Allergy Symptoms

The Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment | Prevention

What Are the Symptoms?

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing may indicate a drug or respiratory allergy.
• Wheezing could be a sign of asthma or an allergy that is causing the airways to narrow and allow less air to flow.
• Itchy eyes, mouth, and throat are frequently symptoms of respiratory allergies.
• Stomachache, frequent indigestion, and heartburn are signs of food sensitivities.
• Irritated, itchy, reddening, or swelling skin is associated with drug, food, and insect sting allergies.
• Stiffness, pain and swelling of joints, may indicate food or drug allergies.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have violent stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea; this could point to a serious food or other allergic reaction or food poisoning.
• Swallowing or breathing becomes difficult or painful; you may be experiencing an asthma episode, another serious allergic reaction, or a heart attack. Get emergency medical treatment.
• You suddenly develop skin welts, accompanied by intense flushing and itching; your heart may also be beating rapidly. These symptoms may indicate the onset of anaphylactic shock, an extremely serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical treatment.

Medically updated by Paul Enright, MD, July 2005.

SOURCES: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. WebMD Medical Reference: "Allergies Health Center." National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases

The Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment | Prevention

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