Unusual Allergies: To Tears, Air, Hair, and "Everything in a Row"

In everyday usage, the word "allergy" has long ceased to mean only a medical phenomenon. It is used to describe a dislike of anything annoying, such as work. Meanwhile, allergy is a hypersensitivity that the adaptive immune system develops in response to usually harmless substances, and it has clear mechanisms that can be tested.

What polyvalent allergy is and what an allergy to everything in a row is called

People with allergies are often sensitive to more than one substance. The term "allergy to everything in a row" is colloquial: it describes a situation in which a person reacts to dust, pollen, animal fur, and foods at the same time. The reason is that the immune system responds to several different allergens, not to "everything" in general.

Separately, there is pseudoallergy — increased sensitivity without prior sensitization and without an IgE mechanism, although outwardly it resembles an allergy. Food intolerance caused by non-immunological reactions is also distinguished. Therefore, an "allergy to everything" may turn out to be a combination of several allergies, as well as pseudoallergy or food intolerance.

Allergy to tears, hair, and people: what actually causes the reaction

In unusual reactions, including after contact with tears, a doctor's assessment is needed. The same logic applies to "allergy to a person": the reaction is not to the personality, but to pet fur or dust.

A reaction mistaken for an allergy to hair is often associated with animal fur: pet fur is a common allergen. Some people have a nickel allergy. The symptoms here are standard: itching, rash, redness, sometimes swelling and tearing.

Allergy to air, work, and electricity: what science knows

"Allergy to air" usually means a reaction to what it contains: pollen, dust mites, mold spores, animal fur and dander. "Allergy to work" is a figurative expression: in everyday usage, the word "allergy" is used to denote something annoying or unpleasant, and in this sense it is not a medical diagnosis.

Why allergies can be severe and when they are dangerous

Symptoms of an allergic reaction appear within minutes or after several hours: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, cough, wheezing, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, lips, mouth, or throat, nausea, and abdominal pain. Allergic diseases are widespread: at least one of them occurs in 8–10% of people worldwide.

The most dangerous is anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate hospital care. Its signs include sudden swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing and swallowing, bluish or pale skin, sudden dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

This condition by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; call 103 or 112 if the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell, breathing becomes rapid or difficult, the throat tightens, the skin turns blue or pale, or the person suddenly becomes confused, drowsy, or loses consciousness.

How to determine the cause of unusual reactions and who to consult

If the reaction recurs, the doctor may prescribe allergy tests: skin tests, when a small amount of allergen is applied to the skin, and blood tests. Sometimes a trial gradual introduction of the product under supervision is used to assess the reaction. Based on the results, the specialist draws up an allergy management plan.

• Skin tests with allergens.
• Blood tests.
• Trial introduction of the suspected product under medical supervision.
• Consultation with an allergist or a specialized clinic.

You should consult a doctor if you suspect an allergy in yourself or your child, as well as with recurring unexplained reactions. The material is for reference purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer