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Food Allergies Research Paper

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Allergies

Allergies may happen from anything your body is sensitive to. This may be food, medicines, pollens, chemicals, and nearly anything around you in everyday life that produces allergens. An allergen is anything that causes an allergy producing substance. Heredity is often a factor in causing these problems. This means you may have some of the same allergies as your parents.
Food allergies happen in all age groups. Food allergies are some of the most severe and life threatening. Some common food allergies are cow's milk, seafood, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soybeans.

SYMPTOMS
• Swelling around the mouth.
• An itchy red rash or hives.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Difficulty breathing.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS ARE LIFE-THREATENING. …show more content…

These are seasonal because they usually occur during the same season every year. They may be a reaction to molds, grass pollens, or tree pollens. Other causes of problems are house dust mite allergens, pet dander, and mold spores. The symptoms often consist of nasal congestion, a runny itchy nose associated with sneezing, and tearing itchy eyes. There is often an associated itching of the mouth and ears. The problems happen when you come in contact with pollens and other allergens. Allergens are the particles in the air that the body reacts to with an allergic reaction. This causes you to release allergic antibodies. Through a chain of events, these eventually cause you to release histamine into the blood stream. Although it is meant to be protective to the body, it is this release that causes your discomfort. This is why you were given anti-histamines to feel better. If you are unable to pinpoint the offending allergen, it may be determined by skin or blood testing. Allergies cannot be cured but can be controlled with …show more content…

It may often be treated with simple over-the-counter medicine such as diphenhydramine. Take medicine as directed. Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking this medicine. Check with your caregiver or package insert for child dosages.
If these medicines are not effective, there are many new medicines your caregiver can prescribe. Stronger medicine such as nasal spray, eye drops, and corticosteroids may be used if the first things you try do not work well. Other treatments such as immunotherapy or desensitizing injections can be used if all else fails. Follow up with your caregiver if problems continue. These seasonal allergies are usually not life threatening. They are generally more of a nuisance that can often be handled using medicine.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• If unsure what causes a reaction, keep a diary of foods eaten and symptoms that follow. Avoid foods that cause reactions.
• If hives or rash are present:
○ Take medicine as directed.
○ You may use an over-the-counter antihistamine (diphenhydramine) for hives and itching as needed.
○ Apply cold compresses (cloths) to the skin or take baths in cool water. Avoid hot baths or showers. Heat will make a rash and itching

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