Allergy Types
Allergies are commonly divided into four types according to the damage that is caused to the tissue but allergies can be also divided according to the type of contact with allergens on acute and chronic allergies. Acute allergies are caused by substances with which one comes in contact only occasionally and trigger allergic reaction on the skin, respiratory system and digestive system, while a person suffering from chronic allergy is in constant contact with the allergens. In chronic allergies allergens reach the body through food or direct contact, while oversensitivity can be also triggered by substances that are present in the body all the time such as fungi and bacteria.
Allergies are often also divided according to the tissue that is affected. Most often is affected skin and respiratory system but in some people can be affected also multiple organ systems.
- Skin allergy is characterized by reactions on the skin - inflammation, itch, rashes, hives and eczema. There are several different types of skin allergy commonly referred as dermatitis. One of the most common types of skin allergy is contact dermatitis or contact eczema that causes itch, redness, rashes, swelling and/or hives after the contact with the allergen. It is most frequently triggered by substances which in majority of people have no effects: latex, plants (poison ivy), nickel, gold, formaldehyde, detergents, cosmetic products, etc. Similar symptoms as contact dermatitis are also in atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema which is in majority of people triggered by dust mite, animal hair, pollen and food. Atopic dermatitis is often caused by genetic factors, while people suffering from atopic dermatitis have usually also very extremely dry skin which is easily irritated. Individuals allergic to insect stings, certain medicines and foods might be affected by urticaria which is notable for dark red, raised and itchy bumps which often dissolve on their own after several minutes to several days.
- Respiratory system allergy affects the respiratory system and is not necessary triggered by the airborne particles. Among most common allergies is allergic rhinitis known as hay fever which is triggered by pollen of specific seasonal plants, airborne particles and dust but also animal dander, dust mites and mould. Hay fever is characterized by sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes, while some people who suffer from hay fever also experience coughing, difficulty in breading, headache and sleeping disorder. Millions of people all over the world also suffer from allergic asthma who experience an asthma attack if coming in contact with allergens that can be virtually anything from airborne particles, pollen, animal hair, foods, insect stings, etc. Asthma attack is characterized by narrowing of airways what results symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.
- Multiple organ systems allergy or anaphylaxis can affect several organ systems including digestive system, respiratory system and circulatory system. Anaphylaxis is usually caused by oversensitivity to certain medications, insect stings and foods and can in severest form even lead to death if not treated within few minutes. Since it affects multiple organ systems its symptoms can include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, coughing, swelling, itching, redness, hives, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and low blood pressure.