Allergies
Have you observed any adverse reactions in your body by way of different symptoms, like a skin irritation, rash, swelling, sneezing, diarrhea and more, to several things like food, pollen, medicines and so on? Ever wondered what your body is trying to say? In medical terms, doctors call it an Allergy. Allergy is your immune system’s way of showing to you that something is bothering it.
May 14, 2026
Verified By Dr. Ahmad Haitham Jamee
Table Of Contents
All You Must Know About Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when your body becomes sensitive to a specific food, medicine, foreign substance, or environmental factor that typically doesn’t cause issues for most people, but triggers symptoms in your body as it perceives them as harmful. Some allergic reactions are very mild while others can be life-threatening (like Anaphylaxis), and several of these reactions are usually quick to appear.
Allergic reactions are extremely common however, they can be frustrating too as they can interfere with your way of life. Many common symptoms of different Allergies can be misunderstood for other medical conditions and vice versa. Hence it is important to determine in consultation with your doctor whether you are allergic to any substance or Have you observed any adverse reactions in your body by way of different symptoms, like a skin irritation, rash, swelling, sneezing, diarrhea and more, to several things like food, pollen, medicines and so on? Ever wondered what your body is trying to say? In medical terms, doctors call it an Allergy. Allergy is your immune system’s way of showing to you that something is bothering it. if you are suffering from any other chronic illness whose symptoms are similar to those of an Allergy. Hives, Allergic Rhinitis, Conjunctivitis, are some examples of allergic hypersensitivity. Your body is conditioned to fight off several germs and viruses, however, allergic reactions can happen when your body confuses these foreign agents with germs and tries to attack them in a similar manner by developing antibodies. Allergens, the substances that cause these allergic reactions, can enter your body through your skin, direct contact, ingestion, absorption, inhalation, through your mouth, etc.
Causes Of Allergies
- Pollen
- Foods (eggs, milk and dairy products, peanuts, soy, wheat etc.)
- Medication
- Dust
- Pet (fur, feather, poop, pee, skin, spit)
- Insects (bites / stings)
- Latex
- Household chemicals (detergents, soaps, ingredients, dyes)
- Seasonal
- Mold
Symptoms Of Allergies
- Sneezing
- Redness in eyes
- Watery eyes
- Your eczema or sinusitis worsen
- Runny / stuffy nose
- Skin rash
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Asthma aggravates
- Swelling or inflammation
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Repeated coughing
- Dizziness
- General feeling of sickness
- Blue lips / skin
- Losing consciousness
- Dry or flaky skin
- Bumps
- Trouble swallowing
- Nausea
- Burning sensation
- Nose congestion
- Chest tightness
- Faster heart rate
- Blood pressure drop
Symptoms For Different Kinds Of Allergies
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Sneezing, stuffy nose, weakness, swollen eyes, itching | Medicine Allergy Skin rash, wheezing, swelling on face, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, anaphylaxis | Food Allergy Stomach pain, weak pulse, diarrhea, vomiting, watery eyes, swelling in the tongue, tingling sensation in the mouth, stuffy nose, anaphylaxis, rectal bleeding in children |
Pet Allergy Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, red eyes, runny nose, hives, rashes, throat irritation, asthma symptoms | Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Skin starts to peel or crack, itching on the skin, unusual reddish or brownish color skin patches, burning sensation | Dust And Pollen Allergy Nose congestion, itchy eyes and nose, teary eyes, coughing |
Cosmetics Allergy Skin burning, itching, redness, oozing and blisters, rashes, swelling, irritation | Insect Sting Allergy Pain, swelling in the area, itching, redness, breathlessness, feeling restless, tightening of the chest, coughing, sudden blood pressure drop, anaphylaxis | Anaphylaxis Losing consciousness, sudden drop in blood pressure, feeling dizzy, diarrhea, vomiting, breathlessness, changes in heart rate |
Precautions to Avoid Allergies
- Avoid food items and medicines that cause allergic reactions
- Stay away from environmental factors that trigger your allergies in the first place (pollen, dust, pets, insects) by allergy-proofing your surroundings and your home
- If your Allergy is only mild, ask your doctor for some home remedies to follow
- Take the tests as recommended by your doctor to understand the exact types of Allergies you are suffering from, causes of such Allergies and the Allergic symptoms you are experiencing to devise a suitable treatment plan. The different types of tests for Allergies include:
- Skin prick test
- Blood test
- Patch test
- Elimination diet
- Consult your doctor for suitable medication, and topical applications like creams / gels / lotions and allergy shots
- Remember to check for ingredients list at the back of food packs and medicines while purchasing different items to avoid Allergens
- In case of severe allergic reactions, your doctor can either put you on steroid medication or even recommend you to undergo immunotherapy
- If you are someone who falls under high-risk category for adverse allergic reactions or Anaphylactic shock, the doctor can also ask you to carry two adrenaline auto-injectors for your safety everywhere during an emergency before you can be administered with necessary medical care at the hospital unit
In Case You Missed It First Response Healthcare, Dubai’s leading home healthcare partner, brings to you a range of medical services at your doorstep, ensuring quality, convenience and comfort in under 30 minutes. Did you know about our Food Intolerance and Allergy Test At Home which can measure your body’s response to over 270+ foods and 44+ allergens in order to find out if you are intolerant or allergic to any of them? We are your trusted companions in helping address your food sensitivity concerns and allergic reactions with reliable home testing options to curate a healthy diet and action plan that meet your needs while managing your condition effectively. Food intolerance and food allergy are not the same, while the former is concerned with the inability of your digestive system and its subsequent chemical reaction, the latter only talks about a reaction of your body’s immune system to a food that’s usually harmless for others. Consult our experts for more personalized information on this. |
Disclaimer:
This page is for informational purposes only and not a replacement to any direct medical consultation provided by professionals. Should you have any questions about your health, reach out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further guidance.
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