Allergies occur when there is an overreaction of the immune system due to contact with a specific substance, such as grass and plants, animals, dust mites, pollens, bee stings and certain foods. The immune system responds to these harmless substances, called allergens, as if there were toxic.
Symptoms and characteristics
Some of the symptoms associated with allergies (allergic reactions) include:
- skin rashes
- swelling of body parts
- sneezing and running nose
- teary, red, itchy eyes
- asthma
- nausea and vomiting.
Severe and rapidly progressing allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, can be life threatening and includes symptoms such as serious breathing problems, rapidly spreading hives, swelling of the face, tongue and throat and loss of consciousness.
For more information on some of these symptoms and characteristics, follow this link:
Workplace adjustments and modifications
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirement:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Allergy Testing
, State Government of Victoria, viewed 12 October 2006, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Allergy_testing?open>.