Allergy Symptoms: Causes, Types & Treatment

Allergy symptoms can include itchy, red skin, mouth swelling, vomiting, coughing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can also vary depending on the part of the body affected and the type of allergen.

Allergy symptoms arise when the body is exposed to a substance that triggers an inflammatory response. This happens because the immune system overreacts to everyday substances such as dust, pollen, certain medicines, perfumes, or foods, particularly peanuts, eggs, milk, and other dairy products.

Treatment for allergies should be guided by an allergist or primary care provider. It may include antihistamines or corticosteroids in some cases, and severe reactions may require injectable epinephrine.

Main symptoms

The main allergy symptoms are:

1. Itchy skin, nose, and eyes
2. Swelling
3. Mouth tingling
4. Frequent sneezing and runny nose
5. Abdominal pain
6. Cough
7. Headache
8. Difficulty breathing

In more severe cases, or when treatment is not started quickly, a person may develop symptoms of anaphylaxis. This reaction may cause difficulty breathing, throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or fainting.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment with epinephrine and evaluation in an emergency room.

Allergy symptoms by type

Symptoms and treatment can vary depending on the type of allergy.

Food allergy symptoms

The main symptoms of a food allergy are:

• Tingling or itching in the mouth

• Itchy, red, rough skin

• Swelling and itching of the neck, lips, face, or tongue

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sore throat

• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

• Hoarseness

These symptoms may occur after eating foods that trigger allergies. According to the CDC, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts are among the foods responsible for most serious allergic reactions in the United States.

Treatment for food allergies depends on the severity of the reaction and can vary from person to person. A healthcare provider may recommend antihistamines to relieve mild symptoms, while severe allergic reactions require prompt treatment with injectable epinephrine. Avoiding the food that triggered the reaction is also an important part of treatment.

Skin allergy symptoms

The main symptoms of a skin allergy are:

• Small bumps on the skin

• Intense itching

• Redness

• Red patches on the skin

• Dryness in the affected area

• A burning or stinging sensation

• Increased skin sensitivity

• Skin swelling

Symptoms may appear within minutes or hours after contact with the allergen. It is important to wash the skin with water and mild soap while symptoms are present.

This type of allergy is common in people who are allergic to medications, insect bites, animals, or substances such as perfumes, nickel, nail polish, or latex. It can also be caused by histamine release due to a respiratory or food allergy.

Treatment should be guided by an allergist, who may recommend corticosteroid or immunosuppressant creams, as well as allergy medications such as loratadine, cetirizine, or hydroxyzine.

Respiratory allergy symptoms

The symptoms of a respiratory allergy are:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy nose, eyes, and throat

• Constant sneezing

• Nasal redness

• Dry cough

• Difficulty breathing

• Red, watery eyes

• Headaches

A respiratory allergy can occur when the airways come into contact with substances such as dust, mold, or cat or other animal dander. It may worsen conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or sinusitis.

To properly treat a respiratory allergy, an allergist should identify the cause and recommend appropriate allergy medication. It is also important to take steps that support recovery and help prevent future flare-ups, such as preventing dust buildup and drinking plenty of water every day.

Medication allergy symptoms

A medication allergy can cause symptoms similar to those of other types of allergies, such as:

• Red bumps on the skin

• Itching

• Skin swelling

• Difficulty breathing

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Abdominal cramps

These symptoms usually appear after starting a medication and improve once it is stopped. Always tell your healthcare provider about any medication that has caused an allergic reaction before future treatment or surgery.