Allergies are something most people deal with but many dont really understand properly. Like sometimes you just start sneezing a lot or itching and just ignore it thinking its nothing serious but allergies can be real pain sometimes and cause all kinds of problems. So here i will try to explain the common allergy symptoms and when you should maybe worry.
What is allergy?
So, allergy is when your body’s immune system gets confused and reacts to stuff that is actually harmless. Like pollen, dust, some foods, or even pets. Your body thinks these things are dangerous and attacks them causing the symptoms like sneezing or itching.
Common allergy symptoms
Different people get different symptoms and it depends what they are allergic to. But some things show up most times:
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Sneezing a lot – You just keep sneezing like crazy especially in mornings or certain seasons. Your nose may also be runny or blocked.
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Itchy watery eyes – Your eyes get super itchy and watery, might get red and sometimes swollen. It is so annoying and you want to rub them but better not.
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Skin problems – Like itching, redness, rashes or bumps. Sometimes like hives – those raised bumps that come and go. This can happen if your skin touches something allergic.
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Swelling – Your lips, tongue, face or throat might swell and it can be scary. If your throat swells and you find it hard to breathe, call emergency.
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Coughing or wheezing – If allergies affect your lungs, you might cough a lot or hear wheezing sound while breathing. Can cause asthma attacks too.
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Stomach problems – If you eat something allergic, might get stomach pain, cramps, vomiting or diarrhea. Usually soon after eating.
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Severe reaction (Anaphylaxis) – This is very serious and needs emergency treatment. Your throat swells, feel dizzy, breathing hard and blood pressure drops. Call ambulance immediately.
What causes allergies?
Lots of things cause allergies but common ones are:
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Pollen from trees and flowers
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Dust mites in your house
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Pet fur or dander
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Foods like peanuts, eggs or shellfish
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Insect stings like bees or wasps
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Medicines like antibiotics or aspirin
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Latex gloves or balloons
Some people have allergies since childhood and some develop later. It also runs in families so if your parents have allergies, chances are you might have too.
When to see doctor?
If symptoms mild, like sneezing or itchy eyes, you can try home remedies or OTC medicines. But if:
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Breathing hard or wheezing worse
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Swelling on face or throat
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Feel dizzy or faint
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Rash spreads or looks infected
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Frequent severe stomach problems after food
Then see doctor. They may do allergy tests to find exact cause.
How to manage allergies?
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Avoid stuff causing allergy. Like close windows during pollen season or avoid pets if allergic.
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Keep house clean and vacuum often.
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Use air purifiers if possible.
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Medicines like antihistamines help sneezing, itching or rash.
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Nasal sprays and eye drops can help specific symptoms.
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For serious allergies, doctors recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) which help body get used to allergens.
Tips that might help
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Wash hands and face often to remove pollen or dust.
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Change clothes when come inside after outside during pollen season.
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Don’t rub itchy eyes – makes worse.
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Eat healthy and drink water.
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If have asthma with allergies, keep inhaler with you.
Final thoughts
Allergies can be annoying but mostly manageable if you know triggers and avoid them. But dont ignore severe symptoms cause can get dangerous.
If think you have allergies but dont know what exactly, see doctor for tests. Don’t guess or self medicate forever.
Remember, allergy is body overreacting to safe stuff. Take care and try to avoid triggers.