What’s Causing My Allergy Symptoms?
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From annoyances like watery eyes and sneezing to severe, potentially life-threatening reactions, allergy symptoms vary greatly.
The range of allergies and symptoms include:
- Allergic rhinitis. The seasonal version — hay fever — involves sneezing, stuffy or runny nose and itchy eyes triggered by pollen and other outdoor allergens. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds or pets can bring on these symptoms year-round.
- Urticaria, or hives. Itchy, red bumps are often triggered by certain foods or medications.
- Allergic conjunctivitis. This condition presents as red, itchy, swollen eyes.
- Atopic dermatitis, or eczema. About half of those who endure the itchy, reddened, flaking or peeling skin of eczema also develop asthma.
- Asthma. This chronic lung disease brings on coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. It results from inflammation and narrowing of airways. Tobacco smoke and other irritants may worsen asthma.
- Food allergies. These are an overreaction of the immune system to specific proteins in certain foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.
- Rhinosinusitis, or sinusitis. A swelling of the sinuses, this condition is characterized by nasal congestion, facial pressure, cough and thick nasal discharge. Allergic rhinitis or asthma may contribute.
- Anaphylaxis. This is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, most commonly to foods, insect stings, medications and latex. Symptoms may include light-headedness, shortness of breath, throat tightness, anxiety, flushing and feeling of warmth, a red, itchy rash, pain or cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Extreme cases involve a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and shock.
When to Seek Allergy Testing
Avoiding allergens goes a long way toward preventing allergic reactions. But that assumes you know what you’re allergic to. In many cases, you may already be aware — like when you sneeze whenever a cat’s in sight or lurking nearby.
You may take this online symptoms test provided by the American College of Allergies, Asthma & Immunology to gauge your risk for allergies or asthma.
Other times you may not know what’s causing your symptoms. That’s when allergy testing may be a good idea, says Dr. Joseph Allen of Family Medicine of Vandalia, because you can’t avoid what you’re not aware of.
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Before recommending allergy testing, your doctor may perform an exam and ask about your health history. If you’re experiencing severe allergic reactions, she may ask you to keep a journal to record your symptoms and food or other substances that appear to be related.
Itchy, red bumps are often triggered by certain foods or medications.
To confirm what’s causing your allergy, your doctor may order allergy tests such as:
- Skin test. This exposes your skin to small amounts of allergens, by pricking, scratching or injection just under the skin’s surface. When you’re allergic to a tested allergen, a small raised bump, similar to a mosquito bite, forms.
- Challenge test. Supervised by an allergist, this test is most commonly used to diagnose food or drug allergies. First, your exposure to a suspected allergen is removed for several weeks. Then the allergen is reintroduced as the allergist watches to see whether your symptoms return.
- Blood test. This checks for and measures presence of antibodies produced by your body as a defense against allergens. Blood tests are used when skin testing isn’t helpful or possible.
Find Your Perfect Match
Answer a few questions and we'll provide you with a list of primary care providers that best fit your needs.
Source: Joseph Allen, MD, Family Medicine of Vandalia; Healthline.com; American College of Allergies, Asthma & Immunology
