Understanding Allergies - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of allergies include:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing may indicate a drug or respiratory allergy.
• Wheezing could be a sign of asthma.
• Itchy eyes, mouth, and throat are frequently symptoms of hay fever.
• Stomachache, frequent indigestion, and heartburn may be signs of food sensitivity.
• Irritated, itchy, reddening, or swelling skin is associated with drug, food, and insect sting allergies.
• Stiffness, pain and swelling of joints, may rarely be due to food or drug allergies.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have violent stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea; this could point to a serious food or other allergic reaction or food poisoning.
• Swallowing or breathing becomes difficult or painful; you may be experiencing an asthma episode, anaphylaxis, or a heart attack. Get emergency medical treatment.
• You suddenly develop skin welts, accompanied by intense flushing and itching; your heart may also be beating rapidly. These symptoms may indicate the onset of anaphylactic shock, an extremely serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical treatment.