10 Signs You Could Have Allergies
Allergies are simply caused be an overactive immune system once triggered by an 'allergen.' Allergies can, of course, be seasonal or perennial. Once exposed to an allergen, whether it is pollen or wheat, your body begins to produce histamine. Once this chemical is released, individuals often experience a number of signs and symptoms. If you experience the following signs, it's recommended that you get tested immediately. This will help you better understand the severity, as well as the cause.
10.Watery, Sensitive Eyes
When exposed to a certain allergen, it's possible that it will cause your eyes to become irritated and itchy. Although allergens such as mold, dust, pollen, and pet dander are common causes, while food allergies and even bee stings can affect your eyes. An eye allergen is also known as allergic conjunctivitis and contributes to the discomfort you experience. Once histamine is released, this is what influences issues with your eyes. You may experience puffy eyes, swollen eyelids, tearing, itching, redness, and burning.
9.Scratchy Throat
A scratchy or sore throat can be caused by an allergy-induced postnatal drip. Once exposed to an allergen, your sinuses may begin to drain, resulting in a scratchy discomfort.
Your body is simply increasing its mucus production, which is why you may also experience a runny nose. Although the mucus itself does not generally cause pain, a sore throat is often experienced because individuals try to clear the mucus, resulting in burning and discomfort. To soothe a sore throat, gargle warm salt water and drink plenty of fluids.
8. Skin Rash
A skin rash can be caused by a wide range of factors, including exposure to certain plants or even a reaction to a food. Two of the most common skin rashes are eczema and hives, which can easily be brought on by allergens. Once histamine is released, blood plasma begins to leak out of your skin's blood vessels.
If you experience any rash on your skin, it's important to have it examined. If you experience a chronic rash, this could be an indication of something more severe. For those who are prone to rashes, avoid itching problematic areas. This can expose open areas to bacteria, causing minor infections.
7. Swelling
If you react to an allergen by swelling, this can be dangerous. In some cases, your throat and lungs could be at risk, reducing your ability to breathe. In most cases, severe swelling occurs due to insect bites, food allergies, a reaction to medication, or pet dander.
If you notice that your fingers, tongue, and lips begin to swell, you may be having a reaction. If you notice that your throat is swelling, call an ambulance and take an antihistamine if possible. If this has happened before, it's important to discuss emergency options with your doctor - such as an EpiPen or an inhaler for future use.
6. Vomiting
More often than not, vomiting will occur due to a food allergy. In most cases, vomiting will be effortless, based on your body's natural reflux. When suffering from a food allergy, for instance, your immune response will be oversensitive.
Some of the most common allergens include eggs, fish, milk, nuts, soy, shellfish, and wheat. You may also experience stomach cramps and diarrhea. If you notice that a certain food bothers you, to the point that symptoms surface, avoid that food until you've been properly tested.
5. Runny Nose
As mentioned, allergens can cause postnatal drip as your body produces more mucus. An allergic reaction may be followed by excessive sneezing, a runny nose, or stuffy nose.
Basically, an allergen will increase inflammation and the release of histamine. You will know that you have allergies and not a cold because you will generally feel the most irritation within your eyes and throat. If you're concerned, seek medical attention and ask for a patch test to be administered.
4. Abdominal Pain
If you often experience abdominal pain after eating, you may suffer from a food allergy or intolerance. It's important to better understand why you're having this reaction, as your immune system is creating an undesirable response.
If a certain food cannot be digested or causes irritation, this is more than likely an intolerance. This is often experienced when people cannot digest lactose or gluten. If you suffer from any abnormal stomach pain, it's critical that you speak to your doctor - especially if it's severe.
3. Fatigue
If you are always tired, there are a number of possible reasons why. You could be persistently dehydrated, sleep deprived, nutrient deficient, and more. The truth is, if you seem to be tried for three or four months straight, you could be suffering from allergy-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Although researchers are still trying to uncover what the exact cause is, it's been found that more than half of those with CFS, also have allergies. An over-reactive immune system may be causing symptoms of fatigue.
2. Irritability and Depression
Multiple studies have found a connection between mood swings and allergens. For those who suffer from allergies, you may not be sleeping well. In turn, many become irritable. It's now believed that depressive symptoms may be triggered by inflammation in the body.
As cytokines are released, it's said that serotonin decreases, which is our 'feel-good' hormone. When it comes to allergies, they do not necessarily cause depression, but they can encourage depressive symptoms. Allergies that have been linked to mood changes are generally due to symptoms such as feeling low, fatigued, and lethargic.
1. Headaches
It's been reported that up to 15 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies also develop headaches as a common symptom. In most cases, these headaches are triggered by swelling. When the nasal passages become obstructed, this can increase skull pressure, leading to headaches.
You may experience increased pressure in your forehead, behind your eyes, along your cheeks, or even within your teeth. In more severe cases, individuals suffer from allergy-related migraines. Researchers believe this may be due to swelling of blood vessels in your head.