Sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and itchy throat are common symptoms encountered when you have allergies. You may have experienced these symptoms when visiting a flower infested botanical garden, eating a dish containing a new herb or dog-sitting your neighbor's golden retriever. You enjoy nature, love trying new foods and like helping your neighbors, so staying away from allergy triggers is difficult to do.
What Are Allergies?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Found of America (AAFA), allergies refer to an immune system disease that involves an exaggerated reaction to an allergen. Allergens are triggers that cause you to develop all kinds of symptoms from itchy and red skin to swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your body makes antibodies (proteins) called IgE that protect you from this relentless invader. When IgE attaches to your cells, histamine (a chemical in your body) is released in your blood, causing the characteristic allergy symptoms.
What Are Common Allergy Symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, your allergy symptoms are dependent upon the allergen (trigger). Hay fever (environmental) leads to congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes. Eczema (skin allergy) leads to itchy, red, and peeling skin. Food allergy symptoms include hives and swelling of the tongue, face and throat. An insect bite can cause swelling at the bite site, itching and chest tightness. Drug allergies can lead to hives, wheezing and facial swelling.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis refers to a severe systemic (affects entire body) allergic reaction to any of the allergens, according to National Jewish Health. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Symptoms include problems breathing, wheezing, hives, vomiting and diarrhea.
How Do I Tell the Difference Between a Cold and an Allergy?
According to AAFA, a cold includes fever, lasts for a few days, doesn't involve itching and occurs mostly in the fall and winter. Allergies do not include fever, last for weeks to months, involve itching and can occur during any season. Nasal discharge for an allergy is usually clear while the discharge is usually green for a cold.
What Alternative Treatments Are Available for Allergies?
You may take medications to reduce allergy symptoms. You may try to avoid the allergen altogether. If your allergies are severe, you carry an emergency epinephrine pen in your pocket at all types to prevent anaphylaxis. If you want to try something new, allergy shots (allergy immunotherapy) are an option to consider, according to National Jewish Health. Doctors inject you with a small dose of the allergen once a month to desensitize you. This is not a cure but it can significantly reduce your allergy symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and hypnosis are other alternative treatments.
