Allergy is a disease that has manifestations of a very different nature. A considerable number of diverse signs of an allergic reaction is due to the fact that, depending on the allergen itself, different organs and tissues can be involved in these processes. The degree of intensity, as well as differences in the manifestations of the disease, in addition to various ways of interacting with the allergen, as well as the characteristics of the disorder, are associated with the patient's individual tendency to certain allergic manifestations.
Skin manifestations of allergies
Signs of allergy on the skin are one of the most characteristic manifestations of this disease.
It is by the presence of various rashes that the patient understands that his body does not accept certain materials, cosmetics, food or drugs. Skin allergy rashes can appear anywhere. Their intensity can also be varied, from a couple of minor spots to the defeat of half or more of the skin surface. The rash can develop instantly, without any precursors, or it can develop sequentially, with a gradual increase in symptoms and the appearance of new signs.
Types of skin rashes:
- Eczema
The skin in the places where this type of rash appears coarsens, the places on which the skin furrows are present acquire deeper and sharper outlines. The areas of eczema appearing become a rich red color. Then the smallest blisters are formed, inside of which there is a liquid. Over time, the surface of the rash bursts, forming a honey-colored cover. At all stages of eczema, severe itching of the skin is noted.
- Hives
This disease owes its name to the fact that these rashes are indistinguishable from nettle burns. In this case, there is the appearance of several billowing round blisters with a red-pink color. The size, frequency, and location of the congestion all vary from case to case. With intense damage to skin fragments, an increase in overall body temperature may occur. As a result, the patient is faced with bouts of fever. Rashes with urticaria can itch, and may even go away without this manifestation.
- Dermatitis
The first symptom of dermatitis is the appearance of scaly, reddening areas of the skin. In their place, tiny liquid bubbles appear over time. The manifestations of dermatitis pass with terrible itching.
Respiratory allergy symptoms
Allergy manifestations that affect the state and functioning of the respiratory system in medical practice are called respiratory. These disorders are provoked by specific allergens, which, due to their low weight, easily rise into the air, and their microscopic size allows these substances to easily pass through the mucous membranes. Such allergens are: flowering plants, house and other types of dust, animal excretions, fish food, etc. Allergic processes can involve various organs that are part of the respiratory system. You can meet both isolated varieties of respiratory allergies, and a combination of manifestations of a respiratory nature.
Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a swelling of the mucous membrane, which leads to the fact that the nasal passages are significantly narrowed. As a result, people suffering from this symptom of allergy find it extremely difficult to breathe. Sometimes it is generally possible to do this exclusively by mouth. At the same time, the nasal sinuses are strongly irritated, itching is observed, as well as profuse runny nose and sneezing.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis occurs when an allergen affects the mucous surfaces of the larynx. During an allergic reaction, it can swell, which can cause serious breathing disorders. Therefore, signs of an allergic reaction in the larynx should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. The presence of various voiced noises in the patient's voice indicates participation in the inflammatory processes of the vocal cords.
Alveolitis
Alveolitis is a severe but fortunately rare allergic condition that affects the patient's lungs. Most often, it is provoked by proteins that are excreted along with bird feces. The disease develops for a long time, its manifestations reduce the productive volume of the lungs. Treatment of alveolitis is carried out only in a hospital. The characteristic signs of alveolitis are the appearance of shortness of breath and cough, after the allergen has entered.
Bronchial asthma
Allergic asthma is an acute disorder of the respiratory system, with attacks of which the patient meets after exposure to allergens. The patient's sensitive immunity provokes a sudden and strong contraction of the bronchial muscles. Air cannot freely penetrate through the narrowed gap, which causes suffocation.
Allergy Asthma Symptoms:
- bouts of intense severe coughing;
- lack of air;
- accelerated heavy breathing;
- feeling of pressure on the chest;
- the appearance of noise during breathing, resembling a whistle;
- chest starts to hurt;
- in order to breathe the patient use skeletal muscles;
- for the convenience of breathing, the patient changes his position.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of allergy
Most of the disorders of the digestive system happen when in contact with food allergens. Allergic processes can be found over the entire surface of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, the digestive organs react to the intake of food allergens with diarrhea, vomiting and painful spasms. The initial link in the digestive system, the oral cavity, can also respond sharply to eating allergens. In this case, swelling and bouts of itching and irritation are observed in this area. A sore throat may appear.
Allergic reactions provoked by the substance caused by them causes the accumulation of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract. This hormone enhances intestinal contractions, up to the appearance of spasms. A sharp contraction of the intestine causes intense pain in this area. Excessive contractile activity can cause food to go backwards from the stomach back into the esophagus. The walls of this organ are vulnerable to the acidic environment of this organ, and as a result, heartburn occurs.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract directly affect the lack of nutrients in the body. For this reason, during long contact with the allergen, signs of exhaustion may occur: manifestations of beriberi, lack of minerals, weakness, pallor, weight loss.
Allergy symptoms from the organs of vision
On the part of the visual system, signs of allergy are called "allergic conjunctivitis". This malaise is an inflammatory process that occurs on the mucous membranes of the eye. The most characteristic manifestation of conjunctivitis is redness of the eyes. This phenomenon is provoked by vasodilation, which develops when the allergen penetrates. This disorder is also accompanied by itching in the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, increased activity of the lacrimal glands.
The patient encounters signs of allergic rhinitis almost immediately after the allergen hits. This allows you to independently detect which substance causes an adverse reaction in the body.
Acute manifestations of allergies
Allergic manifestations of an acute nature are allergy symptoms, which are marked by a threat to the life of the patient. They represent a set of disorders that have different mechanisms of development. These phenomena include: Quincke's edema, bronchial asthma, anaphylaxis.
Quincke's edema
Quincke's edema is an acute edematous phenomenon that affects skin tissues and mucous tissues. Edema has such a significant manifestation that the tissue swells to unprecedented sizes. There is no pain with Quincke's edema, the only thing that the patient feels is stretching of the skin in the places of its manifestation.
Most often, edematous phenomena are subject to limbs, as well as the face. With swelling of the larynx, a potential threat to life appears. This is due to the blockage of oxygen supply. For the same reason, swelling of the tongue has a significant danger to the patient. With Quincke's edema, shortness of breath develops, coughing fits, the patient breathes often and with great noise. Initially, there is a reddening of the face, which is replaced by an equally sharply advancing pallor. Another dangerous accompanying element in Quincke's edema is a decrease in blood pressure. As a result, cardiac arrest may occur.
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is an acute variant of the development of an allergic reaction that manifests itself over a short period of time. This is done due to the over-intensive production of a high concentration of antibodies, as a response to contact with the allergen. Under the action of antibodies, biologically active substances are released. Their impact in anaphylactic shock leads to a variety of negative transformations in the body. The muscles of the larynx begin spasmodic contractions, blocking the airways. Another extremely dangerous phenomenon in anaphylactic shock is a large-scale edema that occurs in the skin and mucous membranes.
A large amount of blood leaves the internal organs and enters the peripheral tissues. This leads to a lack of supply of internal organs with oxygen and other nutrients. Often, anaphylactic shock passes along with the patient fainting, as a result of which he becomes completely helpless and unable to call an ambulance on his own.
The insidiousness of anaphylactic shock is manifested in the fact that its appearance may not necessarily occur immediately, following contact with the allergen. This condition can also form several hours after the ingestion of the provoking substance. These substances can be components of drugs, insect venom or substances found in certain foods. Unlike other allergic disorders, anaphylactic shock is very difficult, with a direct threat to life. However, with competent medical care, which was provided with the required haste, the patient can be saved.
Signs of anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis can take place with an unequal degree of intensity, and therefore with a different severity for the patient. Moreover, its manifestations can also vary.
- Light degree
With mild anaphylactic shock, the first manifestation is the appearance of a feeling of weakening, migraine attacks, an increase in body temperature, the skin becomes warm to the touch, and the heartbeat accelerates.
- Average degree
During an average degree of anaphylactic shock, its symptoms include: the appearance of angioedema, weakness accompanied by panic attacks, fog before the eyes. The patient notes a violation of the heartbeat and a decrease in blood pressure. Another heart symptom at this stage is the appearance of intense pain in the chest. Often the patient hears background noise and crackling, while pain is present in the ears.
- Severe degree
In a severe degree, there is a rapid development of manifestations that are dangerous for the patient: blood pressure drops rapidly, the body and face turn pale, blue appears on the extremities, pupils dilate, and breathing is blocked. The patient may faint or be in a pre-fainting state.
For any manifestations of anaphylactic shock, regardless of the severity, it is necessary to call an ambulance. In case of cardiac arrest, it is necessary to take emergency therapy measures in order to prevent cardiac collapse. Remember that anaphylactic shock is most common in people with food, drug, and insect allergies.
