An allergy is a sensitivity to a substance which does not normally cause people any problems.

What to look for:

• Sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and coughing indicate asthma, or drug or respiratory allergies.

• Itchy eyes, mouth, and throat are symptoms of respiratory allergies.

• Stomach ache, frequent indigestion, and heartburn and diarrhoea are signs of food sensitivities.

• Irritated, itchy, reddening, or swelling skin is associated with drug, food, and insect sting allergies.
• Stiffness, pain, and swelling of joints may indicate food or drug allergies.
  

Allergies come in a variety of forms and vary in severity from mildly bothersome to life-threatening.