Brief overview of allergy symptoms
Symptoms may impact the airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic responses vary from mild to severe, and in some instances, allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can lead to
- Sneezing.
- Itching of the skin, nose, eyes, or the roof of the mouth.
- A runny and stuffy nose.
- Tiredness, also called fatigue.
- Watery, red, or swollen eyes, also known as allergic conjunctivitis.
A food allergy can lead to
- A sensation of tingling in the mouth.
- Swelling occurring in the lips, tongue, face, or throat.
- Itchy welts are called hives.
- Stuffy nose, sneezing, or itchy, teary eyes.
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Anaphylaxis.
An allergy to insect stings can lead to
- Pain and a significant swelling, known as edema, at the sting site.
- Itching or hives all over the body.
- Skin warmth and a change in skin color, also known as flushing.
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
- Anaphylaxis.
A medicine allergy can cause
- Hives.
- Itchy skin or rash.
- Facial swelling.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Feeling dizzy.
- Anaphylaxis.
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:
- Itch.
- Form red or brown patches that may be harder to see on darker skin tones.
- Flake, peel, or crack.
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What is an allergy?
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that enters the body. These substances are known as allergens. They include pollen, bee venom, and pet dander. Allergies can also occur to certain foods and medicines that do not cause reactions in most people.
The immune system makes protective proteins called antibodies that attack invaders such as germs. But with allergies, the immune system produces antibodies that mark a specific allergen as harmful, even though it is not. Coming into contact with the allergen triggers an immune response that can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system.
Allergic reactions vary from person to person. They can range from minor irritation to a life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis. While most allergies cannot be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
What are the common causes of allergy?
Various substances can cause allergies. An allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then makes antibodies that stay on the alert for that specific allergen. When you are exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release some immune system chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Common allergy triggers include
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
- Certain foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
- Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp.
- Medicines, especially penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics.
- Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions.
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What risk factors are linked to the allergy
Risk factors for allergies include:
- Having a family history of asthma or allergies, including hay fever, hives, or eczema.
- Being a kid.
- Having asthma or an allergic condition.
How is an allergy diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes the methods your doctor employs to determine if you have an allergy. Typically, your doctor will likely:
- Ask specific questions regarding your symptoms.
- Perform a physical examination.
- Have you kept a detailed record of your symptoms and potential triggers?
If you have a food allergy, your doctor will probably
- if you have stopped eating the suspected food during the allergy exam.
Your doctor may recommend one or both of these tests; however, be aware that they can occasionally give false results.
- Skin test.
- Blood test.
If your doctor suspects that your symptoms are caused by something other than an allergy, additional tests may be necessary to identify the cause.
What are the treatment options available for allergies?
Allergy treatments consist of:
- Avoiding allergy triggers is also referred to as avoidance.
- Medications recommended by the doctor may include pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
- Immunotherapy is a treatment that can help control severe allergies and is also helpful for allergies that do not respond to other methods.
- Emergency epinephrine: If you have a severe allergy, you should always carry an emergency epinephrine shot.
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What preventive measures can help prevent allergies?
Preventing allergic reactions depends on the specific type of allergy. Standard measures include the following:
- Avoid known triggers.
- Keep a diary.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Living with an allergy
Allergies are a standard part of daily life for millions worldwide. If you are not experiencing sniffles and sneezing every spring, you might be trying to avoid a rash from your neighbor’s overly affectionate dog. Food and drug allergies can sometimes be more serious, demanding careful label checks and caution with new medications. For most people, however, allergies can be managed effectively. It is advisable to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do allergies tend to worsen as you get older?
Allergies can change with age due to exposure, variations in the immune system, and other factors. They might become worse, come back after seeming to go away, or improve, such as when someone allergic to cats stays around them. Also, some adults develop new allergies.
someone allergic to cats stays around them. Also, some adults develop new allergies. How can I address allergies?
If you still have bothersome allergy symptoms despite treatment, you might find relief with: oral decongestants or saline rinses for nasal issues; a cold washcloth or allergy-specific eye drops to soothe itchy eyes; showering and changing into fresh clothes to wash away lingering allergens; and hypoallergenic or fragrance-free lotions to soothe itchy rashes.
and hypoallergenic or fragrance-free lotions to soothe itchy rashes. What should I anticipate if I have allergies?
Your experience with allergies varies depending on the type. Seasonal or pet allergies usually lead to irritating, but not life-threatening, symptoms. In contrast, food, drug, and bee-sting allergies are more likely to trigger severe reactions. If you have these allergies, you will likely need to carry an epinephrine injector.
How long do allergies typically last?
Your allergies will continue as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Some symptoms appear within minutes of exposure, while others may take hours or days to develop. Once exposure stops, symptoms should subside within a few hours. However, specific allergies, such as poison ivy rashes, can last for several weeks.
When does allergy season typically occur?
In many regions across the U.S., there are two main allergy seasons: spring and fall. Seasonal allergies that happen around the same time each year are mainly triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Typically, trees release pollen in spring, grasses in late spring and early summer, and weeds in late summer and early fall.
