An allergy is a condition in which your immune system reacts to a substance that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. The substance that causes the reaction is called an allergen. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body’s immune system overreacts, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing.
What Is the Immune System and What Does It Do?
The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. The immune system’s main job is to keep harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders out of the body and destroy them if they do get in.
The immune system comprises many different cells that work together to protect the body. These include:
White Blood Cells: These are the cells that fight infection. There are different types of white blood cells, each with a different job.
Antibodies: These are proteins that are produced by the body in response to an infection. They attach to bacteria and viruses and help to destroy them.
The Lymphatic System: This is a network of vessels and nodes that help to circulate the white blood cells and antibodies around the body.
The Spleen: This is an organ that filters the blood and removes bacteria and other invaders.
The Thymus: This is an organ that produces T-cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
The immune system is constantly looking for anything harmful to the body. When it finds something, it produces antibodies to destroy it. The immune system also remembers the invaders it has come into contact with before so that it can more easily fight them off if they try to enter the body again.
What Is Anaphylactic Shock?
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that occurs when the body is exposed to a trigger substance. The trigger can be anything from food or medication to bee stings or latex. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
The symptoms of anaphylactic shock include hives, swelling of the face, throat, and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, and lightheadedness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.
How to Deal With Allergy Attacks
If you have an allergy attack, you can do a few things to ease your symptoms. Start by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. This can help to reduce swelling and itching. If your symptoms are severe, you may need a prescription-strength antihistamine or an EpiPen.
In addition to medication, you can also use a cool compress to reduce swelling and itching. Simply apply a cold, damp cloth to the affected area. You can also try nasal irrigation, which involves using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages. This can help to remove any irritants that are causing your symptoms.
If you suffer from severe allergies, it’s important to see an allergist. They can help you to identify your triggers and develop a plan to avoid them. They can also prescribe medication to help you deal with your symptoms. You can manage your allergies and live a normal, comfortable life with the right treatment.
Conclusion
Knowing your triggers and planning to avoid them is important to be prepared for allergy attacks. If you have an allergy attack, you can do a few things to ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help to reduce swelling and itching, and cold compresses can help to soothe irritation. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor for a corticosteroid injection or other treatment.
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