Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include all of the following, except which?

• A. Abdominal cramps
• B. Flushing
• C. Persistent dry cough
• D. Drying of the eyes

Answer: (D)

Allergic reactions trigger histamine release that affects multiple body systems. This leads to signs like abdominal cramps from GI involvement, flushing from vasodilation, and airway irritation that can cause a persistent dry cough. The eyes, when affected by allergies, typically become itchy, red, and watery due to conjunctival irritation.

Drying of the eyes is not a typical allergic reaction sign, since allergies usually cause tearing and irritation rather than dryness. So the item that isn’t a common manifestation of an allergic reaction is drying of the eyes.