Each allergy, from contact dermatitis to hay fever, shows a range of mild, moderate and severe physical signs. Allergy patients should note the typical levels of their symptoms so they will recognize when a situation gets worse. Complications can arise from regular allergic responses in people with multiple sensitivities or underlying health conditions. Distinct allergy "attacks" can also progress to life-threatening heights that involve the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Acute Allergy Symptoms
Advanced degrees of the usual seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms can occur due to environmental factors, decreased immunity or increased exposure to allergens. In the case of allergic reactions to hay fever, for instance, years with unusually high pollen counts can increase eye symptoms and breathing problems.
According to the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic of Georgetown, Texas, local patients become debilitated by severe reactions to mountain cedar pollen. These trees and other seasonal plants around the country can cause advanced symptoms of severe nasal blockage, insomnia and poor mental concentration, besides the normal rhinitis symptoms of sneezing and runny nose. Acute signs of other allergies include uncontrollable itching, swelling and abdominal pain that can incapacitate patients.
Asthma
A correlation exists between allergies and asthma. In fact, as the Cleveland Clinic reports, allergy patients have a higher incidence of asthma conditions than the general population. People who already have asthma can suffer complications of that disease from any kind of allergic reaction.
Advanced hay fever or bee sting allergy symptoms, for instance, can set off an asthma attack. These breathing problems include chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and inability to draw enough breath, as the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Confusion, rapid pulse and blue facial skin indicate that asthma symptoms have progressed to a state of emergency.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is considered a distinct condition that describes a full-body allergic reaction. According to the National Institutes of Health, anaphylaxis can occur in relation to any allergy, but is most likely to develop in advanced food, drug and insect venom allergies. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can depend upon the allergenic source. That is, allergens ingested through the digestive tract may show more abdominal signs while those that are inhaled may provoke more breathing problems.
The combined effect of symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, itching, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat may lead to anaphylactic shock. Dangerously low blood pressure or airway blockage can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest.
