Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of allergies
Allergies occur when your body reacts to something that irritates it. This can happen as a result of something you eat, breathe in, or touch. Allergies frequently cause symptoms in the nose, eyes, skin, and stomach. They are classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Pollen, car fumes, and mold
Dust, smoke, mold, and pets
Foods
Medicines
Perfume
Bug bites
Family history of allergies or asthma
Having family members with allergies or asthma
Mild to moderate symptoms
Sneezing, runny nose, or stuffy nose
Itching in the mouth, ears, or throat
Itchy, red, watery, or puffy eyes
Sore throat
Development of hives
Cramps or bloating in the stomach
Severe symptoms
You turn red
Coughing or wheezing
Lips, tongue, or mouth swelling
Throat is tight or swollen
Chest pain or tightness, as well as a rapid heartbeat
Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
Pain in the abdomen, vomiting, or diarrhea
Dizziness or fainting
Very bad allergies to food, medicine, or bug bites may cause anaphylaxis. This can be life threatening
If you have been diagnosed with allergies, please get help immediately if you are experiencing any severe symptoms.
You may also need to use an Epipen (epinephrine auto injector) – go to the Emergency Department right away if you use your Epipen
For mild to moderate symptoms, treatments can include:
