Allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms not only vary from person-to-person, but they also depend on the type of allergen and how you have come into contact with them. Here are some of the most common allergy symptoms:

• Blocked, runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Pressure in the sinuses
• Watery nasal fluid
• Tiredness
• Skin rashes or hives

These common allergy symptoms are usually associated with hayfever, pet allergies and dust allergies, but are also related to all types of allergies like food allergies, insect bites and stings and allergies to certain medications. Skin rashes are more specifically linked with hives, prickly heat and heat rash, allergic contact dermatitis and rashes from chicken pox.

Early phase and late phase:

The severity and duration of symptoms also varies between individuals as some experience early phase symptoms, while some could suffer from late phase symptoms. Early phase symptoms begin to occur within the first hour after exposure to allergens and can last for up to 8 hours. They include typical symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose and are usually experienced all at once.

Late phase symptoms however are a little more severe and take a while to take effect. Symptoms like nasal congestion and blockage, puffy and watery eyes and a general blocked up feeling can last for up to 24 hours after exposure to allergen and can leave you feeling irritable and tired.