Symptoms of Allergies


The symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis are:
  • coughing and postnasal drip
  • itching eyes, nose and throat
  • sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
  • allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)
  • watery eyes
  • conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes and crusting of the eyelids)
  • the "allergic salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
The signs and symptoms of eczema, contact dermatitis and urticaria are:
  • red, itchy skin
  • welts (in hives)
  • inflamed skin
The signs and symptoms of asthma are:
  • breathlessness
  • a feeling of tightness in the chest
  • difficulty inhaling and exhaling
  • coughing
  • noisy breathing ("wheezing")

WARNING: If a person is experiencing more severe symptoms than what is listed above, they may be in anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency which is an acute systemic (affecting the whole body) allergic reaction. It occurs after exposure to an antigen (allergen) to which a person was previously sensitized.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock include the general symptoms of a common allergic reaction, PLUS:
  • rapidly worsening symptoms (or previously severe reactions to this allergen)
  • wheezing, noisy breathing or shortness of breath
  • swelling of tissues such as lips or joints
  • rash or redness of the skin
  • anxiety
  • loss of consciousness
  • itching of the skin
  • nausea and vomiting
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal cramps
  • convulsions
  • low blood pressure
  • chest pain and tightness
  • a feeling of warmth and flushing
  • itching of the mouth and throat
  • hoarseness, change of voice
  • the feeling of having to urinate
  • cramping of the uterus
  • sweating
  • confusion
Allergens more commonly associated with anaphylactic shock are: certain insect venoms; drugs such as penicillin; and foods like fish, peanuts, nuts, eggs and seeds.

Call 911 if any of these symptoms occur with an allergic reaction. If not treated promptly and properly, anaphylaxis can result in death. Fortunately, the tendency to have such serious reactions is rare.

Treatment of anaphylactic shock is first to inject adrenaline (epinephrine) to constrict the small blood vessels, raise the blood pressure and dilate the airway. This may be followed by injection of antihistamines and/or steroids, plus the use of life-support systems.

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