Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Allergies?CausesSymptomsTypes of AllergiesWays To Recognize an AllergyDiagnosisManagement and PreventionWhen to See A DoctorFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are Allergies?
Causes
Symptoms
Types of Allergies
Ways To Recognize an Allergy
Diagnosis
Management and Prevention
When to See A Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference betweenallergiesanda cold, or other illnesses that cause similar symptoms. This is especially true if your allergy symptoms are mild. Though symptoms can vary, if you have itchy,watery eyes, and a runny nose, it’s likely that you have allergies. In this article, we’ll discuss allergy symptoms and their diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
Allergies are the ways your body responds to substances it sees as harmful. However, these substances are often harmless. For example, some people may sneeze and have watery eyes when they come in contact withpollen. The pollen, which causes your body to react in that way, is an allergen.
During allergies, your immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that tag a harmless allergen as harmful. When you come across an allergen, your immune system then inflames different parts of your body like your skin, sinuses, and airway.
Are Allergies Hereditary?
Your immune system keeps an eye out for an allergen so that it can release antibodies when it detects it again. These antibodies release chemicals like histamine, which causeallergic reactions.
Common allergens include:
Note that you’ll be more likely to have an allergy if:
Recap
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies
Allergic reactions depend on the allergen involved and can affect different parts of your body. Allergy symptoms can be mild to severe.Severe allergiescan trigger a dangerous reaction known asanaphylaxis. Common symptoms of allergies include:
Allergy Symptoms
Cold vs. Allergies: Similar but Fundamentally Different Symptoms
Hay Fever
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include:
How to Recognize and Treat an Allergic Reaction in Babies and Infants
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitisis a type of eczema, and causes your skin to become red and itchy. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in 10 people have this condition.
Atopic dermatitis is due to a reaction in the skin.The reaction leads to ongoing itching, swelling, and redness. People with atopic dermatitis may be more sensitive because their skin lacks specific proteins that maintain the skin’s barrier to water.
The following can make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse:
Atopic vs. Contact Dermatitis: How They Differ
Drug Allergies
A drug allergy occurs when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized to a substance in a medication, perceives it as a foreign invader, and releases chemicals to defend against it.Common triggers of drug allergies:
An allergic reaction to drugs can affect any part of your body. Common symptoms include:
Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction, can also occur.
Children and Penicillin Allergic Reactions
Food Allergies
A food allergy can cause:
When you have food allergies, you must be prepared to treat an accidental exposure.Anaphylaxisis an immediate and life-threatening allergic reaction that requires medical treatment. Anaphylaxis is a swelling of the throat that can make breathing impossible. When allergies are this severe, it’s recommended that you always carry an injectable epinephrine device (EpiPenor Auvi-Q) or epinephrine nasal spray (Neffy).
Insect Sting Allergies
Insect sting allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to the venom in insect stings. Stinging insects include:
Insect sting allergies can cause the following symptoms:
Relief for Eye Allergy Symptoms
Ways to Recognize an Allergy
Even though it may not be easy to tell if you have an allergy, there are a few ways that you can differentiate an allergy from other conditions.
Make a Checklist of Symptoms
It may be difficult for you to differentiate between an allergy and a cold because both come with similar symptoms. It that is the case, it would be best to write down the symptoms you are experiencing.
If you have a fever, green mucus, andbody aches, then you most likely have a cold. However, if you have sneezing, watery eyes, clear mucus, and itchy eyes, ears, nose, or throat, you may have an allergy.
Unfortunately, despite what anyone will tell you, there is a lot of overlap between symptoms of colds and allergies. Testing can be helpful in determining whether you have allergies.
Note What Time Allergy Symptoms Occur
Noting the time span and exact time you have these allergic reactions can help you discover the cause. A cold generally lasts between five to seven days. If allergy symptoms last for more than two weeks or for months at a time, you may have a seasonal allergy.
If your symptoms worsen during the spring or fall, when pollen counts are higher, then you are more likely to have a seasonal allergy. If you have allergic reactions around the clock, you should check to see if there are allergens in your environment like dust mites.
Rule Out Other Conditions
Some disorders are often misdiagnosed as food allergies. Also, food intolerance is often confused with allergies. Food intolerance is your body’s response to what you eat. For example, people who are lactose-intolerant react to milk products. As a result, they experience abdominal pain due to gas. Although the symptoms may be similar to those of a food allergy, they should not be confused.
It’s best to see an allergist or immunologist if your allergic reaction lasts more than two weeks or more and recurs often.
Skin tests are commonly used to identify the allergens that are causing your allergy symptoms. Your allergist will prick your skin with the extract of an allergen and then check for a reaction.
A blood test can also be performed. It checks the amount of antibodies your immune system produces. A higher count shows that you may be allergic to the allergen.
There are a variety of reasons a blood test may be ordered instead of skin prick testing. Both tests give similar results, but in a blood allergy test, you do not need to stop taking antihistamines in the days leading up to the healthcare provider visit.
Even though staying away from the allergen seems like the best way to treat an allergy, it isn’t the most efficient in emergencies. Some common treatment methods include the following:
Preventing allergic reactions is easier than treating them. General preventive strategies include:
If OTC allergy drugs don’t stop the allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Also, if you notice an allergic reaction after starting a new drug, reach the healthcare provider who recommended it immediately.
In severe cases, like anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical assistance. If you have epinephrine on you, self-administer the medication as soon as you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction.
You should still visit the emergency room after the injection. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction before, schedule an appointment to visit your doctor.
Summary
Allergies are yourbody’s way of fighting off substancesthat it sees as harmful even when they are harmless. Your body’s immune system reacts when triggers to the allergens invade your body.
Some common causes of these reactions are pollen, pet dander, dust mites, chemicals, or even insect bites.
A Word From Verywell
Allergies are common but not deadly as long as they are kept under control. Educating yourself and taking the right precautions can help you live through these episodes. However, don’t forget to always inform your doctor if you notice symptoms that are not normal in your body.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAllergies and colds share symptoms like sneezing and stuffy or runny nose, headache, and fatigue. However, what they don’t share is a fever.You will not get a feverif you’re having an allergic reaction.Also, you don’t experience itchy ears with the common cold the way you would with allergies. Note, too, that it is rare to experience muscle aches or sore throats when having allergies.Both allergies and sinus infections come with a stuffy nose. Nevertheless, they have their differences. A sinus infection arises from an allergy. With sinusitis, you may have thick mucus, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Whereas with allergies, you mainly experience a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing.Learn MoreSinus Infection: Overview and MoreThe time it takes for an allergic reaction to stop depends on the type of reaction (allergic rhinitis, rash, anaphylaxis) and whether exposure to the allergy trigger (allergen) is continuing.You are likely to have allergy symptoms with seasonal allergies as long as you are exposed to the allergy trigger (such as pollen), which can be two or more months each year.You may have ongoing exposure when you have allergies to mold, dust mites, or pet dander.You may continue to have an allergy for the rest of your life once you develop it. However, some people find that over the years they no longer have symptoms when exposed to an allergen.
Allergies and colds share symptoms like sneezing and stuffy or runny nose, headache, and fatigue. However, what they don’t share is a fever.You will not get a feverif you’re having an allergic reaction.Also, you don’t experience itchy ears with the common cold the way you would with allergies. Note, too, that it is rare to experience muscle aches or sore throats when having allergies.
Allergies and colds share symptoms like sneezing and stuffy or runny nose, headache, and fatigue. However, what they don’t share is a fever.You will not get a feverif you’re having an allergic reaction.
Also, you don’t experience itchy ears with the common cold the way you would with allergies. Note, too, that it is rare to experience muscle aches or sore throats when having allergies.
Both allergies and sinus infections come with a stuffy nose. Nevertheless, they have their differences. A sinus infection arises from an allergy. With sinusitis, you may have thick mucus, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Whereas with allergies, you mainly experience a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing.Learn MoreSinus Infection: Overview and More
Both allergies and sinus infections come with a stuffy nose. Nevertheless, they have their differences. A sinus infection arises from an allergy. With sinusitis, you may have thick mucus, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Whereas with allergies, you mainly experience a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing.
Learn MoreSinus Infection: Overview and More
The time it takes for an allergic reaction to stop depends on the type of reaction (allergic rhinitis, rash, anaphylaxis) and whether exposure to the allergy trigger (allergen) is continuing.You are likely to have allergy symptoms with seasonal allergies as long as you are exposed to the allergy trigger (such as pollen), which can be two or more months each year.You may have ongoing exposure when you have allergies to mold, dust mites, or pet dander.You may continue to have an allergy for the rest of your life once you develop it. However, some people find that over the years they no longer have symptoms when exposed to an allergen.
The time it takes for an allergic reaction to stop depends on the type of reaction (allergic rhinitis, rash, anaphylaxis) and whether exposure to the allergy trigger (allergen) is continuing.
You are likely to have allergy symptoms with seasonal allergies as long as you are exposed to the allergy trigger (such as pollen), which can be two or more months each year.You may have ongoing exposure when you have allergies to mold, dust mites, or pet dander.
You may continue to have an allergy for the rest of your life once you develop it. However, some people find that over the years they no longer have symptoms when exposed to an allergen.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Overview: Allergies. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2023.National Health Service.Allergies overview.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Causes and prevention of food allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Types of allergies.MedlinePlus.Hay fever.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Drug allergy.MedlinePlus.Food allergy.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Characterizing food allergy & addressing related disorders.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Rhinitis (nasal allergies).Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies?Additional ReadingAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hay fever.NHS UK.Allergies.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Overview: Allergies. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2023.National Health Service.Allergies overview.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Causes and prevention of food allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Types of allergies.MedlinePlus.Hay fever.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Drug allergy.MedlinePlus.Food allergy.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Characterizing food allergy & addressing related disorders.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Rhinitis (nasal allergies).Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies?Additional ReadingAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hay fever.NHS UK.Allergies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Overview: Allergies. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2023.National Health Service.Allergies overview.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Causes and prevention of food allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Types of allergies.MedlinePlus.Hay fever.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Drug allergy.MedlinePlus.Food allergy.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Characterizing food allergy & addressing related disorders.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Rhinitis (nasal allergies).Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies?
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MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Drug allergy.
MedlinePlus.Food allergy.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Characterizing food allergy & addressing related disorders.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy testing.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Rhinitis (nasal allergies).
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American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hay fever.
NHS UK.Allergies.
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