Allergic reactions are a widespread health condition that affects millions of people – often without them knowing exactly what's causing them. Whether it's a sudden sneeze, a rash, or even shortness of breath – an allergic reaction can manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from harmless to life-threatening. In this article, you'll learn how to recognize allergic reactions, what triggers them, and what treatment options are available.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive response of the immune system to otherwise harmless substances – so-called allergens. The immune system mistakenly perceives these substances as a threat and triggers a cascade of defense mechanisms that can lead to unpleasant or even dangerous symptoms.
The most common triggers are pollen, house dust mites, animal hair, certain foods, medications, insect venoms or chemical substances.
Overview: Forms and symptoms of allergic reactions
| Type of allergic reaction | Typical triggers | Common symptoms | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) | Pollen (grasses, trees) | Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes | Light to moderate |
| Food allergy | Peanuts, milk, egg, fish | Nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, shortness of breath | Moderate to severe |
| Contact allergy (contact dermatitis) | Nickel, latex, fragrances | Itching, redness, blistering | Light to moderate |
| Pet hair allergy | Dogs, cats, horses | Sneezing, watery eyes, difficulty breathing | Moderate |
| House dust mite allergy | Mite droppings in mattresses, carpets | Runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing | Moderate to severe |
| Insect venom allergy | Bees, wasps | Swelling, circulatory problems, anaphylactic shock | Severe to life-threatening |
| Drug allergy | Penicillin, aspirin | Rashes, itching, shortness of breath, circulatory problems | Difficult |
How do you recognize an allergic reaction?
The symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear immediately after contact with the allergen. Depending on the type and trigger, they can appear very different. Typical reactions include skin reactions such as redness, itching, or hives. The respiratory tract can also be affected – for example, through sneezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur, a life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical attention.
Causes and risk factors
The exact reasons why some people are allergic and others aren't are not yet fully understood. What is clear, however, is that genetic predisposition plays a major role. If both parents are allergic, the risk that the child will also be affected is over 60%.
Other risk factors include:
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Environmental pollution and pollutants
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Excessive hygiene in childhood (hygiene hypothesis)
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Early childhood nutrition and antibiotic administration
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Early contact with potential allergens
What to do in case of an allergic reaction?
Treatment depends on the severity and trigger of the reaction. For mild symptoms, it is often sufficient to avoid contact with the allergen and, if necessary, take an antihistamine. These medications block the effects of histamine – the body's own substance responsible for many allergy symptoms.
For more severe reactions, cortisone preparations or adrenaline injections (e.g., in the emergency kit for insect venom allergy sufferers) are also used. Anyone who knows they are severely allergic to certain substances should always carry an appropriate emergency kit with them and inform close relatives about the correct course of action in an emergency.
Prevention and long-term therapy
The most important preventative measure is to avoid known allergens. However, this isn't always possible – especially with pollen or house dust. Specific immunotherapy, also known as hyposensitization, can help here. This involves acclimating the body to the allergen over an extended period of time. This therapy can "retrain" the immune system in the long term and significantly reduce symptoms.
Further preventive measures:
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Regular airing and washing of textiles
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Allergen-proof duvet covers for dust mite allergies
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Choose pets with low allergenic potential
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Read food labels carefully
Probiotics: Support for the immune system in allergies
An increasingly recognized approach in allergy prevention and treatment is the use of probiotics . These are live microorganisms – mostly lactic acid bacteria – that can have a positive effect on the intestinal flora. Since around 70% of the human immune system is located in the intestines, a healthy intestinal flora plays a central role in immune regulation. Studies show that certain probiotic bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and GMNL-133 can help to weaken excessive immune reactions and stabilize the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. The supplemental administration of probiotics is repeatedly recommended, especially for young children with an increased risk of allergies or those with atopic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis). However, it is important to note that not every probiotic has the same effect – it depends on the specific strain and dosage. Consultation with a medical professional or allergist is therefore advisable.
Conclusion: Act quickly and stay informed
Allergic reactions are diverse and can affect anyone. Knowing the symptoms and taking the right measures can significantly improve your quality of life despite an allergy. Whether through avoidance, medication, or immunotherapy – there are effective ways to manage an allergy. However, if in doubt, you should always seek medical advice, especially in cases of severe or unclear reactions.
