The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that 50 million Americans are affected by allergic disease. With so many people affected, a great deal of research is devoted to allergies. The immune system normally reacts to allergens and renders them harmless. However, in a person with allergies the immune system becomes overly sensitive and produces histamines to fight of the allergen.
Common Symptoms
Most allergies are related to how an allergy sufferer comes in contact with the allergen. An airborne allergen may cause red, swollen and itchy eyes. A food allergy may cause hives, stomach cramps, diarrhea or vomiting. And a skin allergy may cause site burning, redness and itching. Most of these symptoms are mild and can be treated with antihistamines.
Severe Symptoms
Most signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are mild to moderate. One particular sign, however, is anaphylaxis, a serious life-threatening condition. It can make an airway swell up and potentially close. It has the potential to drop the blood pressure, as well as presenting other milder symptoms. If you experience these life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Some people who have been previously diagnosed with a potential for an anaphylactic reaction may have had an epinephrine auto injector prescribed. If this is the case, give yourself a shot right away when severe symptoms appear. An emergency room visit is also still advisable to ensure the symptoms don't return.
Cold or Allergy
Allergies and colds have very similar signs and symptoms. One way to determine a cold versus an allergic reaction is how long the symptoms last; if it's longer than two weeks, there is a good chance it is an allergy. In addition, allergies normally are not accompanied by the fever, body aches and colored mucus discharge that go with colds.
