For most individuals the word allergy conjures up is one of sneezing, watery eyes or a runny nose – and although these may be signs of allergy, they are only a small portion of the reactions that occur in the body. In fact, allergy symptoms can reach well beyond the nose and eyes, sometimes affecting the skin, lungs and overall health.
Appreciating these masked and subtler signs can be crucial with respect to early diagnosis and optimal management. Allergies are not just a nuisance on the flowers they are a response of the immune system with far reaching effects on many vital systems.
What is really happening during an allergy?
A person has an allergy when their immune system treats something that is not harmful as if it was. These substances are called allergens. They may be things such as pollen, dust, animal dander, mold or certain foods.
As soon as an allergen is in the body, chemicals such as histamine are released. These chemicals induce inflammation and the symptoms associated with allergies. Depending on the individual and the type of allergen, this response can differ.
Why Allergy Symptoms Go Beyond Sneezing
While the most obvious symptom may be sneezing, it is just a reflex response trying to rid the nose of the irritant. Allergens aren‘t just sat in the nasal passage: they may also go into the bloodstream, into the lungs or touch the skin.
This also explains why allergy symptoms sometimes manifest in different areas of the body such as all over skin itching and difficulty of breathing.
Allergy Symptoms Affecting the Skin
The skin is another one of the body’s largest organs and acts as a barrier; however the skin is also highly sensitive to allergens.
Common skin-related allergy symptoms include:
- Pinkness and irritation
- Chronic pruritus
- Weak, dry/flaky areas
- Hives (raised, swollen welts)
- Exacerbation of eczema
They may appear instantly or develop gradually. Sometimes the symptoms are triggered by slowly coming into contact with and touching the substance which trigger them, such as your pet or some fabrics.
Skin allergies are not simple skin problems they reflect immune response and continuous scratching and irritation worsen the situation and may cause infection.
Allergy Symptoms Affecting the Lungs
Another large area is affected by allergies is in the lungs especially when experiencing airborne allergens. Aerosolized pollen, dust, mold spores, and smoke are inhaled.
Once the allergens are introduced into the lungs, they can irritate and inflame the airways resulting in any number of symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing/ whistling sound while breathing
- Chest tightness
- Persistent dry cough
- Mucus production increased
In a few people, it will be similar to asthma. And allergy is one of the most common causes of asthma attack.
Allergy symptoms caused by breathing may worsen if allergies are left unmanaged. Repeated breathing in allergen over time can increase airway sensitivity.
Hidden Allergy Symptoms People Often Ignore
You may not even realize you have all the allergy symptoms. Some are so subtle you might mistake them for tiredness, stress, or other ailments.
These hidden symptoms include:
- Perpetually tired or low energy
- Trouble focusing (sometimes described as “brain fog”)
- Common headaches
- Increased irritability or change of mood
- Impaired sleep quality
These effects are caused by the immune system working in the background to fight off things it thinks are potentially harmful. This is a continual process over a period of time which impacts on a person‘s productivity and health on a day to day basis.
Common Triggers Behind Allergy Symptoms
Identify what triggers allergy symptoms. Some of the action triggers are the season they are in, and others are all year round.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen: Trees, grasses, and weeds can all send out pollen, particularly in the Spring and Fall.
- Dust mites: Are tiny creatures that might be living in your bedding, carpets or furniture.
- Pet dander: Microscopic skin particles of animals.
- Mould: Located in a moist or wet atmosphere.
- Air pollution: Smoke and emitted pollution from industries may aggravate the symptoms.
- Certain foods: nuts, dairy, eggs, fish in sensitive subjects.
Depends of our immune system sensitivity each of us reacts to each virus differently.
How Allergy Symptoms Develop Over Time
Allergy symptoms are not typically immediate; they can appear gradually with repeated exposure.
- First stage: Mild sneezing, eyelid or watery eyes, slight itchiness or irritation in nose.
- Progressively stage: Dermatitis with burning and oozing, constant cough or blocked nose.
- Progressive: Shortness of breath, diffuse rashes, or prolonged fatigue
If the disease is not properly treated, symptoms can increase and become worse.
When Allergy Symptoms Become Serious
Most allergies are not a problem but some can be life threatening this is known as anaphylaxis a general allergic response affecting many areas of the body.
Warning signs include:
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Acute breathing problems
- Describe how the blood pressure was altered- rapid drop in blood pressure
- Being dizzy or faint2.
This case demands the use of quality emergency department treatment.
Managing Allergy Symptoms Effectively
Allergies are not always curable, but they are manageable.
Here are some effective management tips:
- Ensure indoor environments are kept clean and free of dust.
- Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens
- Wash bedding in boiling water on a regular basis
- Avoid known hazards/triggers whenever possible
- Shower after outdoor exposure during high pollen season.
- Adhere to prescribed medications
Modest modifications to the daily routine can help to mitigate symptoms.
Importance of Early Recognition
Many of the earliest indicators of allergy are in general overlooked because some individuals assume they will not last. It is important to remember that.
Finding trends (e.g. experiencing symptoms in certain seasons, upon exposure to certain environments) can catch allergy in early stages. The earlier, the better.
Conclusion
Allergy symptoms go well beyond the sneezing. Allergies can impact the skin, lungs and even the entire body‘s energy levels.
When symptoms of allergies are understood and recognized the body has a tool to manage their health. Identification, early prevention and the appropriate care can lower the severity of allergies, offer relief to the sufferer and improve the quality of life.
