Common Allergic Reactions
Symptoms
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin rashes, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and more. The most common symptom of an allergy is itching, which can be accompanied by a rash or hives. Other symptoms can include runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. In some cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, can occur.
Types of Allergies
There are several types of allergies that can cause symptoms. The most common type is hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, which causes sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Other types of allergies include food allergies, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; skin allergies, which can cause rashes or hives; and drug allergies, which can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling.
Treatment
The best way to treat an allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction. If you are unable to avoid the allergen, your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce your symptoms. Common medications used to treat allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended to help reduce your sensitivity to the allergen.
