When you’re dealing with an allergic reaction, it can cause serious complications and even be life-threatening. You may not be sure when an allergic reaction is severe enough to see your allergist, but it’s important to understand when you need to seek help. Allergic reactions have different signs and symptoms, and you need to be able to identify these and know when it’s time to visit your allergist.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

When you come in contact with a specific allergen, your body tends to have a reaction because your immune system is trying to fight off an allergen that isn’t typically harmful. This can cause inflammation to occur and it can affect many areas of your body. Allergies vary for each person and some symptoms might be irritating while others are an emergency.

Different allergies tend to have similar symptoms that are easy to identify. When you start experiencing any of these after coming in contact with an allergen, it’s important to monitor your symptoms in case they begin to get worse. Some common symptoms that can occur include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Hives
• Swelling of the mouth
• Cough
• Chest tightness or shortness of breath
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Rash
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is one of the most severe reactions that can occur. It can cause you to go into shock and lose consciousness. If you experience anaphylaxis, it’s important to seek emergency treatment immediately. If you start noticing that these symptoms are occurring after you come into contact with a specific trigger, you need to visit your allergist as soon as possible. They will then schedule an allergy test so that you are aware of what allergens you should be avoiding.

Contact Your Allergist Today

It’s important to take allergic reactions seriously. Contact your allergist to discuss your symptoms and schedule an allergy test as soon as possible.