4 Common allergies and their symptoms

*Remunerated Post*

People’s physical reactions and hyper-sensitivity are far more common in this day and age. I believe that this is in part due to science and the developments in awareness and partly due to our everchanging planet. As a result, it is easier to detect common allergies and their symptoms.

However, you may not know whether you are suffering from a specific allergy, so it is a good idea to consider a investing in a home allergy test. Skin prick tests are one of the most common ways to diagnose what you are allergic to. You may want to look into what a skin prick test consists of first.

All these are the most common allergies to look out for and the potential symptoms you may be suffering from as a result.

Hayfever

Hayfever is also known as allergic rhinitis and can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

There are a few ways to help alleviate the symptoms of hayfever. You can put vaseline around your nostrils in a bid to try and trap the pollen as well as wear wraparound sunglasses to stop it getting into your eyes. Also, consider showering and changing your clothes when you have been outside to help wash off the pollen.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is an immune system reaction which happens after eating specific foods which you would have an intolerance to. Even a tiny amount can trigger signs and symptoms such as:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Rash
• Anaphylaxis

The best way to prevent a food allergy from taking over is to stop eating. Over-the-counter antihistamines may help lessen the symptoms of a mild reaction and may also like to consider acupuncture.

Insect sting or bite allergy

Abnormal reactions to insects may be a reaction to their bites or stings which causes a more severe reaction than it would do normally. Presence of bugs in your house can also cause reactions too.

• A large area of swelling around the sting site
• Itching or rash all over the body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

To help with any issues then you can use some ice to put on and off the bite or sting by following 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Make sure you put the ice in a towel and ensure you don’t use any heat. To prevent or reduce swelling, elevate the area and take an antihistamine. You could also use a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

Medication Allergy

A medication allergy is the abnormal reaction of your immune system to pharmaceuticals or similar. Any medication — over-the-counter, prescription or herbal — is capable of inducing an allergy. However, it is more likely with certain medications. Symptoms include:

• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

The best way to deal with a medication allergy is to consult your GP who likely prescribe an antihistamine or recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl that can block immune system chemicals activated during an allergic reaction.