reactions continues to deepen, and new diagnostic and treatment methods are constantly emerging. For people with allergies, correctly understanding allergic reactions and taking appropriate preventive and treatment measures can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the trouble and harm caused by allergies.
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