Allergy Multi-Symptom

 

Allergy Multi-Symptom

Product Features

    300 caplets
    Pain reliever
    Nasal decongestant
    Antihistamine
    Relief of headache, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose/ sneezing, itchy, watery eyes

You ate Aunt Bev’s potato salad, and now you feel awful. Are you experiencing symptoms of food allergies, or was the salad left out in the sun too long? Some of the symptoms of food allergies are very similar to other problems that can be brought on by food. It is important to work with your doctor to figure out what is causing your symptoms.

Symptoms of classic food allergy usually begin within two hours of eating a trigger food. Symptoms of food sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, may be delayed up to 12 hours.

Food allergies may cause symptoms in your skin, stomach, airways, eyes, or entire body. Some of the signs of food allergy are:

Skin Reactions

Food allergies can cause rashes, such as:

    Hives: Raised red welts that move around the body
    Eczema: A scaly, itchy rash that may blister or peel

Your doctor may suggest treating skin reactions with an oral antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine) or topical agents like steroid creams, calamine lotion, or oatmeal baths. Many hives all over your body or swelling all over your body are serious conditions in need of emergency medical care.

Stomach/GI Symptoms

Food allergies may cause stomach or intestinal symptoms, such as:

    Nausea: Upset stomach, feeling that you may throw up
    Abdominal pain: Pain in your stomach or abdominal area
    Vomiting: Throwing up
    Diarrhea: Loose, watery stool, more than three times a day

Chronic stomachache may be a sign that you have a food allergy, or it may be a sign that you have lactose intolerance, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or something else. Antihistamines do not help these syndromes.

If your symptoms are primarily GI-related, you should seek out a gastroenterologist to help you pinpoint the problem and find solutions.

Airways

Food allergies can affect the lungs, throat, and ability to breathe. If you have asthma and food allergies, you are at a higher risk for having a severe allergic reaction that involves trouble breathing.

    Wheezing: A high-pitched sound that is made when trying to breathe through swollen breathing tubes
    Coughing
    Allergic rhinitis: Runny nose
    Angioedema: Swelling of lips, tongue, or face

Your doctor may suggest that mild swelling or rash on lips or tongue be treated with an oral antihistamine. Swelling of the airways to the point where you have trouble breathing, have a short, barking cough, or have trouble swallowing is a sign of anaphylaxis and requires emergency treatment.

Eyes

Allergic reactions of the eyes are called allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms are:

    Redness
    Itching
    Watering
    Swelling

Your doctor may suggest treating itchy, watery eyes with an oral antihistamine.

Severe, Full-Body Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a type of shock (loss of blood pressure) caused by an allergic reaction. It usually begins within two hours of eating an allergen, and often begins within minutes. It may involve any of the above symptoms, or combination of the above, plus any of the following:

    Sense of impending doom
    Difficulty breathing
    Pale skin
    Dizziness, lightheadedness
    Loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and administer first aid for anaphylaxis.
Food Allergy Symptoms in Children

Children may describe their symptoms differently than an adult would. Your child might say something like “this is too spicy,” or “my tongue feels thick,” when they eat a trigger food. Symptoms may also be different in babies with food allergies.

Sources:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. "Tips To Remember: Food Allergy" Accessed on June 22, 2010. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/foodallergy.stm

Brenstein, L, et al. Allergy Diagnostic Testing - an Updated Practice Parameter. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, March 2008; 100:S1-S148.

FAAN "How A Child Might Describe a Reaction." Accessed on June 22, 2010. http://www.foodallergy.org/page/how-a-child-might-describe-a-reaction1