10. Rashes
Seasonal allergies can cause flare-ups of chronic skin conditions like eczema due to increased inflammation.
“Some individuals might also develop itching and rashes after direct contact with an allergen,” Wendt said. “This is often seen in the summer when kids are playing outside in the grass and develop raised, itchy rashes after spending time outside.”
11. Odd Mannerisms
Many people try to relieve their allergies through what others perceive as tics or other mannerisms.
“One such mannerism is what I call the allergic salute,” Eitches said. “This is when someone tries to relieve their allergies by pushing up on the tip of their nose with the heel of their hand. You’ll often see someone use their index finger to push on their ear.”
12. An Itchy Tongue
Your mouth or tongue gets itchy while eating a certain food, but that doesn’t mean you are allergic to that food. It could mean that the food cross-reacts with another allergen, Eitches said. One example is ragweed and bananas. This is known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and occurs when patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis eat a fruit, vegetable, spice or nut that cross-reacts. It can typically be quelled by cooking the food.
13. Achy Joints
Seasonal allergy symptoms can be accompanied by general inflammation as the body tries to get rid of the allergens causing the reaction, which can lead to painful swelling of the joints and soreness in the body as it tries to fight off the irritant.
“This inflammation, combined with the fatigue from poor sleep and changes in the weather that bring on allergy season can lead to frequent joint pain,” Wendt explained.
14. Ear-Ringing
Ringing in the ears can occur from pressure buildup from congestion, which can block the Eustachian tubes, causing inflammation and irritation.
“Those suffering from seasonal allergies also have an increased risk for ear infections as the ear does not have the ability to properly drain any excess fluid,” Wendt said. “Research has also shown that patients who experience seasonal allergies are significantly more likely to have Eustachian tube dysfunction, another leading cause of tinnitus.”
This can also lead to ear pain, a feeling of fullness, and sounds like popping and crunching in the ear as well as decreased hearing. And some studies have found that allergy medication may cause ear-ringing as a side effect. If you experience this, it is definitely something to bring up to your doctor.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms ― or the classic signs of your body combating allergens ― the good news is there are many ways to find reprieve. To start, make an appointment with an allergist to get tested to see what you’re allergic to.
“In general, allergies symptoms or signs, either common or uncommon, are treated by strict allergens avoidance, over-the-counter medications including oral antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants,” Nguyen said.
If symptoms are not well controlled with medications, allergy shots may be beneficial.
This post originally appeared on HuffPost.
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