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Allergies have a wide variety of symptoms depending on what the allergen is and how your body reacts to it. Some responses are more common than others, but it is important to be aware of all possible symptoms in order to treat it effectively. Here, NJ ENT identifies allergy symptoms to keep note of.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can be found in places from pollen to latex. An allergic person’s immune system mistakenly identifies allergens as a threat. Then, the immune system releases chemicals, causing allergy symptoms. Several factors contribute to your likelihood of developing allergies, including genetics, exposure to allergens, and more.
Allergies can be triggered by many different things, which can be ordered into categories. The main categories are:
- Pollen: Seasonal changes can cause an influx of pollen, causing seasonal allergies.
- Dust and Dander: Dust and other small particles can cause allergic reactions. This is especially true for pet dander, most commonly cats.
- Foods: There are many kinds of foods that trigger allergic symptoms. Common ones include peanuts and shellfish.
- Skin Contact: Poison ivy, sumac, and latex are common allergies that are triggered by coming into contact with the skin.
- Medications: Some people are allergic to medications, such as penicillin. Your doctor will work with you to find a medication that works for you.
Identifying Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms can manifest in different ways, and their severity ranges from mild to severe. Depending on the trigger, symptoms can vary. Allergy symptoms include:
Seasonal Allergies: Breathing pollenated air can trigger allergies. This often occurs during certain times of the year, such as spring which has more tree pollen. It can also be associated with certain kinds of plants. Some places are known for triggering allergies more than others because of the plant life and environment specific to that location.
Dust and Dander: Pets with fur or feathers often have dander associated with them. Some people are allergic to the dander of certain animals, causing a reaction when coming into contact with them. Pets that shed their fur will trigger allergy symptoms more often and more intensely. These triggers have very similar symptoms to seasonal allergies.
Combined with asthma, symptoms can intensify. Here are the symptoms of seasonal allergies, dust, and dander:
- Sneezing and Runny Nose
- Itchy or Watery Eyes
- Coughing and Wheezing
- Difficulty Breathing
Foods: There are many foods that cause allergic reactions. Common foods people are allergic to are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, shellfish, fish, eggs, and wheat. These foods are associated with GI issues. Symptoms are acute and can range in severity. Here are symptoms of food allergies:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
Skin Contact: Some allergy symptoms are activated by contact with the skin. These triggers are most commonly plants, such as poison ivy, and latex. Latex is found in certain products such as latex gloves, balloons, rubber bands, and more. Here are some common allergy symptoms that affect the skin:
- Hives
- Eczema
- Itchiness
- Contact Dermatitis
Anaphylaxis: This is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal, however it can be treated by doctors so it is important to act quickly. Symptoms can develop within seconds, and include:
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea/Vomiting
Allergy Treatment Options
There are a wide range of effective allergy treatment options. A specific plan will be put in place by your doctor, specific to your needs. Some allergy treatment options include allergy testing, allergy medications, allergy immunotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. These are all dependent on your specific allergy, your current lifestyle, and your goals.
Why Choose NJ ENT For Your ENT Needs?
Meet Dr. Reddy and Dr. Smith–
Board-Certified Otolaryngologists, ENT, Rhinology & Sinus Specialists
Specializing in the medical and surgical management of various diseases of the head and neck including nose and sinus disorders, ear conditions, throat and voice conditions, sleep conditions, and allergies. Meet your award winning and trusted ENT doctors in Marlton, New Jersey
How We Can Help
The NJ ENT team has performed thousands of procedures and has the experience to provide you with exceptional care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Our doctors are experts in their field specializing in ENT procedures and surgeries.
Allergy Symptoms FAQs
It is recommended you keep a journal of symptoms and potential triggers and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. You should also avoid your suspected allergy trigger whenever possible.
While they have similar symptoms, they do not have the same cause. Allergies are often seasonal, not accompanied by a fever, and due to exposure to the allergen. Colds are often associated with fevers and body aches. Colds subside after 7 to 10 days.
Yes, some may outgrow certain allergies and others may develop new allergies later in life.
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