Basic First Aid

Harmful toxins, viruses and bad bacteria are identified and naturally attacked by our immune system. This amazing system happens in our bodies? everyday and keeps us healthy and our organs in tip top condition, so what causes allergies?

It?s funny really, because it is our immune system attacking these allergens, which get into our bodies?, that is behind what causes allergies. It?s not these things bringing us out in rashes, but our own bodies, that make ourselves come out in a rash, make us have difficulty breathing, cause us to tingle all over, or make our eyes water up our eyes and bodies become itchy.

Every one?s body treats stuff like pollen, dust and even some foods as an invader. So if our bodies do come into contact with them, our bodies will defend themselves. What causes allergies in some people is how our body reacts to these invaders – when this happens very aggressively that is an allergy.

Allergies can suddenly develop overnight and they might be so mild that you never know that have them, or so severe that it could kill you (this is very rare). You are more likely to have more serious reactions to allergies if the are inherited, or you have a hypersensitive immune system. There is no scientific knowledge as to what causes allergies in different people.

Recently have you noticed the amount of allergies that are about? Especially people who have nut allergies, seafood and wheat, allergies to pets, insect stings, dust mites and are even allergic to medication. All these allergies do seem to be becoming more frequent.

What about hay fever? Now there is an allergy that is becoming more pronounced, in this day and age. People who have never felt the annoying symptoms, which are caused by pollen floating around in the air are suddenly sneezing, blowing their noses and trying not to look like they are crying (which they are not), but pollen has been here since the dawn of time. I bet the dinosaurs even got hay fever. After all we are all allergic to something; it just depends to what degree.

What causes allergies can have such a violent reaction with our immune system attacking it, that people can die. This does not happen that often, but some people know that their reaction is so bad that they have to carry an EpiPen with them at all times, so they can give themselves a jab of epinephrine to counteract the allergy. This does not always work unfortunately, or it may only work for a short time, but usually it does stop the allergy from causing serious damage and an ambulance should always be called, just in case.

Chances are that if you carry around an EpiPen, you know the symptoms of an anaphylactic shock, which is the severest of all symptoms of allergies, as it can result in death. So recognition signs to look out for are anxiety, swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, lips going blue, cold clammy skin, puffy eyes and red blotchy skin like a rash. Chances are that if the person is able they will tell you that they have been stung by a bee, eaten a nut, or whatever may be the cause of the allergy. Pay particular attention if they complain of these symptoms of allergies: tingly prickly heat, and really itchy, and that they are going to pass out – call an ambulance immediately.

When you are in a new environment, exposed to new foods, ways of life or medication, you should be ultra careful, as for one, no-one knows exactly what causes allergies, and secondly you should be aware of potential symptoms of allergies. Chances are you will be perfectly fine, but recognition of the symptoms of allergies could save someone?s life.

Filed under: Allergies