With over 50 million Americans dealing with allergies on a yearly basis, allergies are more common than ever. But how do you know if you have allergies? Some allergy symptoms can easily be mistaken for cold or flu symptoms. If you are unsure whether you have allergies, continue reading for 7 signs that you may be suffering from allergies.
1. Frequent sneezing, and an itchy or runny nose
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by outdoor allergens such as mold spores or pollen from trees and grasses. Symptoms can be mild or severe and include frequent sneezing, and an itchy, blocked, or runny nose.
2. Watery and itchy eyes
When your eyes encounter an allergen, your immune system responds by releasing chemicals to fight it. This immune reaction causes symptoms such as watery, itchy, and red eyes.
3. Hives and rashes
Hives are small, itchy welts on the skin that are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something you have ingested or an irritant in your environment. Many diverse types of allergens can cause hives, such as pollen, mold spores and foods like peanuts, eggs or shellfish.
4. Coughing
Allergies cause your body to produce extra mucus, which can run down your throat from your nose, irritating your throat and making you cough. If you do not feel sick but you have been coughing for longer than three weeks, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
5. Your symptoms only show up during certain times of the year
Seasonal allergies will flare up and subside around the same time each year. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, your symptoms will be worse between March and September, when the pollen count is highest. If your symptoms show up in the summer and disappear during the winter (when people typically get sick with the flu or common cold), there is a good chance you may be dealing with allergies.
6. Itchy ears or throat
These are common symptoms if you are allergic to pollen, dust mites or animal fur. Certain food and medication allergies can also give you itchy ears or a scratchy throat.
7. You have symptoms of the common cold
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you are experiencing allergies or if you have a cold. Many of the symptoms can be the same, but allergies will not give you aches and pains throughout your body the way a common cold or the flu will. While allergies can make your throat itchy, they typically will not give you a sore throat. If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms but don’t feel the general weakness or aches associated with illness or infection, you may be dealing with allergic reactions.
If you think you may be experiencing allergies, it is time to consult with an ENT specialist. You are invited to contact South Florida ENT Associates for more information regarding allergy diagnosis and treatment.
