Allergies in Adolescents

Allergic reactions occur in the body when the immune system perceives certain substances as being harmful to it. These substances are called allergens and normally pose no threat to most people. Examples of such allergens are plant pollen, dust, some types of medication and certain foodstuffs. Antibodies are produced by the body in response to the allergens (these antibodies allow certain cells and chemicals like histamine to mix in the body). These chemicals interact on the lungs, skin, eyes, nose and gastrointestinal tract resulting in symptoms related to allergic reactions. Each time a person comes into contact with allergens these chemicals will cause allergic reaction symptoms.

Symptoms can be mild, such as a runny nose, to severe symptoms like difficulties with breathing. Teenage asthma sufferers in many cases have allergic reactions to colds which result in asthma attacks. Certain types of allergies can trigger numerous symptoms and in rare instances cause a harsh reaction called "anaphylaxis" - the typical signs being dizziness, swelling of the tongue, throat and lips, difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Although these reactions happen immediately on exposure to allergens, they can be delays by up to 4 hours.

There are various causes of allergies including hereditary factors but that doesn't mean that children will automatically acquire allergies from affected parents. Some common allergens are insect stings and bites, certain foods, airborne particles, medicines and chemicals. Food allergies in infants usually disappear as they grow up - food allergens include milk and dairy products, eggs, seafood, wheat, peanuts and soy. In certain teenagers the venom in insect stings and bites can cause serious reactions which are anaphylactic while some teenagers can be allergic to particles in the air called environmental allergens, which are the most common of all allergens. Other allergens are antibiotic medicines, mold spores, dust mites, pollens, animal dander, ragweed, trees and chemicals found in cosmetics and laundry detergents which cause itchy skin rashes.

When allergists treat allergy problems they will ask questions relating to symptoms and possible hereditary factors and may require diagnostic skin and blood tests. The most effective allergy treatment method is total avoidance of substances which cause allergies but also bear in mind that treatment is available in the form of injections and medications.

People with food allergies can cut out or minimize consumption of foods like peanuts or foods that contain peanut ingredients. Airborne allergies can be kept to a minimum in the home by restricting the movements of pets inside the home, regular cleaning of the home, occasionally replacing carpets and rugs as well as avoiding items that can accumulate dust in the home.

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