Allergy & Asthma Symptoms

An allergy is a response by the immune system to substances that usually aren't harmful. Your immune system protects your body from harmful viruses and bacteria, but in someone with allergies the immune system overreacts and releases histamines or other chemicals. These chemicals cause different symptoms in different people. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes airways to fill with mucus, and become inflamed and narrow. This disorder can produce symptoms similar to allergic reactions when you're exposed to allergens, and many people with asthma have a family history of allergies. A long-term respiratory illness with no cure, asthma can be managed so that asthma sufferers can lead a normal life.

Allergens breathed in can cause a stuffy or runny nose, scratchy or sore nose and throat, cough, excess mucus and wheezing in people with allergies. Food allergens cause stomach ache, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Plant allergies can cause skin rashes and hives. Allergies to drugs can cause many adverse reactions that should be listed under "side effects" on the pharmacy printout you get with your prescriptions and in pill books. Many people with allergies, especially children, get dark circles under their eyes.

People with asthma can suffer from a cough, shortness of breath, excess mucus, a scratchy or sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose, but the main symptom of asthma is wheezing that starts suddenly and comes in episodes. Symptoms can be worse early in the morning, late at night, when you're exercising, when you're exposed to cold air, and when you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Wheezing can be relieved by drugs that open your airways, or it might stop on its own.

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, sweating, a racing pulse, a blue tint to the lips or skin, drowsiness, or confusion are serious asthma symptoms. If you experience them you should seek emergency assistance right away.

Avoiding allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander and dust is helpful, but if you can't stay completely away from allergy triggers, medication is available in liquid or pill form or as a shot. Skin tests or blood tests can determine what you're allergic to. If you think you have asthma, your doctor may order blood tests, arterial blood gas, chest x-rays or a lung function test. If you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe bronchodilators to open your airways, inhaled steroids for inflammation, or a combination. You may need to use both long-term and short-term medications to keep your symptoms under control and to open your airways during an asthma attack.