Allergy Symptoms - Common Allergic Reactions

At one time or another almost everyone on the planet has experienced some type of allergic reaction. The most common allergy symptoms occur when confronted with seasonal allergens such as pollen or ragweed, and may cause itchiness, a runny nose and sneezing. Although annoying these symptoms can be fairly easy to control and cause no real serious health affects.

Those suffering more severe allergic reactions (often in the case of food allergies), may experience congestion or even difficulty breathing. In rare instances, a constriction of the airways can even cause death. That's why understanding your allergies and treating them properly is so important to staying healthy and symptom free.

Most allergies are categorized by three types of reactions; mild, moderate and severe.

Mild allergic reactions remain in the affected area, not spreading to other parts of the body and may include:

-A Rash.

-Itchy, or watery eyes.

-Congestion.

These are usually caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander or even dust mites and can often be treated with over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs.

Moderate allergic reactions can spread to other parts of the body and may include such symptoms as:

-Itchiness.

-Difficulty breathing.

These are often treated by prescription medications. Sudden reactions can often be eased with common antimissiles, until the patient can get to a doctor for emergency help.

A Severe Allergic Reaction also known as Anaphylaxis, can actually be life threatening.
Anaphylaxis is rare, but serious. It is a life-threatening emergency in which the body's response to the allergen comes on suddenly (without much if any warning),and can affect the entire body and how it works. Anaphylaxis often begins with sudden itching of the eyes or face. Within minutes it may progress to more serious symptoms, which may include:

-Varying degrees of swellings that can make breathing and swallowing difficult.

-Abdominal pain.

-Cramps.

-Vomiting.

-Diarrhea.

-Mental confusion or dizziness.

In the event you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, prompt medical care is required. Should the reactions begin to constrict the patient's airways or ability to breathe properly, death may occur within minutes. Even when an epi-pen is administered (given to allergy patients in the form of a one-dose shot of epinephrine to ease breathing), and the symptoms begin to subside, medical attention is necessary to ensure that the patient is safe and ok. The most common culprits of severe allergic reactions are a variety of foods including a variety of nuts, seeds, eggs, and even some dairy products.

Those with severe food allergies should refrain from eating or touching foods containing these ingredients in order to prevent life-threatening symptoms from occurring.