Allergies Health Center
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.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Ellen N. Reich, MD on July 01, 2007
© 2005 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.




