{"id":2065,"date":"2018-08-14T04:11:44","date_gmt":"2018-08-14T04:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2065"},"modified":"2021-05-19T16:21:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T16:21:24","slug":"13-characteristic-allergy-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/13-characteristic-allergy-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Characteristic Allergy Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Allergies can be better described as a response that comes from the body\u2019s immune system; normally, the body\u2019s immune system is tasked with the job of attacking any intruding viruses or bacteria that try to make their way through the body. When the body is having an allergic reaction, the immune system is attacking the allergen as though it were an intruding pathogen instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost anything around you can trigger a potential allergic reaction, including lactose, wheat, certain artificial colorants, caffeine, alcohol, shellfish and pollen. Some people are also allergic to certain medications, and in exceptionally rare cases people can even display an allergy to things that are all around them, like an allergy to light \u2013 an extremely rare condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever gotten a blocked nose when drinking a glass of milk or after eating shellfish? It\u2019s possible that you could be allergic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 13 more characteristic allergy symptoms to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Difficulty Swallowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first symptoms that you could be having an allergic reaction<\/a> is the fact that you might have some difficulty swallowing; pay attention to this symptom if you are out eating at friends or a restaurant and know that you are allergic to something; Many times, even with a special request to the chef, allergens can contaminate the food you are served \u2013 in some cases, your food might even full-on contain the allergen that you specified to the server or chef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find that you suddenly have difficulty swallowing at a restaurant after consuming anything with potential allergens, you should seek medical attention immediately and take an antihistamine if you have them on hand: Difficulty swallowing in the case of an allergic reaction can easily lead to anaphylactic shock, which can close up the throat completely and lead to unconsciousness or death. If you aren\u2019t sure what caused this allergic reaction, go for a thorough allergy screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Asthma Attack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Asthma attacks<\/a> can be a regular symptom in people who are suffering from an allergy attack; this can be true whether or not they have asthma as a known condition. How can you spot asthma? The symptoms of an asthma attack include symptoms like coughing, chest tightness and nausea \u2013 it might also include other symptoms like seeing stars, feeling faint and sometimes also goes hand-in-hand with a panic attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of asthma, however, are specifically set off by allergens \u2013 and you should take care to avoid allergens like pollen if you know that you are prone to asthma attacks when you are around or near any. Make an appointment with an allergy specialist if you aren\u2019t sure just which allergens could be the trigger behind your panic attacks, and see a lung-health specialist if you aren\u2019t sure how to keep your asthma controlled: With the right medication, the condition can be managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Swollen Lips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Swelling <\/a>of the lips is a very common symptom of allergies, though is usually only one you will experience if and when the symptoms of the allergy are severe. It\u2019s one symptom commonly used by Hollywood for comedic effect when a character has an allergic reaction \u2013 but in reality there\u2019s nothing funny about it. You should take it very seriously if this symptom occurs \u2013 the next symptoms that occur could be the closing up of the throat and you are in serious physical danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find that your lips become swollen and your mouth starts to itch, then you should seek immediate medical attention instead of trying to treat the condition yourself \u2013 especially if you have never experienced an allergy attack like this before. This is where the condition has the potential to land you in hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, swelling of the lips is also commonly associated with food allergies, so tell your doctor if you suspect that it was anything you drank or ate that might have triggered your allergy attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Itching Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Itching<\/a>, red skin is very common in the early-onset stages of an allergy attack, and it might be one of the first symptoms that an allergy attack is about to occur; pay special attention if you have eaten something that might have contained an allergen (like peanuts or shellfish) and you suddenly start to experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article \u2013 including itching, swelling of any body part or area and a blocked nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, a steroidal cream prescribed by your doctor is enough to take care of the itching skin associated with an allergy attack: See your doctor if the condition persists, and mention to your doctor if you think that the condition might be caused by an allergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergic reactions can also come with just skin reactions, particularly if the allergen is something that has been applied to the skin \u2013 like if someone is allergic to the perfume used in their soap or to their detergent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Hives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hives <\/a>are a common symptom associated with allergies; if you\u2019ve never heard of hives before, then the simplest way to describe the condition is a painful, red rash. This rash might only happen when you have been exposed to an allergen and have an allergy attack: If this is the case, then it should be easy enough for you to track down the source of your allergy \u2013 see an allergy specialist for a simple allergy screening if you are having some trouble finding the allergen that\u2019s been causing your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hives can also be associated with allergens that specifically affect the skin: Rashes and itchy skin can be a range of different allergens, including your detergent or soap; some people are even allergic to the fabric that their clothes are made out of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hives don\u2019t have to be combined with any of the other symptoms on this list, particularly not if the allergen in question topically affects the skin. See your doctor if you have persisting hives, but also see your doctor if any of the symptoms here are combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Running or Blocked Nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A running and blocked nose is a symptom that most people commonly associate with colds and flu<\/a>, but what do you do about it when the symptom keeps occurring even when you don\u2019t have a cold to speak of and it\u2019s not near flu season? Then it might be time to consider the fact that your condition is instead caused by allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the body\u2019s response when it is exposed to an unwanted allergen is the irritation of the body\u2019s mucosal areas: This is what causes a blocked and runny nose \u2013 and some other symptoms such as red eyes. In most cases, this symptom should be taken away with some simple antihistamines and you should be able to find these at your nearest pharmacy or drug store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the condition happens to be a little more severe than that or you find that you can combine sneezing with some of the more serious symptoms on this list, then you should seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Sneezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sneezing <\/a>is a common symptom associated with hay fever, dust or feather pillows \u2013 all of which can be common allergens and very well might be the cause behind your sneezing and blocked nose. If you are experiencing sneezing and a blocked or running nose as a symptom even when you don\u2019t have a cold, then you should naturally assume that the condition could be due to allergies instead; this is more true if you are able to trace down the specific allergen that has been causing your sneezing attacks, which is easy enough for most people to identify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you say that you have a sneezing attack every time you go out and sit on the grass \u2013 or go to the supermarket? Then you\u2019re one step closer to tracking down the source that\u2019s been causing your allergies. You first step is to stay away from the allergens which worst affect you, or to counteract with an antihistamine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Red Eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red, swollen and painful eyes are extremely common symptoms of an allergy attack; though they\u2019re the symptoms that people will most common associate with an exposure to allergens like pollen<\/a>, it\u2019s a condition that\u2019s commonly seen in all forms of allergen exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the eyes will be red, swollen and puffy, and the degree of swelling will depend on factors like the severity of the allergic reaction and the amount of time since you have been exposed to the allergen. In severe cases the eyes can swell up so much that it impairs the person\u2019s sight \u2013 in which case they are often unable to seek medical attention themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In allergy cases that are not as severe, your doctor might prescribe an antihistamine for you to take if you are exposed to allergens, and you might find that eye-drops are a big help when it comes to soothing the symptoms that affect your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chest Tightness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tightness <\/a>in the chest should always be taken as a very serious medical symptom, and you should always report it to your doctor if it happens to you \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a problem that lasts for a long time, or recurs after going away several times. Chest tightness can many times be an indication that an allergy attack is about to occur (or already has), especially if you can combine it with any of the other symptoms we\u2019ve already mentioned on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chest tightness can also sometimes be indicative of other conditions such as an impending heart attack or asthma instead of allergies \u2013 it might also signal an infection of the respiratory system. See your doctor if you experience any chest tightness with no other cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the chest tightness accompanies any of the other symptoms in this list, then seek medical attention and pay close attention to what you might have eaten, drank or been exposed to for the reaction to have been triggered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Coughing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coughing <\/a>is another symptom that is extremely common with allergic reactions, no matter what kind of allergen you are being exposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, coughing and tightness of the chest when accompanying any of the symptoms on this list should be taken as a sign of a possible allergic reaction to something \u2013 even if you can\u2019t remember ingesting any allergens or being near an allergen like pollen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergies and the body\u2019s immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Stomach Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stomach pain is a most common symptom in the case of an allergic reaction when it\u2019s an allergen that you ingested by mouth; think of foods that people are most commonly allergic to: These can include certain fruits (many people attest that, for example, guavas tend to make them itchy \u2013 this is an allergic reaction), milk, nuts and wheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience stomach pain, either severe or mild to moderate cramps<\/a>, along with any of the symptoms after this list after you have eaten something specific, then it\u2019s likely that you are allergic to the food itself \u2013 or something in the food that you haven\u2019t spotted as an allergen just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to find out what you could be allergic to is to make an appointment with an allergy specialist: All it takes is a simple allergy test to find out the most common foods you are allergic to \u2013 it\u2019s common for people to discover allergies that they might not even have known they had!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Heart Palpitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heart palpitations<\/a> are a common symptom experienced in the case of an allergic reaction, but it\u2019s one that most people don\u2019t associate with an allergic reaction at all because there are so many other things that might be the cause of tachycardia \u2013 or a faster-than-normal heart rate. You should take special care if you are experiencing chest pain and heart palpitations with an existing heart condition or conditions like high-blood pressure: This can put you at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke along with the allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always remember to keep the affected person calm during an allergic reaction: This can help the heart palpitations to calm down \u2013 if the person panics, the body might automatically be sent into a state of shock. (In the case of people who get bitten by snakes, it\u2019s often the sheer panic that causes physical symptoms to manifest, not always venom.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Nausea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nausea <\/a>can be a common symptom that accompanies an allergic reaction, especially if you can list it in combination with any of the other symptoms that we\u2019ve mentioned in this article. The nausea might have a gradual onset, or it might be as soon as the other symptoms begin \u2013 and it might also be only slight nausea, or it might lead to a full-on attack of vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be highly dangerous if the allergy attack is severe and if the risk of vomiting is combined with the closing up of the throat and lungs; this is often a choking hazard, so take note if this happens to you or someone close to you \u2013 make sure that they vomit outwards and do not choke on their own vomit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seek medical attention immediately once an allergic reaction becomes so severe that you start vomiting, even if you aren\u2019t sure which allergen might have caused the allergic reaction to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Eczema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This skin disorder occurs for unknown reasons, but some medical experts believe that it happens as an allergic reaction to certain medications, exposure to washing powders, new shower gels, or other hygiene products. Eczema <\/a>is a chronic condition, and people that develop the disorder typically have to deal with flares in symptoms for the rest of their life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema appears as a flaky skin rash that affects the folds in your arms and knees, as well as between the fingers, on the scalp and i9n sections on the forearms and upper arms. There is no set rule for the occurrence of symptoms, and most people afflicted with the condition never realize what\u2019s causing the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat eczema with corticosteroid creams to alleviate the itching. However, in some cases, this treatment can exacerbate symptoms, rather than soothe them. Treating the condition is a matter of trial and error \u2013 what works for one person, might not work for you.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Anaphylaxis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, allergies present mild symptoms of irritation affecting the skin. You may experience irritation and itching in the affected area, and the rash fades as the substances causing the condition leaves the body. However, in some cases, allergies can get out of control, and the body\u2019s response to the material can result in severe health complications. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of those complications is, \u201canaphylaxis<\/a>.\u201d This condition is severe and life-threatening. If left untreated it can result in death if the patient does not seek immediate medical assistance. Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen, as is the case with bee stings and peanut or sesame seed allergies. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anaphylaxis causes the body to go into a state of shock as the immune system floods the body with white blood cells to combat the effects of the allergen. Unfortunately, this leads to shock, where blood pressure drops, and the airways narrow \u2013 making it difficult to breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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