Question 1

are allergic reactions hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No: Allergies to specific triggers, like peanuts, shrimp, dust mites, etc., are not inherited from one generation to the next. However, the general state of "being allergic" (atopy) can be hereditary, so children of parents with asthma or seasonal allergies may have increased risk to develop those or other allergic conditions. See an allergist for more information.

Question 2

how come we have allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Complete ans unknown: It technically is misguided immune reaction. The body misinterprets a harmless protein or complex carbohydrate as a potential invader. Specifically it mounts a response as if there is a parasite in the area involved: skin, airway, gut - but if large areas involved or the trigger gets into the bloodstream (like bee sting or food allergy) life-threatening generalized allergic reaction=anaphylaxis.

Question 3

are allergic reactions always immediate?

Accepted Answer

Depends: An allergic reaction usually occurs within 20 mins after exposure to an inhaled allergen but it may occur as late as 2 hrs with food allergy and 6-8 hrs with red meat allergy. For allergic skin reactions, it is usually from a different immune mechanism when the contact is on the skin. The reaction may not develop until 1-3 days after the exposure (poison ivy is one such example).

Question 4

what are symptoms of allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

A range of symptoms: Allergic reactions can be non life threatening and only include hives and itching, or can include multiple organ systems and present with swelling, throat tightening, cough, wheeze, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and light-headedness. See an allergist for definitive allergy testing.

Question 5

how can i avoid my allergic reactions !?

Accepted Answer

Allergist: See a board certified allergist to fully evaluate the symptoms, perform an exam and testing to accurately identify the allergy issues and then provide a treatment plan.

Question 6

how can i stop allergic reactions to cats?

Accepted Answer

Avoid and meds: Avoiding cats and cat dander is the most important, but challenging since 50% of all households have pets.  Antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops can decrease the symptoms after exposure to cat dander.  The best long term treatment is allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long lasting relief even after allergy shots are stopped.

Question 7

which metals do not cause allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Fine metals: Most fine metals used in expensive jewelry (like pure gold, platinum, & titanium) do not cause contact allergies. The metals most likely involved are nickel, cobalt, and chromate which are often mixed with other metals. They are also found in insecticides, dyes/inks/paints, construction materials like cement, & leather tanning products. Patch testing can help identify dermatitis due to allergy.

Question 8

how does the body fortress allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Immune regulation: Complex question. When genes and environment interact , some people become allergic. Much of this is determined by immune regulation. The body would try to counter the allergic reaction but usually the counter-offense is insufficient leading to allergic diseases. Exposure to bacteria from animals (preferably multiple) in the first few months of life appears to reduce the development of allergies.

Question 9

in what ways are allergic reactions actually formed?

Accepted Answer

Protein antibodies : Are produced by white blood cells when they recognize "something "foreign "..Like a bacteria ... But it also happens when the body is exposed to tree pollen (for ex. ) and mistakenly thinks  it is harmful. Then you may sneeze , get itchy eyes etc.

Question 10

do allergic reactions to food last more than one day?

Accepted Answer

Delayed-type allergy: Allergic reactions caused by allergic antibody (ige) have an early phase (caused by pre-formed chemical granule release, such as histamine, from white blood cells and typically lasting less than 4 hours. This is often followed by a delayed-reaction caused by the continued secretion of inflammatory chemicals from the blood cells. Delayed reactions can continue for days.

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Are allergic reactions hereditary?

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What are symptoms of allergic reactions?

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How can i avoid my allergic reactions !?

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How can i stop allergic reactions to cats?

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Which metals do not cause allergic reactions?

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How does the body fortress allergic reactions?

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In what ways are allergic reactions actually formed?

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Do allergic reactions to food last more than one day?

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