Allergies occur when your immune system makes antibodies to counteract something that is generally harmless. Allergies can come on at any time and age, so there’s no way of knowing when they will occur. They can be detected by a simple skin prick test; it’s just a matter of asking your doctor. But how do you know when to ask?

Signs and symptoms of allergies may include:

• Hives
• Rash
• Runny nose
• Itching
• Abdominal pain
• Mouth becoming itchy and swollen
• Throat and tongue swelling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing

Some people may not associate these symptoms with the trigger that caused them because they can appear up to two hours after contact. But constantly or consistently having these symptoms may indicate an allergy; and that’s when you can ask your doctor for an allergy test.

Source: Everybody.co.nz