What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergy symptoms can vary by sufferer and allergy, but the most common indicators of allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Rashes or hives
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Throat closing
• Chest tightness

Allergies are generally sporadic, occurring after you are exposed to an allergy trigger like pet dander, pollen, smoke, or mold. But, when you are exposed to the trigger frequently, as with seasonal allergies, it may feel like the allergies are constant.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms may sometimes mimic allergies, and it is not unusual for the two to occur at the same time. The most common symptoms of asthma include:

• Too-rapid breathing
• Gasping for air  
• Wheezing or whistling noise
• Chest pain
• Chest constriction

How are allergies and asthma diagnosed?

If you have allergy and asthma symptoms, your Lower Merion Family Medicine care provider can do a few different tests to make a diagnosis.

Allergy testing

Usually, a skin test is the most effective way to determine allergens. In a prick test, your doctor makes tiny pricks with a needle that contains a small number of suspected allergens.

If the prick test does not have clear results, you may need an intradermal test in which the suspected allergens are injected slightly deeper. A patch test checks for skin allergies, like reactions to fragrances. The doctor applies the potential allergen to your skin and then covers with a patch to check the reaction.

Asthma testing

Asthma testing usually involves spirometry. In this simple breathing test, you blow into a tube to measure how much and how fast you can exhale.

With a diagnosis made, your customized treatment can begin.

How are allergies and asthma treated?

Asthma sufferers often benefit from daily long-term asthma control medicine, which can be either in pill or inhaler form. Also, most asthma sufferers need rescue medication -- an inhaler that you use during attacks.