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How Long Do Symptoms of Allergies Last?

Allergies present themselves in a variety of ways. The symptoms of allergies can be severe or mild. Their duration depends on the allergen, the level of sensitivity and the effectiveness of the treatment. With any reaction, if problems persist or become severe, seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to prescribe or suggest appropriate medicine for each type of allergic reaction.

  1. Mild Allergic Reactions

    • A mild allergic reaction usually involves the instant reaction such as sneezing, watery eyes, or runny nose that occurs when an allergen is introduced. For example, if you are mildly allergic to cats and visit a house with cats, you may have experience sneezing for the duration of the time that you are around the cat. Soon after you leave the source of the allergen, the reaction should stop.

    Skin Reactions

    • Rashes are caused by poison ivy, oak, sumac or other allergens. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, skin rashes usually begin within a day or two of initial contact and can last for a couple of weeks.

    Seasonal Reactions

    • Seasonal allergies, which usually involve pollen counts and the blooming of trees, tend to last as long as the season. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's site provides regional pollen count data, which will help you better prepare for possible allergy symptoms.

    Long-Term Reactions

    • Long-term or ongoing symptoms are usually caused by something that is always present in your environment. You may not be aware of what is causing your allergy symptoms, which can make them more difficult to treat. The best idea is to check with your allergist to see if allergy testing is in order.

    Anaphylactic Shock

    • Time is of the essence with anaphylactic shock, as it can cause death if untreated. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, this reaction often occurs within minutes, and can reoccur two to three hours following the initial reaction. Common triggers for anaphylactic shock include food and latex allergies.

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