Allergic Reaction Symptoms & Treatment

An allergic reaction can take many forms and have many causes, but the primary thing to remember is that a reaction of this type is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. From acute seasonal allergies to food allergies, your body puts up its immune defenses when it detects a foreign invader.

Some allergic reactions aren’t considered extremely serious while others can be life-threatening medical emergencies. Knowing your susceptibility to allergies and avoiding triggers is your best defense against this dangerous condition.

Types of allergies and their symptoms can include:Skin rashes (contact dermatitis) – usually appears as an itchy, red rash on the skin; often caused by detergents, dry weather, poison ivy, or skin medications

• Skin rashes (contact dermatitis) – usually appears as an itchy, red rash on the skin; often caused by detergents, dry weather, poison ivy, or skin medications
• Seasonal allergies – seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen, though trees, grasses, and weeds can also trigger a reaction; common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and an itchy nose
• Food allergies – food allergies can range from mild to severe; symptoms can take the form of rashes, sneezing, coughing, or itching; severe food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which can affect the body’s circulation and breathing. Anaphylaxis caused by a food allergy is a medical emergency.

Insect sting allergies – many insect sting allergies will cause minor itching, swelling, or redness at the site of the bite or sting; however, a pre-existing allergy to stings from certain insects such as bees can have fatal consequences. Anaphylaxis caused by a sting or insect bite allergy is a medical emergency.