Living with allergies can be difficult and even frustrating. Allergies can wreak havoc in our daily lives and have a negative impact on our general health, from everyday triggers like pet dander and food allergens to seasonal pollen. We can manage this part of our health better if we understand the causes of our allergies and can spot the symptoms our bodies present. So today, we’ll uncover common triggers and analyze the symptoms they can bring about.
Common Allergy Triggers
Pollen
Particularly in the spring and summer, pollen allergies are a common trigger. Individuals with allergies can suffer from symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion as trees, flowers, and grasses release their pollen into the air.
Dust Mites
Insects can also be a trigger for allergies. The most notable are dust mites. Dust mites thrive in warm, moist environments like those found in bedding, upholstery, and carpeting. Dust mite allergies can cause symptoms like itching, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing.
Pet Dander
Pet dander, which consists of tiny skin flakes shed by animals, can cause allergies in individuals with sensitive immune systems. Common symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and, in certain instances, skin rashes or hives.
Mold
In moist, humid settings, mold, a form of fungus, can thrive. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions when inhaled, which can result in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, and skin irritation.
Insect Stings
Some people may experience mild to severe allergic reactions after being stung by an insect. Swelling, redness, discomfort or itching at the sting site, hives, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis, are possible symptoms of insect stings. So, you have to be careful to avoid biting or stinging insects you are allergic to. Ants, bees and wasps are some common examples of insects that can cause allergic reactions.
Food Allergies
Food allergies happen when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins found in a particular food product. Common food allergy symptoms might include hives, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
Medications
Some people might experience an allergic reaction to certain medications. From minor skin rashes and itching to more serious reactions including breathing difficulties, edema, and anaphylaxis, symptoms can vary widely. To prevent possible negative effects, it’s important to be aware of any medication allergies or sensitivities and to tell healthcare professionals.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Nasal Symptoms
Itching, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing are common nasal symptoms of allergies. The severity of these symptoms, which are the body’s attempt to get rid of the allergens, varies depending on the individual in question and the particular allergy.
Skin Reactions
Allergies not only affect your nose. Numerous skin conditions like eczema, hives, itching, and redness can be caused by allergic reactions. The worst part is that skin reactions can spread out to other parts of your body. So it’s best to make sure that you take care of any allergic reactions before it gets worse.
Respiratory Symptoms
Some allergic reactions can cause symptoms including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest in the respiratory system. For those who have asthma or other underlying respiratory disorders, these symptoms can be more severe.
Digestive Issues
Abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are just a few of the digestive symptoms that can be caused by food allergies or intolerances. Depending on the particular food allergen or intolerance, these symptoms may vary from minor to severe.
Final Thoughts
Every person will have a unique reaction to the allergies they experience. But that doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of them. With the right knowledge and help, allergies can change from an intense life-threatening problem, to a minor inconvenience that you can easily overcome.
