Final answer:
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itchy eyes, swollen tissues, sneezing, and, in the case of food allergies, oral tingling, hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues. Severe reactions can cause anaphylaxis. Allergists may use skin testing to diagnose allergies, and mild reactions can often be managed with antihistamines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms that can indicate a customer is having an allergic reaction include a range of physical signs, and early recognition is crucial for effective management. Customers with allergies may exhibit symptoms such as itchy eyes, swollen tissues, and sneezing. Moreover, food allergy reactions often present with tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, eczema, and swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts. More serious symptoms can include wheezing, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, or even fainting. In severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic response, may occur and require immediate medical attention.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are generally harmless to most people. Allergists can use skin testing to identify specific allergens causing this hypersensitivity. In such tests, a wheal and flare response—a soft swelling surrounded by a red zone, that occurs due to histamine release—signifies a positive reaction. This inflammation arises from histamine-triggered increases in blood flow and fluid leakage from blood vessels at the test site.
Mild allergies are usually treated with antihistamines, but it's essential to be aware that some allergies can be severe. Understanding and quickly responding to allergy symptoms can be critical, especially in cases where exposure to allergens leads to anaphylaxis.