166 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
An allergy is a disturbance or reaction that affects only certain persons when things
they are sensitive or allergic to are . . .
• breathed in
• eaten
• injected
• or touch the skin
Allergic reactions, which can be mild or very serious, include:
• itching rashes, lumpy patches, or hives (p. 203)
• runny nose and itching or burning eyes (hay fever, p. 165)
• irritation in the throat, difficulty breathing, or asthma (see next page)
• allergic shock (p. 70)
• diarrhea (in children allergic to milk—a rare cause of diarrhea, p. 156)
An allergy is not an infection and cannot be passed from one person to another.
However, children of allergic parents also tend to have allergies.
Often allergic persons suffer more in certain seasons—or whenever they
come in touch with the substances that bother them. Common causes of allergic
reactions are:
pollen of
certain
flowers and
grasses
chicken
feathers
dust
kapok or feather
pillows
moldy blankets or
clothes
certain medicines,
especially injections of
penicillin or horse serum
(see p. 70)
hair from cats and
other animals
specific food, especially
fish, shellfish, beer, etc.