allergy symptoms

allergy symptoms questions and answers

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Q: Allergy symptoms?
I have been having a greater amount of problems with my sinuses. I am unable to find allergy symptoms that match what I am experiencing. My eyes get very dry and itchy. My sinuses dry out and become very thick. Not much sneezing. My eyes also becomed very sensitive to light when my sinuses are swollen. Postnasal drip. Even though the symptoms don't quite match could this be allergies. I have had this problem for many years. I just went to my doctor and she is treating me for allergies initially but the info I get online doesn't jive.

A: It does sound like allergies,it's been a hard season for many people with the sudden changes in the weather,you may find that your doctor will try several meds to adjust your allergies,

Q: allergy symptoms?
I have was recently diagnosed with a cat allergy. For the past week Ive had a feeling of fullness in my head and some sinus pressure. Is the fullness and lightheadedness a symptom of allergies?

A: There is often the misconception that allergies means sneezing and wheezing. There are many symptoms of allergies and you can have one or a combination of the following: * Runny nose * Frequent or repetitive sneezing * Itching in the nose, eyes, throat, or roof of the mouth * Nasal congestion * Postnasal drip * Sinus headache * Plugged ears. * Decreased sense of smell * Burning, tearing, or itchy eyes * Conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes) * Breathing difficulties including wheezing * Coughing * Headache * Drop in blood pressure * Hives * Itching skin * Skin rashes * Stomach cramps * Diarrhea * Vomiting * Fatigue. * Mental changes can include irritability, a slight decrease in attention span, worsened memory, and slower thinking. * In severe allergies, dark circles may develop under the eye. The lower eyelid may be puffy and lined with creases. Take an antihistamine such as Reactine or Benadryl to see if the symptoms disappear. There are many saline sprays available over the counter to ease congestion.

Q: What is the symptoms of a milk allergy in adults?
I was having terrible allergy symptoms. I stopped drinking milk yesterday and I feel better. I was having like pain from sinus congestion. No allergy medicine helped the pain. I am definitely having acne that is allergy related.

A: I'm allergic to milk and let me say first that there IS a difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance. With a milk allergy, you are not actually allergic to the milk itself but the casein, which is a protein in animals milk. For lactose intolerance, you can't tolerate the lactose in the milk. There are different types of pills you can take for lactose intolerance so that you can still have milk products but without the symptoms. Milk allergy you have to just avoid milk products all together. Now about the symptoms...I didn't feel good for years and I could never figure out why...finially I found out I had a milk allergy. These were some of my symptoms and the most common milk allergy/ lactose intolerance symptoms : * headaches * stomach aches * clogged sinuses * acne It might be something else...so see your doctor to be sure. Also, your doctor can tell you if it's a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Hope this helps.

Q: What are the allergy symptoms to wheat?
I was on a low carb diet and did not eat any breads for the past month and I felt great! My stomach pains, bloating, and constipation, and lethargy went away. As soon as I began introducing bread in small amounts back into my diet, I started to get the same symptoms again that I have had my whole life. Could this be an allergy to bread, namely wheat?

A: Yes it could be an allergy to wheat or possibly yeast, but more than likely it is your body reacting to the re introduction of bread products so stear clear of such items wheat yeast maybe try pure rye bread from a natural foods store

Q: Is it allergy symptoms or the common cold?
We just got rid of our cat and so the mice are coming around. Shortly after the departure of our cat my nose became stuffy, my eyes were watery, my throat became scratchy and I coughed. My little toddler now is sneezing, her eyes are watery, and her nose is stuffy. I think this might be allergy symptoms since it sort of comes and goes, it ping-pongs around, unlike when she gets a cold it comes and then goes away. So how do I know if it is a cold or allergies?

A: It souns like allergies- but from what? Have you gotten anything new in your home since the departure of your cat like new fabrics or other animals or is there a lot of dust? It sounds like allergies to me because I have allergies and a lot fo times they are my symptoms- but I have been to the Doctor and was diagnosed with allergies- so I would at least call the docotor and leave a message for him/her. If they can diagnose it over the phone then thats good- however they may need you and your baby to come in for proper diagnosis. You don't mess with allergy medicines if you don't need to take them. Speak with your doctor. Good luck.

Q: Is it dangerous to mix Benadryl Allergy with Claritin-D 12 hour to relieve my allergy symptoms?
I'm concerned because I tried it today and I felt awesome all day. I don't want to continue it if it's unhealthy, but it got rid of all those nasty allergy symptoms.

A: call your pharmacist and ask him or her.

Q: How do I stop my allergy symptoms without meds?
My seasonal allergies are absoloutley driving me crazy. I have a runny/stuffy nose, insanely itchy eyes, and an itchy throat. I'm allergic to about everything outdoors, plus animal hair. My prescribed medications aren't working at all. How can I stop the symptoms without medication? Please don't suggest to avoid the things I'm allergic to. It's hard to avoid the outside.

A: get immunotherapy shots. they seem to be working for me

Q: Is nasal irrigation effective in controlling allergy symptoms?
Does nasal irrigation work to help prevent sinus headaches and other allergy symptoms? I have found good instructions on performing it, but frankly, I am little bit nervous about putting liquid down the back of my throat until I know how effective it is.

A: Nasal irrigation is certainly one treatment for allergy symptoms (be sure you use only non-steroidal based nasal sprays such as normal saline solution). I would also suggest seeing an allergist. Your primary care doc can refer you to a competent one. He will do tests to determine exactly what you are allergic to and devise an individualized treatment plan to relieve all your symptoms. This plan may include prescription nasal sprays (both Flonase and Nasonex are non-steroidal and work very well - I have used both.) It may also include oral meds and/or allergy shots. Some people take weekly shots. But I believe there is a shot out now that is given at the beginning of allergy season and takes care of symptoms during the entire season. A good question for the allergist. Another thing you can do for yourself until you see an allergist is to get Breathe Right allergy strips. They are slim bandaid-like strips that go over the bridge of the nose and hold the nasal passages open so that you can breathe freely. You can still use nasal sprays if you wish. Most people are bothered more by allergy symptoms in the evening. The nasal strips are usually put on at bedtime so that you can breathe thru the night and get a good sleep. If you live in an area that has Safeway stores they sell a generic brand at the pharmacy that is identical to the name brand and cost much less. If not, look at other grocery stores, discount stores, and drug stores. I'm sure there other generic brands out there. Pls consider an allergist. This is his specialty and he can make a much better diagnosis than your primary care doc and give you a treatment plan that will work for you. I suffered terribly from allergies for years until I found a good allergist. Now I have a treatment plan that I follow and the misery is gone!! Hope this helps!!

Q: Is coughing, sore and itchy throat, and itching around the mouth allergy symptoms?
I have reallyyyyyy bad allergies and I was wonderin if those symptoms have to do with allergies? I have other allergy symptoms so I know it's probably allergies but maybe it has a little of something else mixed in it? I never had the itching around my lips thing before...

A: Usually itching around or in the mouth is a food allergy, but seasonal allergies can give an itchy sore throat. I've even had some seasonal allergies so bad that the roof of my mouth itched, something that usually only happens in food allergies. So, unless this happened soon after you ate something, especially if it was something new for you, I'd say it's just some especially bad allergies.

Q: Why do your ears itch when you are experiencing allergy symptoms?
I have seasonal indoor and ourdoor allergies. It seems as though whenever I experience my other symptoms - sneezing, runny nose, etc. - the inside of my ears also itch like CRAZY. It's probably worse than the other symptoms. And no, my ears do not have a lot of wax build-up... it's ONLY when I am experiencing my allergies. Has this happened to anyone else before? What do you do about it, other than rub your ear like an insane person? Thanks!

A: Yes, it is possible because itching is an allergic response. Your body gets inflammed upon experiencing the trigger and a whole range of symptoms can result, including itching.

Q: What the allergy symptoms of wheat?
I was on a low carb diet and did not eat any breads for the past month and I felt great! My stomach pains, bloating, and constipation, and lethargy went away. As soon as I began introducing bread in small amounts back into my diet, I started to get the same symptoms again that I have had my whole life. Could this be an allergy to bread, namely wheat?

A: You don't say what country you are in. You are probably producing an antibody to the protein in the wheat. This protein is called gluten. If you're in the UK it called Coeliac disease - outside the UK it's usually called celiac disease. Remove gluten from your diet and you'll probably be OK. Gluten is in products made from Wheat, barley, rye and Oats. 1 person in 100 in the UK are said to have Coeliac. But one doctor tested 1000 of his patients and 35 had it. so that's more like 1 in 30. you don't always get all the symptoms you describe. left untreated - it can get nasty - so don't ignore it. get your doctor to send you to hospital for a blood test for that antibody. The test is called the anti-endomysial antibody test. Then get refered to a gastroenterologist if it's positive and a dietician. The specialist will help you join Coeliac UK if you're in the UK. Most countries have some kind of society to advise on diet. Coeliac is also hereditary - you could have inherited it or contracted it when you got an infection. You can pass it on to your children. It effects children and can stunt growth - not mine - I'm 6ft 2" tall! More info on the medical page of my website. Plus the other conditions you risk if you don't stick to your diet. Assuming you have it of course. Some very few people are allergic just to wheat - but it's very rare. You are more likely to be a coeliac - you have all the symptoms. Even beer isn't gluten free and lots of other stuff like soy sauce, so you need to join something like Coeliac UK to get their food list of Gluten -free foods. Gluten -free foods are available on a doctors prescription for diagnosed Coeliacs. Bread made from rice, biscuits( cookies) that are gluten free, pasta, pizza bases. Get a season ticket for your prescriptions in the UK - one for 6 months or a year - unless you get free prescriptions. Contact me if you need help and the blood test is positive.

Q: Does Singulair work for decongestion as well as asthmatic allergy symptoms?
My boyfriend recently started taking Claritin-D to help with his allergies to dust mites, mold spores and pet dander. While regular Claritin seems to work on his burning eyes and difficulty breathing, it doesn't help with congestion. He started taking Claritin-D to combat all his symptoms, but is discouraged by the price. His doctor is resistant to write a prescription because it is now sold over the counter. He's hoping to switch to a Singulair prescription or something similar so that it is covered by insurance, but is afraid that it won't help with his congestion. Does anyone know if Singulair works as a decongestant as well? If not, what does? Thanks!

A: A "decongestant" works by directly shrinking the blood vessels in your nose. The only known decongestants are pseudophedrine products that are the "D" in Claritin- D. Over the counter pseudophed pills and Neosynephrine nasal sprays are "decongestants" . They are usually cheap but not prescription .These treat the congestion but not the cause. The issue is what is causing the congestion. if it is caused by allergies--- Singulair -which works by blocking a substance that is produced by the allergic response- takes a few days to work to decrease congestion and is covered by most insurances. Antihistamines- such as Claritin (over the counter) and Zyrtec (still prescription but may need 'prior approval' for your insurance to pay for it) are non sedating antihistamines and block histamine within a few hours to prevent "congestion". Drug companies have added a decongestant ("D")to these products to make them work quicker. One of the best ideas and recommendations is if the congestion is really from allergies is for your Dr. to prescribe a steroid nasal spray such as "Flonase" or Rhinocort". These sprays work by decreasing the inflammation in your nose from allergies and take 2-3 days to work. They have less side effects than the oral antihistamines,(small % of nose bleeds) work better than Singulair, and most insurance companies will readily cover them. good luck

Q: Is there anything that mimics allergy symptoms?
My pet continues to have allergy symptoms but could it possibly be something else going on? I've had great help from yahoo users w/finding triggers of allergy but there are none that I can find and it came all of a sudden. Thanks!

A: a cold?

Q: what is an allergy ? what is common allergens? what is allergy symptoms ? and what is immunotheraphy ?
ok.. please explain.. 1. what is an allergy ? 2. common allergens? 3. Allergy symptoms? 4. what is immunotherapy ?

A: Make the connection.... Being a nurse with over 25 years experience, I have seen a lot of children with various illnesses. While many and Asthmatic llergic and reactions are caused from eating certain foods, there are many more Allergic and Asthmatic reactions caused from common everyday chemicals and fragranced products as well as VOC's in homes, schools and workplace. This is a growing problem and many people are not even aware that it exists as more and more chemicals are being introduced and used on a daily basis. Many people believe that because something smells good or cleans well and it is on a store shelf that it is tested, approved and safe for use. Think again ! We are now seeing more and more children and adults with Chronic Rhinitis, Chronic Headaches, Sinusitis, Migraines, Sinus Infections, Asthma, Allergies, Hives, Eczema, sinus / respiratory illnesses and Hormone related disorders. I can not emphasize how important it is to educate yourself about MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY (MCS) and the harm you may be doing to your health by using chemicals and fragranced products. If you or a loved one has symptoms of or suffers from Asthma, Allergies, Autism, chronic headaches, reproductive problems, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus or Fibromyalgia, you need to read further and learn about the signs and symptoms of MCS - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Most doctors will not inform you about this because patients as a whole like to walk out of a doctors office with a prescription for some magical medicine and they do not want to be told that their expensive new perfume or newly installed carpet may be the culprit. So, the doctor will give you medications and many of these meds either do not work or cause other health problems. Chemicals and fragranced products are often the root of many disorders and illnesses when it comes to your health. Many of the below mentioned items are common triggers to sinus, asthma, itching, headaches, Migraines and allergy problems amongst other health issues. Get rid of them and your immune and respiratory system will thank you and you will breathe easier. And, it is not only personal body or cleaning products causing havoc on your health….many people become ill after wearing brand new clothing, dry-cleaned clothes, installing new carpet, painting, buying a new mattress or after home renovations because of the Flame Retardants, Antimony, Benzenes, Formaldehydes, etc. used in these products. So the answer is NO, you are not imagining that 2 weeks after your home, office or classroom got renovated you started to become ill, get dizzy or have headaches. This is happening more and more these days and adults as well as children are becoming sicker and sicker. Unfortunately, too many doctors compound the problem by prescribing chemical medications to try to alleviate the symptoms of an already chemical overloaded body and they rarely tell the patient to eliminate the chemical offenders. How many times have I seen people in the grocery store with Bounce, Glade Plug-Ins and Febreeze in their shopping cart along with a bottle of Benadryl , Migraine Excedrin and a box of Allergy Tablets ? Why don't they make the connection? Keep in mind that your skin is the largest organ of your body and what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. Then ... well... then it has to be filtered by your organs which are already working real hard. BIG NO-NO's ---- I would SERIOUSLY recommend removing all of the below from your living / working area. No Bounce or dryer sheets - these are VERY toxic No Febreeze - your pets will even thank you for this No Glade Plug-ins - VERY toxic No Scented candles No Scented Dish Detergents No Fragranced Products on Body, Hair or Clothing No Smoke No Newspapers and Magazines - The ink is a huge irritant. No Dander No Sprays No Sharpies (marker pens) New Cartpeting, mattresses, paint, contain toxins that can trigger severe respiratory disorders as well as headaches and Asthma flare-ups. And remember, it is NOT the smell it is the Chemicals that make up the smell. So, even if something is "Fragrance Free" these products often mask the smell with another chemical ! There are plenty of safe healthy products out there that work well and do not have added chemical fragrances. More and more workplaces & schools are implementing Fragrance Free policies and creating "Fragrance Free Zones"… why do you think this is? Make the connection, your lungs , immune system and your general health will thank you.

Q: Does eating local honey really reduce your allergy symptoms?
I heard that a tablespoon of local honey will help cure or reduce allergy symptoms. Something about the bees gathering local pollens...Myth or truth?

A: Be cautious- how allergic are we talking here? See the doctor of course if you're severely allergic. "Local honey" isn't enough- it needs to be raw unfiltered local honey- most commercial honey is filtered (removes the pollen) and pasteurized. Eating the local honey during spring is too late- you need to expose yourself during the winter months to have your body build up for the great spring-time pollenfest that is the great outdoors. People vary in terms of their success with this. I can say it works for me, but only for the pollen side of things. So it's pretty idiosyncratic.