An allergy is a response by your body’s immune system to a substance that is typically harmless to most people. When you encounter one of these substances, known as an allergen, your immune system may react by producing antibodies. This response may lead to various symptoms, ranging from mild irritation to more severe reactions. Here’s information on different kinds of allergies and their associated symptoms:
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies, often called seasonal allergies or hay fever, occur when the immune system reacts to airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. Environmental allergy symptoms can affect your daily comfort and are often concentrated in the respiratory system. These reactions are the result of your body releasing histamines to combat the allergen.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the time of year and the specific allergen involved. Some common symptoms associated with environmental allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Itching, Watering, or Reddening eyes
- Itching of the Nose, Sinuses, or Throat
- Postnasal Drip
Food Allergies
Food allergies involve an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a particular food. Even a small amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms. While many foods can cause reactions, certain foods account for the majority of food allergies. Peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat allergies are some foods that commonly trigger allergic reactions for many individuals.
Allergic Reactions
A food allergy can trigger a range of symptoms that may appear within minutes to a couple of hours after ingestion. These symptoms often include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, itching, or eczema affecting the skin, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other areas of the body, as well as respiratory symptoms like wheezing, nasal congestion, or trouble breathing. In some cases, a food allergy can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. This reaction causes your immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock.
Digestive Symptoms
Beyond the immediate allergic reactions, some individuals may experience other symptoms related to the digestive system. Digestive symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Dizziness or Fainting
Recognizing the immediate and digestive symptoms is key to identifying a potential food allergy. When a reaction occurs, discuss it with a healthcare provider.
Drug Allergies
A drug allergy is the abnormal reaction of your immune system to a medication, whether it’s over-the-counter, prescription, or herbal. Any medication is capable of inducing a drug allergy. Symptoms of a drug allergy often appear within an hour of taking a medication, but in some cases, reactions can develop hours, days, or even weeks later.
Individuals may experience skin rash or hives, itching, fever, swelling, shortness of breath or wheezing, as well as a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Similar to food allergies, a drug allergy can also lead to anaphylaxis. Severe reactions to medications may require emergency medical attention for effective treatment.
Schedule an Allergy Appointment
Understanding how your body reacts to different substances is fundamental for maintaining your health. A thorough discussion with a medical professional can help identify your triggers, provide strategies to manage reactions, and support your overall well-being. Schedule an allergy testing appointment today.