5 signs you have allergies — and how to prevent them

Practically everyone knows someone who suffers from “allergies,” but what does “having allergies” really mean? What are the symptoms — and how can you prevent them from affecting your life?

Let’s start at the beginning: Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people. In a typical person, your immune system would simply produce antibodies to fight these foreign substances.

However, according to the experts at Midwest Express Clinic, if you are a person who suffers from allergies, your body releases histamines. Simply stated, histamines are chemicals which our immune systems naturally creates, and are released when our body needs help getting rid of a foreign substance.

If you suffer from allergies, you probably have itchy eyes, runny nose, constant sneezing, coughing and fatigue that may come along with this diagnosis. But those symptoms also sound like the common cold, a summer flu or many other illnesses, such as COVID-19. 

Here are 5 signs you may have allergies, and not another illness:

1)      Sudden symptoms

Have you ever walked outside and immediately started sneezing and experiencing watery eyes? A telltale sign you are experiencing allergies is when symptoms begin immediately and without warning.

2)      Mucus color

Wake up stuffy and sneezy? Wonder if your runny nose is the beginning of a cold or allergies? The best way to tell is to look at mucus color. If the mucus is clear, it’s most likely allergies. If the mucus is yellow, you may be getting a cold.

3)      Long-lasting symptoms

If after weeks and weeks, you’re still dealing with annoying itchy eyes, a runny nose, etc., you’re probably dealing with allergies.

4)      Symptoms, but no fever

Allergies by themselves will not trigger a fever. If you develop a fever, you are most likely dealing with something other than allergies and should seek medical guidance. Midwest Express Clinic can help to find the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment.

5)      Seasonal symptoms

Itchy eyes and sneezing each spring? Runny nose and coughing each summer? It is likely allergies. If you notice a seasonal pattern with certain symptoms, you are probably experiencing seasonal allergies, such as pollen allergies.

What should you do if you think you have allergies?

Before you try any of the traditional allergy remedies, like using an air purifier, trying a HEPA vacuum filter or adding a microfiber cloth to your dusting routine, the experts at Midwest Express Clinic suggest you first get diagnosed by a medical provider. The provider may ask you a series of questions regarding your symptoms and lifestyle habits in an attempt to narrow down the source. Additional testing may be required.

Midwest Express Clinic’s medical providers are readily available to diagnose your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan to get you back to living your life to the fullest.

Keep in mind that there are many types of allergies, and your body may react differently in these cases. This relates to allergic reactions to drug ingredients, chemicals, foods, insect bites, stings or venom. For serious allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

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