Healthline presents
An Interactive
Guide to
Allergy Symptom Management
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Fatigue
Most people know that over-the-counter allergy medications often cause drowsiness, but many aren’t aware that allergies themselves can cause fatigue and sleep issues. Other allergy symptoms such as coughing or sneezing can make it difficult to sleep, leaving you overly tired in the morning. Chronic nasal congestion can also lead to other sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Treating the other symptoms of your allergies often leads to a better night’s rest and can help reduce daytime sleepiness.
Fatigue is often a secondary symptom caused by other allergy symptoms. If you’re experiencing fatigue without any other signs of allergies, talk with a healthcare professional about other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Skin Irritation
As the body’s first line of defense, the skin is exposed to a wide variety of allergens that can trigger a reaction, known as contact dermatitis. Common triggers of contact dermatitis include plants, cosmetics, metals, and latex. Allergies to certain foods and medications can cause skin symptoms as well. Dry, red, itchy rashes are among the most frequent symptoms of allergies that present on the skin, but hives are blisters can also occur.
Oftentimes, these reactions can be prevented by avoiding the cause of the allergic reaction, and topical moisturizers and medications can help control symptoms when they occur. Some people with chronic, difficult-to-treat skin allergies may be diagnosed with eczema, which may require long-term treatment. While eczema and other rashes caused by allergies are non contagious, rashes caused by certain viral or fungal infections like chickenpox, shingles, or ringworm can be spread and should be appropriately treated. Click here to learn more about common causes of rashes in adults and children, including how to treat rashes caused by allergies.
Itchy Mouth
Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy syndrome, is a type of allergic reaction in the mouth and throat triggered by eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, or tree nuts. It’s caused by a reaction to certain proteins in these foods that are similar to allergens found in pollen, so oral allergy syndrome is especially common in people who are allergic to birch, ragweed, or grass pollen.
Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome typically include an itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue, and can usually be prevented by cooking the foods, which breaks down the problematic proteins. Oral allergy syndrome is often mild but can be severe in a small number of cases, so talk with your allergist if you experience significant discomfort or if your symptoms are getting worse. Other causes of itchiness in the mouth can include cold sores and yeast infections, which should be treated by a healthcare professional.
Coughing
Coughing can also be caused by nasal drainage as well as reactions to allergens in the airway that cause swelling and irritation. Whereas coughing caused by a cold or the flu is short-lived, allergy-related coughs tend to be persistent and long-lasting.
If you have a cough lasting longer than a couple of weeks, talk with your allergist to determine whether it’s due to allergies. They may also consider testing you for asthma, which also causes coughing and is common in people with allergies. Coughing that occurs rapidly alongside other respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain or tightness may indicate a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you suspect you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Sore Throat
A runny nose caused by allergies can lead to nasal drainage down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip. This drip causes irritation in the throat, leading to a sore throat, cough, and raspy voice.
Throat lozenges, gargling salt water, and using a humidifier can help provide relief from a sore throat. A sore throat can also be infectious. Viral infections, such as the cold or flu, generally resolve on their own and can be managed with symptomatic relief.
Bacterial infections on the other hand, such as strep throat, require antibiotics to treat. In addition to a sore throat, strep throat is often accompanied by fever, pain when swallowing, and small red spots on the roof of the mouth.
Runny Nose
One of the most recognizable symptoms of allergies is a runny or stuffy nose, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is often triggered by seasonal allergies to outdoor allergens, pollens, or molds, but nasal symptoms can also be caused by allergies to pet dander, dust mites, or cockroaches.
Certain at-home regimens, including nasal irrigation, can help provide temporary relief from the symptoms of nasal allergies. If you can’t avoid allergens that trigger your allergic rhinitis, your allergist may recommend immunotherapy to provide long-term relief. This may include a series of allergy shots or daily oral medication.
Common illnesses such as the cold or flu can also cause nasal symptoms, as well as more serious underlying medical conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. If you can’t identify the cause of your allergy symptoms, be sure to talk with your allergist about what else might be causing your nasal symptoms.
Ear Swelling
Nasal drainage and inflammation in the throat from allergies can cause irritation in the inner ear that leads to swelling. This swelling can cause fluid to build up in the ear canal, leading to pain, pressure, and discomfort.
Decongestants and antihistamines can help relieve pressure caused by allergies, although fluid buildup in the ear may also lead to an ear infection requiring antibiotics. Read more about allergies and ear pain, including steps you can take at home to manage discomfort in the ear.
Eye Irritation
Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, are one of the most common and visible signs of an allergic reaction. Typical symptoms of eye allergies include redness, swelling, itchiness, burning, and excessive tearing, and some people may also experience sensitivity to light. The most common triggers of eye allergies are pollen, pet dander, dust, cigarette smoke, and perfume.
Eye allergies can be easily treated with over-the-counter eye drops or, in more severe cases, a prescription from an allergist. If you’re experiencing what you believe to be eye allergies, it’s important to be sure you don’t have pink eye, which presents similarly but is highly contagious. Click here to learn more about eye allergies, including common triggers and treatments.
Scalp Dryness
Allergies to certain hair or skin care products can cause dryness, itchiness, and flaking on the scalp, a condition commonly known as allergic contact dermatitis. Any product used on the hair or skin, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes, can cause an allergic reaction. If you know what product is causing your allergies, try switching to a hypoallergenic alternative.
A dermatologist can help identify the source of your allergies if you’re not sure. They can also help determine whether your symptoms are due to a nonallergic skin condition known as plaque psoriasis, which commonly causes flares on the scalp. Various home remedies can help relieve itchiness on the scalp. If your symptoms don’t resolve with these changes, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist about other possible causes of an itchy scalp.
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Hover and click below to explore 9 symptoms