Allergy

An allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system of the body to some type of foreign substance. The substance that triggers the allergic reaction is called an allergen. Initial contact with the allergen does not produce any symptoms. However, with time the immune system begins to form antibodies to the allergen, and future interactions with the allergen trigger more dramatic responses. The response to these sensitizing allergens varies from mild sneezing to respiratory difficulty, shock, and death

Symptoms:
Hives, other rashes, swelling, mouth swelling, throat swelling, wheezing, breathing problems, vomiting, fainting, low blood pressure, death.

Treatment:
Treatment includes: antihistamines (diphehydramine Benadryl), steroids, histamine 2 blockers (cimetidine Tagamet, ranitidine Zantac), epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and or oxygen.
Allergy testing may be done to determine the allergen causing the reaction.