Allergy symptoms can be tricky to pinpoint, especially because many common health issues have overlapping symptoms. You may think you have a cold, when it’s really allergies, and vice versa. But, there are some lesser known allergy symptoms that you may be overlooking and assuming are something else. If you notice you’re not getting better after treating your “cold” — or whatever illness you may think you have — it may be allergies after all!
Here’s an in-depth look into the classic symptoms of allergies, and the lesser known symptoms you may be misinterpreting.
Every allergy commercial highlights these classic symptoms, and for good reason! These are the classic allergy symptoms most people experience when reacting to an allergen:
Keep in mind, you may experience these along with other symptoms you had no idea were also caused by allergies!
A stuffy nose and congested head caused by allergies can (and will) lead to trouble sleeping. On top of this, allergic reactions are known to release chemicals that cause you to feel tired. These chemicals help your body fight against your allergies, but they also lead to nasal tissue swelling that ultimately make your symptoms worse.
Chronic fatigue is often labeled as “brain fog” because it can be extremely difficult to concentrate. Which is obviously not ideal for those trying to carry out school, work, and other daily activities!
Allergies and asthma go hand in hand. The same allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms (think pollen and pet dander), can also cause symptoms of asthma. Because the symptoms are similar, it can be difficult to decipher which came first and which one should be treated.
An upper respiratory infection is often confused with the common cold. Nasal and sinus passages become swollen, congested, and inflamed in an attempt to flush out inhaled particles that trigger allergies. When dealing with ongoing allergies, congestion can keep viruses and bacteria stuck in your nasal cavity, leading to upper respiratory infections and sinus infections. Perennial and pet allergies are usually the culprits behind these unique allergy symptoms.
Bronchitis is the thickening and inflammation of the bronchial tubes that connect to your airways. This condition is often thought as a “chest cold”, because patients will cough up mucus produced within the lungs. Typically, bronchitis will go away on its own after a few days or weeks. Whereas allergic bronchitis is chronic, and seems to be never ending! This is often caused by exposure to allergy triggers like tobacco smoke, air pollution, or inhalation of dust.
A recent study shows a clear association between allergies and clinical depression. While researchers can't say allergies actually cause people to feel depressed, the study does show that year long, or perennial, allergy sufferers are more likely to have depression.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, reach out to a medical professional to discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Trying to sleep with any of the above symptoms can be difficult. This is why people who have allergies tend to have poor sleep in general. The more severe your allergy symptoms are, the lower the quality of sleep you’re likely to get each night. Unfortunately, poor sleep can also go on to affect your mood, productivity, and overall well being.
Difficulty concentrating can be caused by chronic fatigue, sleeping problems, and certain allergy medications. This is another symptom that can lead to issues in your daily life with work, school, and whatever else requires your full attention.
Related: Can Allergies Cause Behavioral Problems in Children?
Various parts of the body can become swollen due to a severe reaction to an allergen. You may notice swelling in your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or even fingers as a result of an allergy symptom. Swelling may be a sign of anaphylaxis, so be sure to monitor your symptoms and go to the nearest hospital if they become severe.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic reaction that results in trouble swallowing. Also known as EoE, this condition is triggered by food allergies. Airborne allergens, such as tree pollen, are said to play a role as well.
“Allergic shiners” is a term for discoloration under the eyes that gives an appearance of blue skin. This occurs when congestion in your sinuses leads to congestion in the small veins under your eyes. Blood is forced to pool under your eyes, and these swollen veins dilate and darken, creating dark circles and puffiness.
The link between allergies and a lack of exercise endurance is unclear, but it’s a very common allergy symptom. Many assume this is attributed to the chronic fatigue, depression, poor sleep, and other health issues that result in a lack of motivation. Similar to being sick with a cold or the flu, most people prefer to rest and recover rather than push themselves to exercise.
Headaches caused by allergies are more common than you think. There are two types of headaches your allergies can cause: sinus area pain due to nasal congestion, and one-sided headaches accompanied by nausea. Both are often associated with the cold, flu, sinus infection, and many other illnesses.
Dealing with allergy symptoms is never pleasant. This is especially true if you can’t figure out how to manage your allergy symptoms and reduce the severity of your reaction. To find out exactly what you’re dealing with, schedule an appointment with one of our providers to discuss your symptoms and possible triggers. They will help determine if your symptoms are related to allergies, or something else entirely!
Once they have determined that allergies are the cause, they can prescribe a custom formulated transdermal cream to help you combat symptoms. This form of immunotherapy works for perennial, seasonal, and pet allergies, and is formulated to target your specific symptoms. It’s not a one size fits all allergy solution like OTC meds are!
The best part is your custom allergy immunotherapy is sent to you directly and can be applied at home — no weekly doctor visits required! This fully virtual process allows you to skip the doctor’s office and manage your allergy symptoms from the comfort of your home.
If you’re ready to try ShotFree Allergy and say farewell to painful allergy symptoms, click the button below to take our quiz, Is This Right For Me?, and find out if transdermal allergy immunotherapy is an option for you.