Allergies are a common problem. They can occur during any time of the year and be triggered by many different substances. You can be allergic to certain kinds of food, plants, pet hair, materials, dust, mold or mildew. Allergies occur because your immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. For reasons not well understood, your body mistakes the substance for a foreign invader. Your immune system kicks into action and tries to attack and destroy it. This process can bring on a variety of symptoms that range from mild to life threatening.
Common Symptoms
Allergy symptoms can mimic cold symptoms. The National Institutes of Health states that this can include a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing and headaches. While cold symptoms can develop over days, allergy symptoms occur right away after exposure to the irritant. In addition, cold symptoms usually resolve within a week, while allergy symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the trigger.
Other Symptoms
Allergies can also cause an upset stomach, abdominal pain, skin rashes, trouble breathing, chest tightness, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, vomiting, peeling or blistering skin and hives. The symptoms you experience will be determined by the type of irritant. If the irritant is airborne, you may develop cold symptoms. If the trigger is something that touches your skin, you may get rashes. Food allergies tend to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Severe Symptoms
A severe allergic reaction can turn into anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening and cause your body to go into shock. Be on the lookout for a drop in blood pressure, a rapid and weak pulse, pale or flushed skin, inability to breathe, fainting spells, skin that becomes itchy and breaks into hives and a loss of consciousness. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
