Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms for allergies include:

• Sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose

• Coughing and postnasal drip

• Itching eyes, nose, and throat

• Watering eyes

• Allergic dermatitis: an itchy rash. (The most common skin condition in children ages 11- 14.)

• Allergic shiners: dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses

• Allergic salute: persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose

• Conjunctivitis: an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes, and crusting of the eyelids. Commonly known as pink eye.

Some people with allergies develop asthma. The symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages (airways) in the lungs, and to excess mucus production and inflammation. Asthma can be disabling and sometimes can be fatal. If wheezing and shortness of breath accompany allergy symptoms, it is a signal that the bronchial tubes also have become involved, indicating the need for medical attention. Some people may have severe food allergies which left undiagnosed can result in illness or in rare cases, may even be fatal.