Common Allergies Explained

Vaccine Allergies Info

Vaccines can sometimes cause the body to have reacting to allergies. What makes it worse is, this condition can lead anaphylaxis. There is a one in a million chance for an allergic reaction due to vaccination to develop. Before deciding between being vaccinated or not, take note of the dangers of skipping a vaccination. Mumps and measles are both reported to have caused death. Children may be required by their schools to be vaccinated. Moreover, parents may also protect their children from acquiring these conditions.

You may not be aware, but vaccines that you expect to protect you from certain diseases may cause an allergy attack. Two primary ingredients are perceived to be the most likely allergens. One is the egg protein, which includes into yellow fever vaccine and flu vaccine. Another is the gelatin in rubella, measles, mumps, Japanese encephalitis, and varicella vaccines. By the time thimerosal was used, it already causes allergic reactions to a number of individuals. On the other hand, it has been excluded from the vaccines that are licensed in the US.

Latex Allergy Facts

Hypersensitivity to latex happens when a person comes in contact with products that have latex. Gloves, condoms, and other medical equipment made of latex are offending products to people with latex allergy. There are many symptoms of latex allergy. It includes skin problems such as urticaria or eczema. Tearing of the eyes and irritation may also develop. Respiratory problems may also occur such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of latex allergy can range from mild to severe. Mild reactions may only include itchiness of the skin due to skin rashes. However, anaphylaxis may occur which is a severe allergic reaction. It will cause tightening of the airways making it difficult to breathe. Hives may also develop and gastrointestinal problems.

Part of treatment for latex allergy is removal of the latex product. Antihistamines and epinephrine can relieve allergic reactions. It is very important to use a Medic Alert bracelet if you have latex allergy. You must also bring an emergency epinephrine kit with you all the time.

If you are allergic to latex, it is best to avoid latex-containing products. This way, occurrence of allergic reactions will be prevented.

Pollen Allergies Facts

These round or oval pollen grains used by plants for reproduction purposes are so microscopically small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Some Plant species use the pollen from its own flowers to fertilize itself. Others should undergo cross-pollination.

Pollen must be transferred from the flower of one plant to another of the same species. Then, cross pollination, or fertilization and seed-forming, will take place. Flowering plants sometimes depends on the wind to carry their pollen, and for some, they rely on insects. Plants with showy flowers do not cause allergic reactions but it is the plain looking plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that do. In order for pollen produced by these plants to be suitable for air transport, they must be dry, lightweight, and small.

Related: Bee Stings

Dog & Cat Allergy

Many people think that pet allergy is caused by their pets' fur. According to some researchers, saliva protein can cause allergies. The fur contains the proteins as the animal licks itself. Two of the main sources of allergens are urine and the skin. Proteins are able to float in the air because the substance that holds it dries up.

Dogs do not cause as much allergic reactions as cats do for these animals are not fond of licking their bodies often. There is an increase in the popularity of rodents as household pets. People can get allergic reactions from the urine of some rodents like guinea pigs and gerbils.

Drug Allergy Overview

The use of drugs should be taken into consideration. This is because some drugs give collateral effects. Every individual should be extra careful when choosing drugs to take. Some drugs provide clearly stated instruction. However, its side effects may be hard to predict. Serious consequences due to allergic symptoms are only minimal. However, there are still some conditions that make a person's life difficult. This is when multiple symptoms like swelling, trouble breathing, itching, rash and hives are experienced all at once.

Some widely used medications are more allergenic than others, most patients say. Examples of medications would include anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillin, antibiotics in general and, of course, aspirin. The symptoms of an allergic response is achieved because of the involvement of IgE. However, the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs along with penicillin may give similar symptoms. Various types of drugs that give similar symptoms like an allergic reaction are vancomycin, intravenous x-ray dyes, paclitaxel, morphine, and ACE inhibitors.

The editor publishes assessments, critiques, and informative articles on the subject of allergy. Would you like to find out more regarding allergy symptoms? Get replies straight from the writer who basically suffered various allergies since childhood years.