Allergy symptoms differ depending on the type of allergy. They typically involve the airways, sinuses, nasal passages and skin. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
What Are the Symptoms of Mold and Pollen Allergies?
Allergies to mold and pollen are among the most common. Often referred to as hay fever, they are the result of molds or pollen from various flowering plants, grasses and trees. Since some plants only grow and flower at a certain time of year and some molds grow better in different weather conditions, these allergies may only affect you during specific seasons. This is why they are normally referred to as seasonal allergies.
Common symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes and throat
- Watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?
An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from food allergies. They are most common in young children but can affect people of all ages. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Mild symptoms include:
- Hives
- Itchy mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Sneezing
Severe symptoms include:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and/or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Turning blue
Some patients may develop anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that causes swelling in the throat and breathing difficulties. Symptoms may develop within seconds of exposure and include:
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rapid pulse
- Heart palpitations
- Inflammation of the face and eyes
- Mental confusion
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency; without prompt treatment, patients can go into shock or cardiac arrest.
What Are the Symptoms of an Insect Sting Allergy?
There are five known insects that can cause allergic reactions: honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants. Those who are allergic may experience the following if stung:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Flushing
- Hives
- Itching
The severity of the reaction varies by person. Some may only experience a reaction at the site of the sting while others may have a large local reaction that extends beyond the sting site.
Those with a severe allergy may experience a potentially life-threatening reaction know as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
What Are the Symptoms of a Drug Allergy?
Penicillin and antibiotics containing sulfa drugs are the most likely medications to cause an allergic reaction. It is common for individuals to not experience symptoms until the second time they take a medication, which makes drug allergies difficult to predict. These symptoms include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Wheezing
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Feeling dizzy
A serious reaction known as anaphylaxis can also occur. This life-threatening reaction can impair breathing and cause the body to go into shock. In the event of this reaction, epinephrine should be administered and the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately.
What Are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
Most individuals with pet allergies are allergic to the hair, dander, saliva and urine of their dog or cat. The amount of allergens increase if your pet lives indoors; the rooms where they are allowed in have a higher concentration of allergens. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Hives
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies to Mice or Cockroaches?
Allergies to cockroaches are caused by exposure to particles of their feces, and mouse allergies are caused by their urine, feces, danger and skin cells. These are all common components of household dust. Contaminates have also been found in clothing, carpeting and food.
Typical symptoms of these allergies are:
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Skin rash
- Wheezing
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection
Call Albany ENT & Allergy Services at (518) 701-2085 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
