Different Allergies, Different Symptoms: Learn the Signs

Not all allergies are created equal, and what we think of as ‘typical’ allergy signs don’t necessarily apply to every allergic reaction. You may be allergic to something and not even know it!

Allergies fall into four different “types” based on how you’ve encountered the allergen. You could eat it, inhale it, touch it, or be stung by it, and each type gets a different type of reaction from your body.

When you eat something you’re allergic to, the symptoms could include:

• Hives
• Mouth swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

When you inhale something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, common symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Coughing

If you’re stung by an insect that you’re allergic to, you can have an entirely different response, including:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever

And lastly, if you touch something you’re allergic to, your symptoms might be:

• Rash
• Itchy skin and nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing

All of these, of course, may occur at varying degrees of severity. It’s a pretty significant range of symptoms for the same basic condition, which is why it’s best to come visit your Atlanta ENT specialist if you even suspect that you may have some of those symptoms when you come into contact with any particular substances.

You may not even realize what substance you’re reacting to, because sometimes people are allergic to food dyes, or “invisible” ingredients that the food industry uses as fillers. So if you experience any of these symptoms regularly, make an appointment to check it out.

It might just change your life!

Ramie Tritt, MD, President, Atlanta ENT