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Page: Signs and Symptoms
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Allergy is a local or systemic inflammatory response to allergens. Local symptoms are:
* Nose: swelling of the nasal mucosa (allergic rhinitis)
* Eyes: redness and itching of the conjunctiva (allergic conjunctivitis)
* Airways: bronchoconstriction, wheezing and dyspnoea, sometimes outright attacks of asthma, in severe cases the airway constricts due to swelling known as anaphylaxis.
* Ears: feeling of fullness, possibly pain, and impaired hearing due to the lack of eustachian tube drainage.
* Skin: various rashes, such as eczema, hives (urticaria) and contact dermatitis.
* Head: while not as common, headaches are seen in some with environmental or chemical allergies.
Systemic allergic response is also called anaphylaxis; multiple systems can be affected including the digestive system, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system. Depending of the rate of severity, it can cause cutaneous reactions, bronchoconstriction, edema, hypotension, coma and even death. This type of reaction can be triggered suddenly or the onset can be delayed. The severity of this type of allergic response often requires injections of epinephrine, sometimes through a device known as the Epi-Pen auto-injector. The nature of anaphylaxis is such that the reaction can seemingly be subsiding, but may recur throughout a prolonged period of time.
Allergic rhinitis afflicts 20% of the US population.
Also known as hayfever, symptoms can be in response to airborne pollen. Asthmatics are often allergic to dust mites. Apart from ambient allergens, allergic reactions can be result from foods, insect stings and reactions to medications.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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