What You Must Know about Allergic Reactions

Poison Ivy Allergy Guide

The sap responsible for irritation in the toxicodendron family is named urushiol. The toxicodendrons include poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. Allergic rashes are generated by urioshiol upon a few hours, or even days, after contact. Objects and pets lying about at home may carry some urushiol on the surface.

The poison plant leaves, stem, and roots predominantly consist of urushiol. Urushiol is speedily absorbed into the skin. Burning of poison ivy or other poison plants release urushiol into the air. This may then be inhaled by a person. Aside from skin irritation, contact with urushiol will produce irritation of the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This is especially true when it is inhaled. Poison sumac, poison ivy, and poison oak can be seen in most parts in the US.

The northern and western areas of the United States see a predominance of poison ivy shrubs. In the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern areas, the predominance leans towards the existence of poison ivy as vines. When identifying a poison plant, remember its characteristic three leaflet pattern. Seven to thirteen paired leaves on a stem of a woody shrub characterizes poison sumac. Unlike harmless sumac, poison sumac have bunches of green berries hanging down its shrub. Red, upright berry clusters generally grow on harmless sumac. Poison sumac prefers to inhabit wet and swampy habitats.

Drug Allergy Explained

One must be cautious in taking drugs because some may cause adverse effects. The instructions on some drugs are stated clearly. However, it is always good to be more cautious because the evil effects of these drugs are sometimes unpredictable. There are only few allergic reactions that provide serious consequences. However, having multiple symptoms like swelling, trouble breathing, itching, rash and hives can actually make you miserable.

Some widely used medications are more allergenic than others, most patients say. Anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillin, antibiotics in general, and aspirin are considered drugs that give side effects. Immunoglobulin E or IgE is responsible for an allergic response. However, if anti-inflammatory drugs and penicillin are taken at the same time, it may cause the same symptoms like an allergic response. There are drugs that results to the manifestation of similar symptoms like that of an allergic reaction. These drugs include vancomycin, intravenous x-ray dyes, paclitaxel, morphine and ACE inhibitors.

Mold Allergy Overview

Pollen, dust mite, and mold allergies have similar symptoms. It may include congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny rose, and coughing. Molds can trigger the occurrence of allergy. They grow best in damp areas of the home, especially in the basements and bathrooms. Molds can also grow outdoors like under the mushroom, the grass, mulch, hay, and leaf piles. The similarity of symptoms exists between dust mites, pollen, and mold allergy. These symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, coughing, congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.

With the presence of mold inside the house, allergic symptoms can be manifested all through the year. However, mold allergy is said to be seasonal. It mostly occurs during summer and fall. The symptoms of mold allergy are similar with dust and pollen. Sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes are just some of their common symptoms. Soil from plants can harbor molds. An individual experiencing allergy to molds should avoid indoor plants.

Pet Allergy Explained

Pet fur can cause pet allergy among people. The protein found in saliva causes allergy. The fur has proteins because the animal licks itself. Two of the main sources of allergens are urine and the skin. Proteins can become airborne when the substance carrying it dries.

Contrary to dogs, cats lick often. Due to this, as well as the fact that they are closer to humans, cats carry more allergens. People now are fast accepting other pet types such as guinea pigs and gerbils as great pets. Urine of the many rodents may trigger hypersensitivity to some people.

Cockroach Allergy

Among the household pests that commonly carry allergens inside the home are cockroaches. These insects are usually present in areas that are crowded, like the city. Feces and saliva secreted by cockroaches contain protein substances that may be mixed up with house dust.

Asthma is a symptom of cockroach allergy. If you are constantly experiencing this symptom, research would agree that cockroaches are present in your home. Even in older residences and clean areas, these pests are common. They exist in various settings. It is not only the saliva that has allergenic proteins, but also their bodies and waste material.