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GETRUDE
GETRUDE
Samuel Ofori
Topic: Allergies
ALLERGY
An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts
abnormally to a foreign substance.
• Types of Allergies
• Drug allergy
• Food allergy
• Contact dermatitis
• Latex allergy
• Asthmatic allergy
• Animal allergy
• Seasonal allergy
1. DRUG ALLERGIES
Is the abnormal reaction of the immune system to a medication. With this, the allergic reaction is mild.
Symptoms
• Hives, ash and fever are common symptoms.
• Fever, itching, nausea, runny nose, swelling, watery eyes, or wheeze
• Requires medical diagnosis
Treatment
• Treatment involves discontinuing the medication that is causing the reaction.
• Other medication can reduce the allergy symptoms, such as antihistamines. In severe cases, bronchodilators or
adrenalin may be required.
• Antihistamines redues or stops allergic reaction
2. FOOD ALLERGIES
are unpleasant or dangerous immune system reaction after a certain food is eaten.The cause of food
allergies is unknown. In some cases, allergies experienced during childhood may resolve in adulthood.
Symptoms
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• itchy skin or a raised rash (hives)
• swelling of the lips, face and eyes (angioedema)
• sneezing or an itchy, runny or blocked nose, tummy pain.
• diarrhoea.
Treatment
• Antihistamine drugs treat mild reactions. A severe reaction needs an injection of the drug epinephrine
and emergency room care.
• Avoid specific foods
• Always read labels
• Dine out defensively
• Always carry your medication, ideally two doses.
Foods That Help with Seasonal Allergies
• • Citrus fruits, including oranges, kiwi, lemon and grapefruit.
• • Bell peppers ,strawberries and tomatoes.
• • Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.
Symptoms
• The main symptom is a red rash wherever the skin came into contact with the
irritant.
• Leathery patches that are darker than usual (hyperpigmented), typically on
brown or Black skin.
• Dry, cracked, scaly skin, typically on white skin.
• Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.
• Swelling, burning or tenderness.
Treatment
• Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt
for vinyl gloves instead.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the
wilderness.
• If you notice irritation from a new product, stop using it
immediately.
• If you know you have sensitive skin, do a spot test with any new
products. You can apply the new product to one place on your
forearm. Cover the area, and don’t expose it to water or soap.
• Check for any reaction at 48 and then 96 hours after application.
If there’s any redness or irritation, don’t use the product.
Can Allergies go away on its own?