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Technically an allergy symptom is one of many indications that the body is attempting to eliminate a substance from the body. Often this is a mis-identification as in the case of airborne pollen, dust or dandier which actually pose no real threat to the body in normal environmental amounts. The toil an allergy symptom takes on the body and mind of the sufferer is usually absolute misery.

Typical allergy symptoms to airborne irritants are:
•    Sneezing
•    Itchy red, water eyes
•    Itchy runny nose
•    Blocked or congested nasal passages
•    Coughing
•    Sore throat
•    Lung congestion

Typical allergy symptoms to ingested irritants are:
•    Any of the symptoms listed above
•    Swelling of the face, hands or feet
•    Skin rashes
•    Diarrhea
•    Constipation
•    Stomach ache
•    Cramps
•    Sweating
•    Chills
•    Vomiting

While they might not seem so to the sufferer usually an allergy symptom is fairly mild. In the case of an anaphylaxis, however medical attention must be sought immediately since this is a life threatening condition. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
•    Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
•    Difficulty breathing
•    Sudden drop in blood pressure
•    Loss of consciousness

Again, since this reaction can prove fatal finding medical attention is absolutely and immediately necessary. Most common allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications. One of the ways the body tries to eliminate what it considers a threat is pumping out large amounts of the chemical called histamine. Medications containing antihistamine can reduce some allergy symptoms. Histamine is behind much of the inflammation and itching experienced by the sufferer. Drugs lowering the amount of this chemical in the body are known to bring quick relief.

Another over-the-counter medicine which can relieve an allergy symptom is called a decongestant. This drug helps by helping to eliminate the mucus causing the problems in the lungs, nasal passage and nose. This will also help with the coughing and sore throat.If the allergy symptom persists for more than a few weeks a doctor can be consulted to start a course of treatment using stronger antihistamines and decongestants than can be found over-the-counter.

An allergy rash can be maddening.  It’s not just the itching it’s also usually unsightly and hard to hide.  Someone experiencing an allergy rash usually wants two things immediate: relief, and answers as to why this is happening to them. An allergy rash can present itself looking like small pink bumps or hives on the skin.  Often the area in and

 around the area of the rash will become overly sensitive and might even feel warm to the touch.  An allergy rash might simply itch, or it might even be painful, especially if it’s in the groin, stomach, underarm or breasts areas.

An allergy of any kind is the body’s response to what it mistakenly believes is a threat.  This misidentified threat is called an allergen and the body tries to rid itself of it just as it would real bacteria or viruses.
The body releases chemicals, which usually work for its protection.  In the case of an allergy rash this presents a problem since it’s hard to know if the allergy is something that’s come in contact with the skin, has been ingested, or is airborne and has been inhaled. In order to determine the origin of an allergy rash it’s necessary to check out all the possibilities.

Some possible contact causes or sudden mystery allergy rash are:
•    Detergents
•    Leather clothing
•    Metal coming in contact with the skin for long periods such a belt buckle, button or stay
•    Any fabric such as nylon which doesn’t allow air to reach the skin

Possible ingested origins of an allergy rash are:
•    Medicines, especially antibiotics like penicillin
•    Certain foods like soy, peanuts, eggs or cheese which contain proteins or molds commonly known to cause such reactions
•    Food or drink containing yeast
Some common airborne allergens that can cause an allergy rash are:
•    Molds
•    Pollen
•    Dust

If a rash persists for several days or reoccurs frequently seeking medical help is a good idea. A doctor can run tests to find the source of an allergy rash so the allergen can then be avoided if possible. The usual treatment for an allergy rash is an antihistamine either taken oral or used as lotion, cream or gel.