Deadly Allergy Triggers to Avoid at All Costs

Allergies are not uncommon at all. In the United States, about 20% of Americans have been diagnosed with one allergy or another. The triggers of these allergies can be found, literally, everywhere, Allergies are essentially an abnormal response of our body’s immune system, somewhat like a defence mechanism against substances in the environment. While pollen, animal dander and certain types of food are the usual culprits, almost anything in our day-to-day encounters with the environment can trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergies don’t sound like anything too serious, do they? A sneeze here, a cough there, and perhaps a little rash are what most people perceive allergies to be. Oh, if only it were that simple. Allergies can range from mild and bothersome to intense and life-threatening.

The medical term ‘anaphylaxis’ is used by doctors to describe serious allergic reactions that prove to be extremely deadly. Here are some of the most life-threatening allergy triggers to be wary of:

Peanuts

Peanuts are the most common cause of food-related allergy deaths. They possess the ability to trigger a reaction that can be fatal if not treated immediately and properly. The symptoms can begin within second of contact, but in some cases, present themselves only after a few minutes or even hours. Seek immediate medical help, should you detect any signs of swelling, hives, breathing difficulties, rapid pulse rate, or dizziness.

Seafood

An estimated 50 percent of anaphylaxis cases are related to food. Among which are shellfish, such as shrimps, lobsters and crabs, which are huge triggers for some people. The allergic effects of seafood can be so potent that just the vapors produced from cooking can trigger a reaction. The reaction can develop into the blocking of airways, swelling of tissues, and in some cases, deadly heart and blood circulation problems.

Sesame Seeds, Tree Nuts and Legumes

Sesame seeds may look tiny, but little do people know, within them lies the ability to cause some serious allergic reactions. Legumes such as lentils, green peas and soy beans, similar to the peanut, which is actually a legume, can potentially bring about the same reactions. Other types of common nuts like cashews and walnuts, too, tend to cause problems for some adults.

Dairy and Wheat

Children tend to react more often to wheat, dairy and eggs than adults do. Whether taken on their own or as part of other foods like cakes and biscuits, these three broad categories of allergens are on the list of the eight most common allergenic foods in the world. Because they can be so well hidden, it is very important to read product labels properly before consumption.

Prescribed Medication

Have you ever had your doctor ask about your allergies? Whenever we visit the clinic, it is our doctor’s responsibility to ensure that we’re not prescribed medication that will result in conflict with our body. Penicillin and other antibiotics are common causes of drug-related anaphylaxis. Other known triggers are chemotherapy drugs, imaging dyes, and muscle relaxants used in anesthesia. To prevent any possible complications, your doctor may suggest that you get allergy shots.

Latex

Believe it or not, the latex found in gloves, IV tubes, condoms and balloons can be a cause of anaphylaxis. Cases of latex allergies are rare, but those who have to undergo multiple surgeries are at a higher risk, as are health care workers who are in constant contact with medical equipment.