Lesson Four - Other Conditions
Completion requirements
Allergies
What are they?
Allergies are a response of the immune system to substances that the body comes into contact with, either internally or externally. The immune system response is excessive compared to the stimulus or trigger. Allergy triggers can vary and are usually
harmless to the majority of people. Allergens include peanuts, pet dander, pollen, etc.
Pixabay
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary based on the triggers and the individual.
Click each of the coloured tabs to view more information.
- blocked nose
- itchy nose and eyes
- runny nose
- swollen and watery eyes
- cough
Pixabay
- flaking
- itching
- peeling
- rashes
Pixabay
- vomiting
- swollen tongue
- tingling in the mouth
- swelling of the lips, face, and throat
- stomach cramps
- shortness of breath
- rectal bleeding, mainly in children
- itchiness in the mouth
- diarrhea
- possible anaphylaxis
Pixabay
- wheezing
- swelling at the site of the sting
- a sudden drop in blood pressure
- itchy skin
- shortness of breath
- restlessness
- hives, a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body
- dizziness
- cough
- chest tightness
- anxiety
- possible anaphylaxis
Pixabay
- wheezing
- swollen tongue, lips, and face
- skin rash
- itchiness
- possible anaphylaxis
Pixabay
Learn More
Click each of the coloured tabs to view the videos.
To learn more about anaphylaxis, including symptoms and treatment, view the following video.
To bust the myth about anaphylaxis, view the following video.
To see a patient have an anaphylaxis episode during a food challenge while at the doctor's office, and watch her use an autoinjector treatment, view the following video.
Risk Factors
The most likely risk factors that increase the possibility for a person developing allergies include:
- a family history of asthma or allergies
- being a child
- having asthma
- not being exposed to enough sunlight
- having a different allergy
- birth by Caesarean section