Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis in Houma & South Louisiana

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Food
• Insect stings
• Medicines

Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role.

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It can begin very quickly, and symptoms may be life-threatening. The most common causes are reactions to foods (especially peanuts), medications, and stinging insects. Other causes include exercise and exposure to latex. Sometimes no cause can be found.

It can affect many organs:

• Skin - itching, hives, redness, swelling
• Nose - sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose
• Mouth - itching, swelling of the lips or tongue
• Throat - itching, tightness, trouble swallowing, swelling of the back of the throat
• Chest - shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness
• Heart - weak pulse, passing out, shock
• Gastrointestinal tract - vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
• Nervous system - dizziness or fainting

If someone is having a serious allergic reaction, call 911. If an auto-injector is available, give the person the injection right away.