Common Signs and Symptoms that You Have an Allergy

Allergy symptoms occur when a person’s immune system overreacts to something that is innocuous to most people. It sparks a reaction in anyone who is sensitive to it. This ‘something’ is referred to as an allergen. Allergies are usually seasonal (intensifying during certain times of the year, like pollen allergies in springtime, but can also be perennial (occurring throughout the year). Common allergens include grass or weed pollen, animal dander, dust mites, insect stings, mold and a number of food types, like grains, nuts, shellfish, and eggs. If you are exposed to something that you are allergic to, your immune system will take as a danger sign and release a chemical known as histamine to counteract it.

This release of histamine is the reason behind various allergy symptoms, including headaches, skin rash, swelling, a runny nose, diarrhea, and nausea. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can prove to be fatal.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergy

When it comes to allergies, there are all kinds of causes and all kinds of symptoms and reactions. Nevertheless, there are several different signs and symptoms commonly associated with allergies that will tell you to go see a medical practitioner immediately. These are:

• • Sneezing and an irritated, clogged or a runny nose
  • Red, itchy, watering eyes
  • A wheezing or tight chest
  • Swollen eyes, face, lips or tongue
  • Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
  • Red, cracked, and dry skin
  • Mental confusion
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness
  • Postnasal drip

The symptoms may vary depending on what you are allergic to and the way you came in contact with it. For instance, you may have a leaky nose if you were exposed to pollen, develop a skin rash if you have skin allergies, or feel nauseous if you eat something you are allergic to.

Dealing with Allergy Symptoms

Depending on the type of allergy you have, you might be able to prevent some if not all allergy symptoms by having certain medication. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, for instance, you may want to discuss the problem with your physician and start taking a prescription allergy medication that will prevent the symptoms from developing or worsening.

An appointment with a board-certified allergist is a better option since they are specialists who will help you determine the intensity of the problem, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and may use skin or blood tests to identify if you have an allergy and what is exactly causing it. Medications (prescription and OTC) and immunotherapy may provide relief, and making changes to your lifestyle and environment can also be greatly helpful.

Are your allergies impacting the quality of your life and making daily tasks difficult to perform? If so then it is definitely time for you to see a reputable allergist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we will help you get in touch with the best allergist in New York!

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment.