Allergies

Aaron, Tyra, Cariane

Allergies

• An exaggerated response of the immune system

• Usually to substances such as food or pollen

Causes

• Allergens that are foreign to the body and causes an allergic reaction.

• Pollens, dust mites, molds, animal proteins, food, and sometimes medication

Symptoms • Depend on the substance involved• Can range from mild to severe• Food allergies– Tingling mouth, Hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or

throat• Insect sting– Swelling at sting site, hives, cough

• Drug allergy– Hives, facial swelling, wheezing

• Seasonal allergies– Itchy eyes, nose, throat, ears, sneezing, irritability, nasal

congestion

Prevention

• Staying away from what causes the allergy• Wearing a medical alert bracelet to notify

others if the allergy is severe and you unable to communicate

Treatment

• Epinephrine shot can be given to be carried around in case of severe allergic reaction

• Over the counter medication• Immunotheraphy

Sources

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/treatment/con-20034030

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/prevention/con-20034030#

• http://www.webmd.com/allergies/• http

://www.medicinenet.com/allergy/page4.htm