(a) What is an “allergic reaction” ?
Answers
Your immune system is responsible for defending the body against bacteria and viruses. In some cases, your immune system will defend against substances that typically don’t pose a threat to the human body. These substances are known as allergens, and when your body reacts to them, it causes an allergic reaction.
You can inhale, eat, and touch allergens that cause a reaction. Doctors can also use allergens to diagnose allergies and can even inject them into your body as a form of treatment.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) reports that as many as 50 million people in the United States suffer from some type of allergic disease.
As soon as the body of an allergic person comes in contact with the allergen, it shows distinct symptoms of allergy . This is called a allergic reaction. These symptoms are visible in various parts of the body such as the mouth, nose, throat and sometimes even the eyes and the ears.
Some common symptoms of allergy are as follows :-
- constant sneezing
- severe bouts of coughing
- laboured and noisy intake of breath or wheezing
- mucus congestion of the nasal passage leading to blocked or running nose
- itchy, watery eyes
- itchy throat
- stomach ache, diarrhoea, vomiting or pain in the abdomen
- itchy skin with red swollen patches
- hives
- feeling of weakness or fatigue
- irritability