Maggie Evans 
Your body’s immune system has the task of fending off harmful agents that may pose a threat to your health. However, in some cases, your immune system would fight off foreign substances that are not necessarily a threat to your body. These foreign substances are known as allergens. Allergens can be eaten, inhaled, or touched and may include pet dander, pollen, certain foods, and insect bites. When your body comes in contact with these substances, there’s an allergic reaction. Here are five common signs of an allergic reaction.
Rashes
A rash usually occurs as an allergic reaction to food such as milk or other allergens such as pollen or dust mites. It is characterised by a painful or itchy sensation that can cause your skin to become red, dry, bumpy, or blistered. A common form of rash associated with an allergic reaction is hives. Also known as urticaria, hives are swollen, itchy patches that develop on the skin due to contact with allergens.
Runny or congested nose
Your body produces a chemical known as histamines to fight against the not-so-harmful allergens it comes into contact with. However, as a result, the nasal passage is inflamed and irritated by the histamines causing an overproduction of mucus. This causes nasal congestion, also known as rhinitis. The excess mucus produced is then secreted, causing a runny nose. Antihistamines such as Telfast and nasal decongestants are effective in providing relief from this symptom.
Coughing
A persistent dry cough is another sign of an allergic reaction. When you inhale airborne allergens such as pet dander or pollen, it most likely will get into your throat. This irritates your air passage, causing it to swell. Your body tries to remove the allergen by coughing. It is usually challenging to decipher if the cough you are experiencing is due to an allergic reaction or another medical condition. If your cough is due to allergens, you will notice that you only experience coughing in specific environments or seasons.
Headaches
Numerous circumstances can cause headaches, and an allergic reaction is one of them. If an allergic reaction causes your headache, you will experience a sinus headache. The four sinus cavities are inflamed during the release of histamines, the body’s response to an allergic reaction. This causes a blockage in the openings, making it difficult for built-up fluid to be drained, and causing pressure. This, in turn, creates the headache you experience.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes turn red, watery, and itchy due to an allergic reaction from airborne allergens. Once these allergens come in contact with your eyes, they itch, causing your body to release histamines to combat the foreign element. This irritates nerve endings and causes blood vessels on the eye’s white outer surface to swell, making your eye red. Your eyes also water in an attempt to flush out the allergen.
All these symptoms are common signs of an allergic reaction. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist before you take any medication. If you need a doctor to help you determine if you have an allergy and what your treatment options are, consider utilizing concierge medicine in Las Vegas. These healthcare professionals will come to your home, office, or hotel room to perform health screenings, and can also offer assistance using telehealth services. Concierge medicine offers professional medical services without the need to leave the comfort and privacy of your space.
