Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers, and Simple Relief

Allergies can ruin your day fast. Whether it's sneezing through spring, itchy eyes around pets, or stomach trouble after a meal, knowing what triggers you makes dealing with it easier.

Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, coughing, wheezing and tummy pain. Severe reactions can cause swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. If you see those severe signs, get emergency help right away.

Typical triggers are pollen, house dust mites, pet fur, mould, insect stings and certain foods like peanuts, shellfish and eggs. Medicines such as penicillin can also cause allergic reactions. Triggers vary person to person, so keeping a simple diary of what you eat and where you go can point you to the culprit.

Quick steps to feel better

Start with avoidance. If pollen bothers you, check pollen forecasts and keep windows closed on high days. For dust mites, wash bedding weekly in hot water and use allergen-proof covers. Bathe pets regularly and limit where they sleep if pet dander is an issue.

Over-the-counter antihistamines help with sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Nasal steroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nose and work well for congestion; they often need a few days to reach full effect. Eye drops relieve itchy, red eyes. Use each medicine as directed and talk to a pharmacist if you take other drugs.

When to see a doctor and long-term options

If over-the-counter meds don't control symptoms, or if symptoms affect daily life, see a GP or allergy specialist. They can offer tests like skin prick testing or a blood test to confirm the trigger. For persistent problems, immunotherapy — allergy shots or tablets under the tongue — can reduce sensitivity over time and may provide years of relief.

Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you have had severe food or insect allergies. Learn how to use it and make sure friends or family know too. For children, work with the school to set up an action plan and ensure staff understand emergency steps.

Practical habits help: shower after being outside to wash off pollen, dry laundry indoors on high pollen days, run a HEPA filter in bedrooms, and keep indoor humidity below 50% to reduce mould. When travelling, check food labels and carry translations for your allergy if visiting places where you don't speak the language.

Allergies are manageable once you know your triggers and have a plan. Small changes — regular cleaning, the right medicines, and professional testing where needed — keep symptoms in check and let you get back to living.

If you suspect a hidden allergy, try an elimination approach with one food at a time, or avoid a suspected trigger for two weeks to see if symptoms improve. Keep medicines in date, store them as recommended, and ask about generic brands to save money. A little tracking and the right help go a long way. Start small and stay consistent.