What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

The body's first line of defense against potentially dangerous invaders includes the mouth, eyes, lungs, stomach and nose. When your immune system reacts to an allergen, these body parts can potentially become battlegrounds.

Signs of the raging battle can include one or more of these conditions: sneezing; watery, swollen, or red eyes; nasal congestion; sinus inflammation and pressure; runny nose; hives; rashes; itchy eyes; itchy nose; shortness of breath; a tight feeling in the chest; difficulty breathing; wheezing; coughing; nausea; headache; fatigue; diarrhea; and, of course, a general feeling of misery.

It's ironic that your immune system, which is designed to defend you from illnesses, produces symptoms that make you feel sick when it overreacts to such mundane substances as dust and pollen. It's a perfect example of the old saying, "Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease."

The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are:

Mild Reaction:

•  itching, raised red skin rash, hives
•  itching around eyes
•  swelling at a bite/sting mark
•  stuffy nose, sneezing

Severe Reaction:

• swelling of the throat, face and eyes
• difficulty breathing
• fainting and shock
• loss of consciousness