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“Allergic reactions” – any person has come across this concept at least once. Over the past few decades, according to the World Health Organization, the number of allergy sufferers has been steadily increasing. Allergy is considered one of the most common pathological conditions among the entire population of the planet – since approximately 40% suffer from various forms of allergic reactions.
Allergens are the factors that cause the development of allergies. It should be noted that individual pathological reactions of a particular organism can be caused by exposure to hundreds of different types of allergens, including insect bites, animal dander, plant pollen, food, chemicals, sunlight, medicines and other influences.
The mechanism of development of allergies and its manifestations
In order to be able to provide adequate first aid to the victim, it is necessary to have an idea of what an allergy is and what the essence of this phenomenon is.
The cause of the development of various diseases can be pathogens that enter the human body. The immune system fights diseases by producing specific antibodies with the participation of T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which neutralize and destroy these foreign particles. Allergic reactions are specific reactions of the immune system to certain irritants. Normally, a healthy body does not respond in any way to such “provocations”, however, if a malfunction occurs in the immune system, factors such as dust, wool, odors can be perceived by the body as antigens, that is, as pathogens.
In response to the entry of these allergens into the body, the corresponding mechanisms are launched in it – immunoglobulin IgE is produced. When IgE antibodies reach irritant cells, they bind to mast cells and basophils. As a result, the complex “IgE + mast cells + allergen”, or “basophil + “IgE + allergen” is formed. The first complex remains in the organs, the second one circulates through the bloodstream, reaching the skin, lungs, stomach, and skin. The primary reaction of the body to the allergen is manifested by a spasm of smooth muscles, a decrease in blood pressure, the formation of edema and blood clotting.
External manifestations and causes of the development of allergies
Symptoms of allergic reactions manifest themselves in different ways – its specificity may depend on the type of allergens, as well as on the ways they enter the body. Allergens can penetrate the skin, respiratory tract, sinuses, digestive tract.
The most typical symptoms:
- cough, difficulty breathing;
- frequent sneezing;
- runny nose, nasal congestion, copious secretion of mucus from it;
- itchy nose;
- redness of the eyes, itching in the eyes, their strong tearing, swelling of the eyelids;
- nausea, diarrhea, indigestion;
- redness and itching of the skin, the appearance of rashes;
- swelling of the eyes, mucous membranes, lips, nose, neck, face;
- tingling of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, numbness of the tongue.
Such manifestations can be supplemented by the development of a state of anaphylactic shock – such a pathology threatens the patient with a fatal outcome if urgent measures are not taken to help him. Anaphylactic shock manifests itself:
- severe swelling of the throat and airways, due to which a person cannot breathe normally;
- rash all over the body;
- redness and itching of the skin;
- feeling of weakness;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure;
- abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting;
- weakening and acceleration of the pulse;
- loss of consciousness.
Almost any environmental factor in food, liquid, air, to which a person has an increased sensitivity, can provoke such a condition in a person.
For example, household chemicals, latex, animal hair, dust, pollen, fungal and mold spores, food, insect bites.
Allergy manifestations
The symptomatology that accompanies the mechanism of the body’s reaction to the allergen determines the form of the allergy – mild or severe.
The mild form usually manifests itself:
- limitedly localized urticaria affecting the skin;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- rhinitis (damage to the nasal mucosa associated with constant congestion and increased mucus separation).
A severe allergic reaction not only causes discomfort to the victim, but also poses a real danger to his life. It is accompanied by anaphylactic shock with a sharp decrease in blood pressure and impaired microcirculation in the internal organs; angioedema (spasm of the respiratory muscles, suffocation); generalized urticaria with intoxication syndrome.
Help with a mild allergic reaction
Usually in such cases, itching and redness appear on the skin contact area with the allergen, the eyes begin to itch, and increased lacrimation is formed. At the contact site, a slight swelling, nasal congestion can be determined, mucus is intensively secreted from him, he often sneezes.
In this case, first aid at home is to exclude contact with the allergen, as well as to reduce and reduce the unpleasant consequences of such contact.
The oral cavity, nose, skin should be washed with warm water, and if an allergy appeared after an insect bite, you need to remove the sting from the wound. Apply a cool compress to the itchy area. Next, the patient needs to take antihistamines. Usually such a sequence of actions is enough to cope with the pathological condition.
In what cases it is necessary to call an ambulance
After first aid is provided to a person, contact with the allergen is interrupted, the appropriate medications are taken, there should be an improvement in the condition and easing of symptoms.
The patient should be immediately taken to a medical facility for medical assistance if he has:
- spasms in the throat;
- respiratory dysfunction;
- nausea and vomiting;
- severe swelling of the mucous membranes and skin;
- weakness and loss of consciousness;
- increased heart rate;
- drop in blood pressure.
How does a severe allergic reaction manifest?
Quincke’s edema is the most dangerous for a person. Especially often it appears in young women with allergies and is characterized by swelling of the subcutaneous tissue and mucous tissues of the nasopharynx. As a result, a person has a violation of swallowing and respiratory function, suffocation develops, which can lead to death. Also, Quincke’s edema is accompanied by hoarseness, coughing, asphyxia, and an epileptic seizure may begin against its background.
Urticaria in severe forms is characterized by the design of bright pink blisters all over the body, accompanied by burning and itching. Along with the blisters, fever and headache may occur.
Anaphylactic shock manifests itself differently in each person, depending on the severity of the reaction. A red rash develops all over the body, the rashes are very itchy. Edema occurs in the area of the eyes, limbs and lips, the airways spasm. The patient has nausea and vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, and possible loss of consciousness.
At the first symptoms of Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock, it is necessary to immediately seek specialized help, and before the arrival of the ambulance team, perform first aid measures for the victim.
It is necessary to interrupt the intake of the allergen into the body. It is forbidden to eat. Orally, the patient can be given an antihistamine, but for a better and faster effect, it is necessary to make an intramuscular injection. With food allergies, as with drug allergies, the patient is washed with a stomach and given enterosorbents.
If you are allergic to a bee sting, you need to get rid of the source of the poison, remove the irritant from the skin. In acute cases, intravenous antihistamines can be administered. For extensive skin lesions with urticaria in a hospital setting, intravenous injections of corticosteroids may be appropriate.
Anaphylactic shock requires gastric lavage, as well as a cleansing enema. After restricting access to the allergen, the victim must be laid on his side to prevent swallowing of the tongue and vomit.
If reactions occur on the face, the contact area should be cleaned with warm water. Next, a cool compress with a decoction of chamomile, sage or calendula is applied to the skin. After the face is gently dried with paper napkins, it can be gently sprinkled with potato starch.
Such procedures are repeated several times within an hour or two, in parallel, you can take an antihistamine tablet.
In case of manifestations of allergic reactions in a child, he should be seated straight, or laid on his back with dizziness, turning his head to one side with nausea. Antihistamine medications can be given to a child only after consultation with a pediatrician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the baby.
First aid for allergies is aimed at saving the life of the victim, which includes eliminating the body’s contact with the allergen, reducing the manifestations of allergies, Quincke’s edema, and anaphylactic shock. In this way, unpleasant consequences and even death of a person can be avoided.