Allergic Reactions Specialist

What happens during an allergic reaction?

The immune system has the vital job of protecting your body from invaders that can make you sick, such as bacteria and parasites. As harmful microbes are identified, the immune system initiates a complex defense response that eliminates or neutralizes the threat.

An allergy occurs when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance for an intruder. When that substance – the allergen – enters your body, the immune response automatically kicks in, producing antibodies to the allergen and releasing histamines, which cause allergy symptoms. This hypersensitive response to a harmless substance is an allergic reaction.

Some of the most common allergens include:

• Pollen from grasses, trees and ragweed
• Foods, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, or soy
• Insect stings and bites
• Molds
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Plants, such as poison ivy
• Irritants, such as household cleaners and chemicals
• Medications

What are some common allergic reactions?

Allergic reactions range from mild to a severe anaphylactic reaction, which is life threatening. The thing to remember about an allergic reaction is that it can be mild the first time it occurs, then after repeated exposures to the same allergen, you can suddenly have a serious reaction.

A few common allergic reactions are:

• Allergic rhinitis: This type of allergy may be seasonal, in which case it’s called hay fever, or it can last throughout the year. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and an itchy nose, eyes, or mouth.
• Eczema, or atopic dermatitis: Develops from contact with an allergen or an irritant. Symptoms include itching, red skin, rash, flaking, or oozing blisters. Eczema usually begins in childhood, and over half of those with eczema develop asthma.
• Hives: Also called urticaria, these itchy, red bumps may be large or small, appear alone, or occur in clumps. Hives are often triggered by foods or medications, but can be caused by any allergen.
• Eye allergy, or allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic reaction occurs in the eyes, making them red, itchy, and swollen.

How does allergy immunotherapy change allergic reactions?

Allergy immunotherapy desensitizes the immune system so that it stops responding to allergens. If immunotherapy doesn’t completely stop your allergic reaction, it significantly diminishes the response and gives you at least some relief from allergy symptoms. During immunotherapy, you receive gradually increasing doses of the allergens that trigger your allergic response. Over time, the immune system learns to tolerate the allergen, so it stops causing such large allergic reactions.