Adults with allergies can present with different symptoms depending on their specific allergy. The most easily recognized are the symptoms seen with hay fever which are sneezing, runny nose and itching of nose and eyes. These symptoms are due to outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores. These allergy symptoms can be present from spring through fall for many sufferers.

Adults with year round allergies such as house dust mite or pet dander, typically have complaints of chronic congestion, post nasal drainage and “sinus” symptoms. These symptoms can result in fatigue due to poor sleep which can be associated with sleep apnea and lack of energy. If not recognized and treated complications of sinus infections can develop especially after a viral cold.

Skin testing for these allergies is with skin prick testing which in many avoids having painful allergy intradermal injections as the first line of testing.