Everything you need to know about allergies -Part 2

   

Allergy Symptoms

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. The signs and symptoms depend on the type of allergen. Allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, and nasal passages.

Allergic reactions may be confused for other conditions. Hay fever, for example, creates similar irritations to the common cold but the causes are different.

Below is a range of various triggers and the symptoms they regularly cause in people who are allergic.

Dust and pollen

•        blocked nose

•        itchy eyes and nose

•        runny nose

•        swollen and watery eyes

•        cough

Skin reactions

•        flaking

•        itching

•        peeling

•        rashes

Food

•        vomiting

•        swollen tongue

•        tingling in the mouth

•        swelling of the lips, face, and throat

•        stomach cramps

•        shortness of breath

•        rectal bleeding, mainly in children

•        itchiness in the mouth

•        diarrhea

Insect stings

•        wheezing

•        swelling at the site of the sting

•        a sudden drop in blood pressure

•        itchy skin

•        shortness of breath

•        restlessness

•        hives, a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body

•        dizziness

•        cough

•        chest tightness

•        anxiety

•        possible anaphylaxis

Medication:

•        wheezing

•        swollen tongue, lips, and face

•        skin rash

•        itchiness

•        possible anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a quickly escalating, serious allergic reaction that sets in rapidly. It can be life-threatening and must be treated as a medical emergency.

This type of allergic reaction presents several different symptoms that can appear minutes or hours after exposure to the allergen. If the exposure is intravenous, onset is usually between 5 to 30 minutes. A food allergen will take longer to trigger anaphylactic reaction.

Researchers reported in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology that the most commonly affected areas in anaphylaxis are the skin and respiratory system.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

•        hives all over the body, flushing, and itchiness

•        swollen tissues

•        a burning sensation

•        swelling of the tongue and throat.

•        a possible blue tint to the skin from lack of oxygen

•        a runny nose

•        shortness of breath and wheezing

•        hoarseness

•        pain when swallowing

•        cough

•        a drop in blood pressure that can speed up or slow down the heart rate

•        abdominal cramps

•        diarrhea

•        vomiting

•        loss of bladder control

•        pelvic pain similar to uterine cramps

•        coronary artery spasm

•        low blood pressure leading to high or low heart rate

•        dizziness and fainting

Recognizing these symptoms can be crucial to receiving timely treatment.

•        Allergy Diagnosis

•        If you or your child have allergy symptoms, an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can help with a diagnosis. An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel better and live better.