Allergy attacks can come from a variety of sources for people who suffer from hay fever, skin, digestive or medicinal allergies. Dust mites or pet dander in the home may cause symptoms for some; others are susceptible to tree pollen, or grass and flowers. Even mold and mildew in the home can result in allergies, and many people suffer from allergies to certain foods. The various allergy attacks exhibit a host of symptoms.
Nose, Throat and Eyes
Allergic sinus and airway reactions may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, and sore throat. These symptoms often come with hay fever. Food allergies have been known to cause both stuffy and runny nose. Allergies can have similar symptoms to colds. If you have cold symptoms that last more than two weeks, it is likely that you have an allergy. Colds do not usually have itchy symptoms. Mucus that is coughed up from colds has a yellowish, thick texture, but allergies tend to produce clear mucus.
Skin
Hives--red or bumpy and itchy skin rashes--are often caused by food allergies or exposure to certain substances. Sometimes they appear as welts that get bigger before disappearing when the allergic reaction concludes. Itchy skin, red skin, and flaking or peeling skin, also called eczema, may also occur from a skin allergy.
Digestive
Stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea may be the result of food allergies. These allergies can also cause a tingling of the mouth, and swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Anaphylaxis
A very severe and life-threatening allergic reaction, anaphylaxis can be caused by insect stings or foods. Symptoms may start out mild, with a runny nose or a skin rash, but then suddenly become worse. An insect sting allergy may start out as a large area of swelling at the sting site, then evolve into a lot of itching or hives all over the body. There may be shortness of breath, tightness of the throat, a hoarse voice, cough and chest tightness. Reactions may also include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and rapid heart beat. This could lead to shock, loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest. Emergency treatment is needed immediately after symptoms begin. Epinephrine, a synthetic form of adrenalin to relax the airways and constrict blood vessels, is used to help keep blood pressure normal, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Medication
Some people have an allergic reaction to certain drugs. This may produce itchy skin, rash, hives, facial swelling and wheezing. Some allergies to medication can lead to the severe anaphylaxis.
