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Allergy Symptoms - How Different Allergies Affect the Body

Allergy symptoms vary from very mild to life-threatening. Your allergies symptoms guide your doctor toward the proper treatment. There are many potential treatment protocols and medications based upon a particular allergy symptom.

Symptoms of allergy can include food allergy symptoms, milk allergy symptoms, mold allergy symptoms, dog allergy symptoms, the well-known pollen allergy symptoms, and many others.

Allergy symptoms can be mild, as with the itchy, watery eyes, headache, and a nasal congestion. A rash is a pollen allergy symptom that shows up on the part of the body that was in contact with the allergen that caused it.

Moderate symptoms of allergy generally spread to other parts of the body such as the skin (hives or eczema) and the digestive system (nausea, diarrhea and cramping). Other allergy symptoms are breathing problems or asthma flare-ups.

Allergic reactions can be severe and even life threatening, as with anaphylaxis, which affects the entire body and usually requires a shot of epinephrine.

The allergy symptoms of anaphylaxis include abdominal pain, breathing difficulty due to a swelling of the esophagus, low blood pressure, wheezing, mental confusion and dizziness.

Symptoms of allergies vary according to the allergen. Listed below are some common types of allergy symptoms from various causes.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Usually occur within two hours of ingesting the allergen and may include itchy lips, throat and/or tongue, swollen lips, hoarse voice, hives and wheezing. Other symptoms of food allergies that may occur with a food allergy are runny nose, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Dairy Allergy Symptoms

Can include any common allergy symptoms, but most of the effects from dairy allergies are levied on the digestive system. The most common dairy allergy symptoms are stomach cramping, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mold allergies are very common. Mold is carried in the air and is often present inside a building on carpets, rugs and damp walls. Mold allergies are very similar to pollen allergies and include problems in the respiratory system such as nasal congestion, wheezing, coughing, sinus irritation, and runny nose and eyes. In more severe cases, hives or a rash may occur.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergies are a common type of animal dander allergy. Itchy, swollen, watery eyes and runny nose are common symptoms of this, as are an itchy throat and sneezing.

Pollen Allergy Symptoms

These are the most common and well-known type of allergy symptoms. Millions of Americans suffer from pollen allergies. They are similar to common cold symptoms. Congestion, itchy eyes and nose, sneezing and coughing are most common complaints.

In cases where a person may be allergic to more than one thing, or when they are unsure what causes their allergy, it is necessary to consult a physician who may recommend testing to determine the specific allergens. Remedies and medications may also cause allergic reactions. A balanced diet, a multivitamin supplement, and antihistamines can also help people with allergies lead a more normal life.

See the complete list of articles on Allergy.

Other wiki resources:  allergy symptoms; allergic asthma; eczema