Allergy Symptoms

There are many types of allergies, but the most common include:

• Food Allergies - triggered by certain types of food
• Anaphylaxis - triggered by food, drugs, or insect stings
• Respiratory Allergies - triggered by airborne allergens
• Contact Allergies -triggered by allergens that affect your skin
• Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by the venom in some insects

Listed below are mild and severe symptoms associated with each common type of allergy.

Because each individual can have unique reactions, your symptoms may differ or may include one, some, or all of those listed. Call your doctor if your symptoms are severe or persistent.

Food Allergies
Symptoms of a food allergy usually occur within minutes after ingesting the food allergen, although some may not occur for several hours. The symptoms may be isolated only to areas around the mouth, lips and digestive tract, or they may involve other areas of the body. Foods that most commonly cause allergic reactions include milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.

Mild Symptoms:

• Itching, tingling or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  
• Tightness in the throat
  
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  
• Nausea
  
• Abdominal cramps and indigestion
  
• Diarrhea and vomiting
  
• Skin rashes
  
• Congestion, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
  
• Stuffy, itchy, or runny nose
  

Severe Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Dizziness, sweating, and faintness
  
• Rapid increase in heart rate
  
• Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak
  
• Immediate and extreme facial swelling and itching
  
• Anaphylaxis
  

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, and potentially fatal allergic reaction with symptoms that affect various areas of the body. Symptoms usually appear very quickly after exposure to the allergen and can include intense itching all over the body, total body swelling, respiratory distress and can even lead to shock that is life threatening. Immediate medical attention is required. Anaphylaxis is most frequently caused by food, drug, or insect sting allergies.