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Symptoms

Our bodies come into contact with allergic triggers through the air we breathe, the foods we eat and the things we touch. As a result, allergic reactions may occur in any part of the body and at almost any age. Allergy symptoms are slightly different in infants and young children. Please see our section on Allergies and Children for more information. These are the most common symptoms associated with allergies in older children and adults:

The eyes
Itching, redness, swelling and tears may signal allergic conjunctivitis. Chronic sinus inflammation may result in “allergic shiners,” dark circles that form under the eyes.

The nose
An itchy, runny, stuffy nose and excessive sneezing are symptoms of allergy often called “hay fever,” clinically known as “allergic rhinitis.”

The lungs
Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and chest tightness are symptoms of asthma.

The digestive tract
Stomach cramps, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea may be the result of food allergies and not necessarily an evening of eating, drinking and being way too merry. Infants as well as adults can be affected.

The skin
Itchy rashes, red blotches, welts or hives can appear after exposure to foods, medicines, household chemicals, animals, plants or insect stings.

NOTE: Just because you have some of these symptoms, don't assume you're allergic. Several conditions have the same symptoms. Only a diagnostic test and examination by a physician can tell for sure. See our section on testing options for more information.