Symptoms
What are the common symptoms related to allergies and intolerance and when do they occur?
Allergic reactions may include itching, swelling, rash, spreading hives, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties and at its most extreme anaphylaxis, which can lead to collapse and/or death.
Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system) and very severe allergic reaction. Minute amounts of allergens may cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis may occur after ingestion, skin contact, injection of an allergen or, in some cases, inhalation. Anaphylactic shock occurs when an allergic response triggers a rapid release of large quantities of mediators such as histamines and prostaglandins which leads to a sudden drop of blood pressure (through vasodilation) and difficulty breathing (bronchoconstriction).
Generally allergic reactions occur almost immediately upon exposure to the allergen.
Food intolerance reactions may include some of the above, as well as physical reactions including:
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Skin: rashes, swelling, hives, itching, eczema, acne, psoriasis, candida (thrush & yeast infections)
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Respiratory: asthma, stuffy or runny nose, frequent colds and infections, persistent coughs
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Gastrointestinal: reflux, diarrhea, frequent mouth ulcers, irritable bowel sydnrome, excessive thirst, abdominal pain, halitosis, difficulty swallowing, thrush
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Aching muscles and joints, cramps, weakness, arthritis
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Bedwetting
as well as a variety of emotional and behaviorial reactions including:
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Fatigue
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Headaches and migraines
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Insomnia
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Anxiety
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Sensitivity to light, heat and noise
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Issues with memory and concentration
