What Are Allergic Reactions?

 

An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body, in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs - places where immune system cells are located to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed, or come in contact with the skin. Reactions may result in:

  • Rhinitis - nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, nasal discharge, itching in ears or roof of mouth
  • Allergic conjunctivitis - red, itchy, watery eyes
  • Atopic dermatitis - red, itchy, dry skin
  • Urticaria - hives or itchy welts
  • Contact dermatitis - itchy rash
  • Asthma (airway problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing)
Latest Allergy News
Malaria drugs may help patients with lupus

January 22, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drugs used to treat malaria may be useful for patients with lupus, a chronic debilitating "autoimmune" disease, according to according to a new report.

Secondhand smoke may disrupt asthmatic kids' sleep

January 19, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children with asthma may have a harder time getting a good night's sleep if they live with a smoker.

Up to 80 million Americans infected with H1N1: CDC

January 15, 2010 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As many as 80 million Americans have been infected with H1N1 swine flu, up to 16,000 have been killed and more than 360,000 hospitalized, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health