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Allergy-Like Symptoms

An allergy is a lower respiratory immune disease that renders the body incapable of tolerating certain agents referred to as allergens or triggers. Allergy-like symptoms occur in individuals who are sensitized to environmental substances, foods or insects that do not typically pose a threat, but in allergic people cause mild to severe reactions of rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, skin urticaria and anaphylaxis that persist and worsen with increased exposure.

  1. Function

    • Allergic reactions happen when Immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies recognize an inhaled, ingested or contact substance as being potentially harmful to the body. As a result, IgE attempts to protect the body by promoting the production of a chemical defense known as histamine. As histamine is released into the system, swelling and inflammation occur throughout the body, resulting in an array of adverse reactions in the lungs, nasal passages and on the skin's surface.

    Identification

    • Seasonal allergy symptoms occur at different times of the year due to the pollination of trees, flowers, plants and grasses during spring and summer, and increased mold and weed growth during fall, all of which vary depending on location and climate. Chronic allergies to environmental triggers such as indoor mold, dust mites and dander persist year-round. Seasonal and year-round environmental allergies cause symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, migraines and skin conditions.

    Warning

    • Food allergy-like symptoms can manifest similarly to environmental allergens, causing congestion, coughing, headaches and hives. Severe food allergy symptoms such as those common to shellfish, finned fish and peanuts may result in anaphylaxis upon consumption, inhalation or topical contact. Anaphylactic reactions cause instant swelling of the airways and nasal passages, with visible bumps and hives manifesting on the tongue and a hot feeling overtaking the mouth and throat. Individuals experiencing anaphylaxis need immediate medical attention as suffocation leading to death can occur within five minutes. EpiPens are emergency shots prescribed to severely allergic people, and are administered at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction.

    Types

    • Contact dermatitis allergy-like symptoms include: bumpy, raised hives or rashes appearing on the skin when in contact with an environmental trigger, food allergen or irritating material such as wool or latex. Insect sensitivity, fleas and ticks can cause symptoms of hives, particularly in children and pets, causing the bite area to swell and itch profusely. Heat and cold urticaria are allergy conditions affected by adverse reactions to temperature changes, exercise and sun or cold exposure. Urticaria results in symptoms of widespread hives that spread throughout the body, resembling red welts.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Allergies can be diagnosed by doctors through skin tests that specify symptom triggers and hypersensitivity levels within an individual. Allergies are treated with oral and topical antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy immunizations, epinephrine (EpiPen) shots, creams, nasal sprays, eye drops, inhalers and nebulizer treatments. Dietary changes, limiting exposure to environmental inhalants through proactive home cleaning, decreased outdoor activity on high pollen and mold count days, pet maintenance and grooming, and using air purifying appliances can be effective in reducing allergy symptoms.

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