Signs and Symptoms of an Allergy
The signs and symptoms of an allergy can be as simple as a skin rash and/or itchiness to as severe as an anaphylactic shock leading to death.
Allergic reactions can present singly or in a combination of any of the following
- Urticaria - itchiness, skin rash,
- Angioedema - swelling of the eyes, lips and/or tongue
- Asthma – respiratory symptoms (wheezing, breathlessness)
- Anaphylaxis – full system response. Can prove fatal, if unattended.
In any case, prompt medical attention is required to reduce the severity of the reaction. In some conditions like allergic reactions to drugs, the condition may lead to swelling of the tongue, leading to closure of the respiratory tract proving fatal.
As a general rule, a person hypersensitive to one substance can be hypersensitive to other substances also and thus must exercise caution during intake of new drugs, food etc. It is better to take the new substance in a smaller quantity to assess if a hypersensitive reaction develops.
Next page: Treatment for allergy
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: Jul 21, 2011