Some symptoms of allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so people with known conditions should be on the alert for allergy signs. Once symptoms arise, they should be documented and their suspected sources noted. If medical treatment is necessary, this information can help doctors pinpoint what instigates an attack. Allergies can affect the skin, heart rate, blood pressure and the digestive and respiratory systems. By learning which types of contact create adverse situations, people can avoid some triggers to prevent health problems.
Nasal Congestion
A runny nose or sinuses congested with mucus are hay fever allergy signs that point to an irritation from pollen in the air. Indoor dust mites, pet dander or feather pillows can also set off this condition, termed allergic rhinitis. According to the University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center, sneezing and itchy eyes and nasal passages also indicate allergic rhinitis, which commonly affects the respiratory systems of about one-fifth of Americans.
Tissue Swelling
Swollen eyelids are symptoms of allergic rhinitis irritation as well; inflamed skin over a large, local area may arise from an insect sting. Swelling in the lips, tongue, face or throat may be caused by an allergic reaction to a food or drug. The Mayo Clinic notes that these symptoms are usually not life-threatening unless they're compounded by problems involving the cardiovascular or respiratory systems.
Hives
Contact dermatitis is often the culprit behind hives. These itchy, painful red bumps can be raised by skin contact with poison ivy and other weeds or substances to which people are sensitive. Cosmetic ingredients, nickel, latex, detergents and cleaning products may set off allergic reactions, the Mayo Clinic says. Although most other allergy symptoms fade within a day or two, depending on seasonal factors, hives may persist for up to one month.
Digestive Upset
Food allergies can be serious, so any additional symptoms that accompany digestive upset during an allergic reaction should be closely monitored. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists tingling in the mouth, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea as food allergy signs.
Respiratory Stress
Many allergies can cause problems for the respiratory system, due to inflammation of the airways. The Mayo Clinic says that coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and light-headedness may be allergy signs of sensitivity to a drug, food or insect. Allergies to secondhand cigarette smoke can also cause breathing problems.
Cardiac Stress
Any of the above symptoms that combine with cardiovascular disturbances may be signs of anaphylaxis, the most severe and life-threatening allergy condition. The National Institutes of Health report that changes in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen transfer from the lungs may cause dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, weak or uneven pulse and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis may be a sign of any type of allergy.
