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7 Telltale Symptoms of Allergies

Sarah Gupta, MDMandy Armitage, MD
Written by Sarah Gupta, MD | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD
Updated on March 12, 2025

Key takeaways:

  • Allergies can cause a wide variety of symptoms, from rashes and itching to swelling and breathing problems. 

  • Some allergy symptoms are mild, while others can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). 

  • Allergies typically have symptoms that are different from the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. 

  • If you’re having ongoing allergy symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional. There are many options for preventing and treating your symptoms.

A woman blows her nose while outdoors. Allergies can cause many symptoms, from sneezing to skin rashes.
Nastasic/E+ via Getty Images

Do you ever feel itchy or sneezy around certain things like pets or pollen? Or maybe eating a certain type of food causes you to break out in hives? It’s possible that you could have allergies.

Allergies are when your body’s immune system reacts to something it thinks is harmful, like pollen or certain foods. This can cause all sorts of symptoms, from runny nose and eyes to skin rashes and breathing problems. 

But what are the most common allergy symptoms? And how can you tell whether you have allergies — or if it could be something else? 

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What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless trigger like food, pet dander, or pollen. 

Different types of allergies include:

  • Food and drug allergies: This is when your immune system overreacts to a certain medication or type of food (like nuts or eggs). 

  • Environmental allergies: This is when your immune system is triggered by things in your environment like dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander. 

  • Skin allergies: These happen when your skin comes into contact with something that your immune system sees as a threat, such as a certain laundry detergent or soap. 

  • Insect allergies: This is when your immune system reacts strongly to being stung by an insect like a bee or wasp. Some people are also allergic to cockroaches. 

Need more details? Check out GoodRx’s guide to allergies for more information on the types of allergies and what causes them. 

Top 7 allergy symptoms

There’s no one set of allergic symptoms. Depending on the type of allergic reaction, you may experience different symptoms at different times — even from the same trigger. 

But there are some telltale symptoms of allergies that are — and aren’t — caused by the immune system, said allergy expert Dr. Punita Ponda, associate chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwell Health. These allergy symptoms include:

  • Runny nose

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy eyes 

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  • When you take your allergy medicine matters. Decongestants start to work in 30 minutes, whereas steroids can take up to 2 weeks to kick in.

  • What if your allergy medication stops working? Our experts walk you through what to do next if that happens.

Let’s take a closer look at these symptoms — and more.

1. Itchy and runny nose, ears, or throat, and sneezing (allergic rhinitis) 

This cluster of allergy symptoms is caused by inflammation in your face and throat area. It’s most often caused by pollen in the air during certain times of the year (also called hay fever). It can be caused by other environmental allergens, too, like pet dander, dust mites, and strong odors. 

2. Red, itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)

This is when your eyes and eyelids become irritated and inflamed after coming into contact with an allergen. Just like allergic rhinitis, it’s most often triggered by seasonal pollen. 

3. Chest tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing (allergic asthma)

Asthma is a health condition where you have trouble breathing. In this case, asthma symptoms are triggered by allergens like pet dander or pollen. People with allergic asthma often have other symptoms as well, such as itchy nose, ears, or eyes. 

4. Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea 

These symptoms can happen when allergies affect your stomach and gut. They’re most common in people with food allergies

Keep in mind that stomach pain and other digestive symptoms can also be caused by many other health conditions, such as: 

5. Red, itchy skin (contact dermatitis)

This is when your skin becomes red and irritated after coming in contact with an allergen. Common culprits include soap, laundry detergents, and makeup.

6. Raised, itchy skin patches or bumps (hives)

This is a skin reaction that can be caused by many different allergens. It’s uncomfortable but usually harmless on its own. Keep in mind, though, that many people with hives also get angioedema (see below) at the same time. Angioedema can be life-threatening. 

7. Sudden swelling (angioedema)

This symptom is caused by a sudden fluid buildup in the skin. It usually affects the face and mouth, hands, and genitals. In some cases, throat swelling can be a life-threatening emergency.

Keep in mind: These symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe. As mentioned above, in some cases they can even be life-threatening (more on this below). 

How to tell the difference between allergies and a cold?

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and an illness caused by a virus like COVID-19, the flu, or the common cold. Many symptoms can feel similar, like sore throat, congestion, and cough

According to Dr. Ponda, one clue is that allergy symptoms show up “when you feel otherwise well and don’t have a fever.” This is because allergies don’t cause you to feel unwell in your body, with fever or fatigue. But viral infections often do. 

An infographic showing the peak seasons of allergic rhinitis, cold, and the flu.

Here are some other clues that can help you tell the difference:

  • When were you exposed? Allergies begin right after you're exposed to an allergen. Cold, flu, and COVID symptoms don’t appear until several days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. 

  • Is it winter or spring? Seasonal allergies are more common in the spring, summer, and early fall. Viruses that cause colds, the flu, and COVID seem to be more active in the winter. Another tip from Dr. Ponda is that “people with allergies often have had similar symptoms around the same time in prior years.” 

  • How long have you had symptoms? Allergy symptoms usually last as long as you’re around your trigger. Viral infection symptoms usually fade within 1 to 2 weeks. 

  • Do you feel itchy? Allergies can cause itchy eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Viral infections don’t usually cause itching. 

How to get relief from allergy symptoms

02:18
Featuring Clifford Bassett, MD
Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD | March 3, 2025

When it comes to allergy treatment, there are three main options: 

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) products: These are treatments that are available without a prescription. They come in many different forms, such as pills, nasal sprays, skin creams, and eye drops. Some contain medication, while others don’t.

  • Prescription medications: These medications are only available with a prescription. Just like OTC products, there are many options available — including nasal sprays, eye drops, pills, and inhalers. 

  • Immunotherapy treatments: These are medical treatments that can make some people less sensitive to allergens. They work best for people with certain environmental allergies like pollen, dust, and stinging insects. There are two types of immunotherapy treatments available: allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). 

Can avoiding triggers help your allergies?

Yes! You can help keep your symptoms under control by limiting your exposure to allergy triggers as much as possible. This might include:

  • Using an air purifier in your home

  • Using a nasal saline rinse (neti pot) to wash out your nose

  • Avoiding foods and medications that trigger your allergies

  • Wearing a mask when you’re outdoors

  • Using filters on your windows, or keeping the windows and doors closed

  • Washing bedding, pillows, and soft toys frequently

  • Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter

  • Scrubbing mold and mildew out of your home

  • Grooming your pets regularly

  • Not smoking, vaping, or using strong-smelling chemicals in your home

For some people, natural remedies (like herbs or supplements) and acupuncture can also help. 

When should you see a healthcare professional for allergy symptoms?

If allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily life, talk with a healthcare professional. They can help figure out whether your symptoms are caused by allergies — or if you’re dealing with another health condition. They can also suggest medications that can prevent and treat your allergy symptoms. 

In some cases, your primary care provider might recommend that you visit an allergist. An allergist is a medical doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating allergies. They may be able to offer additional services like allergy testing and immunotherapy. 

Keep in mind that allergies can increase your risk for other health problems, especially if they go untreated. These can include sinus infections, headaches, nasal polyps, and more. 

Can allergies be life-threatening?

Yes. Sometimes people can have a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. In adults, anaphylaxis is usually caused by a medication like penicillin or aspirin. In children, food is the main cause. 

Anaphylaxis can happen very quickly. Symptoms usually start to appear just a few minutes after exposure. Common symptoms include: 

  • Skin rashes or hives

  • Swelling in the body or face

  • Trouble breathing

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Stomach or abdominal pain

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Confusion

  • Anxiety

  • A feeling of doom

If you think you or someone you know is having anaphylaxis, you should call 911 right away or go to the emergency room (ER). If you have access to an epinephrine auto-injector — like an EpiPen — use it as soon as possible. 

Frequently asked questions

Can allergy medications help with cold symptoms?

It depends. Some decongestants can help relieve congestion and sinus pressure due to a cold. But other allergy medications, like Zyrtec or Claritin, won’t help with cold symptoms.

How long do food allergy symptoms last?

Symptoms usually go away within 6 hours, but not always. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to get medical attention.

What are the severe symptoms of a peanut allergy?

Peanuts are one of the most common foods to cause allergies. Food allergy symptoms are similar to what’s listed above. These can include: 

  • Itching and/or hives

  • Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips

  • Difficulty breathing and swallowing

  • Lightheadedness

  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Symptoms vary by person. But in most severe cases, the reaction can turn into anaphylactic shock, which threatens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

The bottom line

Allergies are a common health problem. They can cause different symptoms throughout your body, such as itching, congestion, rashes, and swelling. And, in some cases, these symptoms can lead to other medical conditions — or even be life-threatening. 

If you’re dealing with allergies, talk with your primary care provider. They can help figure out what’s causing your allergies. And they can put together a treatment plan for getting your symptoms under control. 

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Why trust our experts?

Sarah Gupta, MD
Written by:
Sarah Gupta, MD
Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Alex Eastman, PhD, RN
Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

References

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Hay fever / rhinitis

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2024). SLIT treatment for allergic rhinitis nothing to sneeze about

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American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (n.d.). Allergy immunotherapy

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (n.d.). When to see an allergist

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (2018). Epinephrine auto-injector

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2017). Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) basics

Ludmann, P. (2024). What are hives? American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

NHS inform. (2024). Allergic rhinitis

NHS inform. (2025). Angioedema

Seattle Children’s. (2025). Food allergy.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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