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Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Allergic Reaction Symptoms and Signs

The look and feel of an allergic reaction depends on the body part involved and the severity of the reaction. Some reactions may be localized and limited, while others could involve multiple body systems. Reactions to the same allergen vary among individuals.

• Anaphylaxis is the term for any combination of allergic symptoms that is rapid, or sudden, and potentially life-threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.



• One sign of anaphylaxis is shock. Shock has a very specific meaning in medicine. The organs of the body are not getting enough blood because of dangerously low blood pressure. Shock may lead rapidly to death. The person in shock may be pale or red, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious, or unconscious.



• Breathing may be difficult or noisy, or the person may be unable to breathe.



• Shock is caused by sudden dilation of many or large blood vessels. This is brought on by the action of the mediators. If the drop in blood pressure is sudden and drastic, it can lead to unconsciousness, even cardiac arrest and death.



• Symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction include any, some, or many of the following:



• Skin: irritation, redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts)



• Lungs: wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath



• Head: swelling or bumps on the face and neck, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat, hoarseness of voice, headache



• Nose: stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing



• Eyes: red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery or swelling of the area around the face and eyes



• Stomach: pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea



• Other: fatigue, sore throat