Module 2: In the body
When someone has an allergy, they can have many different physical reactions when they are exposed to allergens. The type of reaction and the severity of it depends on the individual and the severity of their allergy. Very small amounts of some allergens, such as nuts, can cause severe adverse reactions including potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.
The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
| Body part affected | Physical reaction |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Sore, red and/or itchy |
| Nose | Runny and/or blocked |
| Lips | Swelling of the lips |
| Throat | Coughing, dry, itchy and swollen throat |
| Chest | Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath |
| Gut | Nausea and feeling bloated, diarrhoea and/or vomiting |
| Skin | Itchy and/or a rash |
When someone has a severe reaction to an allergen, this can lead to faintness and/or the person might collapse.