Allergy Care

Symptoms and Types of Allergies IS IT ALLERGIES OR A COLD? Allergies and colds have similar symptoms, but there are some signs that can help you tell the difference between them. ALLERGY SYMPTOMS Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate or severe. TYPES OF ALLERGIES Seasonal and Environmental Allergies Food Allergies Chemical Allergies (including cosmetics and drugs) Pet Allergies Bee Sting Allergy (or other insects) RELATED ISSUES Allergies and Asthma Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Schedule an appointment with our allergy specialist: Karen Pulvino, MSN ANP-C Registered Nurse Practitioner, Family Physicians Liverpool and Fayetteville 315-452-2828 315-637-7878 ALLERGIES OR A COLD? (back to top) There is no fever and no muscle ache. Mucous secretions are clear and runny. Sneezes occur in rapid, multiple sequence. Itchiness in nose, ears and throat (especially the palate or roof of the mouth) is present. Symptoms of seasonal allergies usually last longer than the typical duration of a cold, which is usually 7 to 10 days. ALLERGY SYMPTOMS (back to top) Mild allergy symptoms can include: Rash Itchy, watery eyes Nasal congestion Sneezing Post Nasal Drip (PND) Mild allergic reactions do not spread to other parts of the body. Moderate Allergy Symptoms (back to top) Moderate allergic reactions include mild allergy symptoms and can include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body, such as: Itchiness Difficulty breathing Severe Allergy Symptoms (Anaphylaxis) (back to top) Anaphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which the body's response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. Allergy symptoms may begin with sudden itching of the eyes or face and within minutes progress to more serious symptoms, including: Varying degrees of swellings that can make breathing and swallowing difficult Abdominal pain Cramps Vomiting Diarrhea Mental confusion or dizziness Hives/Dermatitis TYPES OF ALLERGIES Seasonal and Environmental Allergies (back to top) You may be able to prevent or minimize reactions to indoor allergens with these tips. Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) Alllergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen or other microscopic substances. Fall Allergies During the fall season, ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger. Though the yellow-flowering weed typically begins pollinating in August, it can linger well into the fall months. About three-quarters of people who are allergic to spring pollen-producing plants are also allergic to ragweed. Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind, so even if it doesn't grow where you live, it can still cause symptoms to flare up if you're allergic to it. Mold Allergy Symptoms of a mold allergy are those typical of many other allergies, including wheezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and rash or hives. Sun Allergy Most people's skin will burn if there is enough exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, some people burn particularly easily or develop exaggerated skin reactions to sunlight, which people refer to as a sun allergy, or photosensitivity. Food Allergies (back to top) Some common examples include Milk Allergy Egg Allergy Nut Allergy Fish Allergy Shellfish Allergy Soy Allergy Wheat Allergy Chemical Allergies (including cosmetics and drugs) (back to top) Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Two allergic reactions might occur following exposure to cosmetics: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a condition marked by areas of inflammation (redness, itching, and swelling) that form after a substance comes into contact with your skin. Many drugs can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it. The drug most people are allergic to is penicillin. Other antibiotics similar to penicillin can also trigger allergies. Other drugs commonly found to cause allergic reactions include sulfa drugs, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, insulin, and iodine (found in many X-ray contrast dyes). Latex Allergy Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to substances in natural latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions, although latex is also used in other products such as condoms and some medical devices. Pet Allergies (back to top) Pet allergies affect about 15 percent of the population. Pet dander, saliva, and urine call all be culprits of causing allergic reactions in people. Bee Sting Allergy (or other insects) (back to top) A normal reaction to a bee sting is different from a bee sting allergy. Symptoms of a severe insect sting allergy (called an anaphylactic reaction) can include difficulty breathing, hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth tissue, wheezing or difficulty swallowing, restlessness and anxiety, rapid pulse, and dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure. Although severe allergic reactions are not that common, they can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. RELATED ISSUES (back to top) Allergies and Asthma Allergies are a main trigger for asthma attacks. Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by an allergy (for example, pollen or mold spores). According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, half of the 20 million Americans with asthma have allergic asthma. Common symptoms of asthma include frequent cough, especially at night, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, pain or pressure. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Hay fever allergies can cause sinus blockage and infection. Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. About 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of sinusitis each year. Different types of sinusitis include: Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 7-10 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less. Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks. Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer. Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year. MORE FROM North Medical Learn more about symptoms and types of allergies Learn more about diagnosis and tests Learn more about treatment and care available at North Medical Learn more about allergy avoidance and management Learn more about helpful resources for allergy support