Janine Rae <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >
> I know this question was to Darla, but since I was here, just thought I
> would say.  Allergic shiners are dark half moon type discoloration under
> the eye.  Often accompanied by swelling.   My info says, if you see this,
> think dairy allergy.

Actually, any allergic reaction that affects the breathing passages.
It's a sign that you're not getting enough oxygen, and it's often
accompanied by fatigue or listlessness.  It's pretty common with
pollen allergies and asthma.

Other signs of oxygen deprivation:
nail beds turn white, grey, or blue-ish.
gums turn white
skin takes a grayish pallor
in extreme cases, lips may appear gray or blue

Obviously, these are signs of extreme distress, and mean to get yourself
to an ER.  I usually have to start showing the gray/blue pallor before
the ER staff realizes that I simply have a very high lung capacity to
start with, and they ought to be checking blood oxygen saturation levels.
I generally get "allergy shiners" during the spring and fall pollen
seasons.  They're a sign I should pay real close attention to my medication
dosages, and make sure I take my inhalers on schedule.

Lee M.Thompson-Herbert        KD6WUR                  [log in to unmask]
Member, Knights of Xenu (1995).  Chaos Monger and Jill of All Trades.
"There are some people who will argue whether the flames are blue
or green, when the real question is that their arse is on fire."