What are common
allergic conditions?
The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose,
lungs, skin, and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from a misguided immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people. The following brief descriptions will serve as an overview of common allergic disorders.
Hay Fever
Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal
symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites or molds. Symptoms result from the
inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose (mucus lining or membranes) after allergens are inhaled. Adjacent areas, such as the ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. The most common symptoms include:
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Sneezing
Nasal itching (rubbing)
Itchy ears and throat
Post nasal drip (throat clearing)
In 1819, an English physician, John Bostock, first described hay fever by detailing his own seasonal nasal symptoms, which he called "summer catarrh." The condition was called hay fever because it was thought to be caused by "new hay."
Asthma
Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Chest tightness
Allergic Eyes
Allergic Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs a result of an allergic reaction and may produce the following symptoms:
Redness under the lids and of the eye overall
Watery, itchy eyes
Swelling of the membranes
Allergic Eczema
Allergic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma and features the following symptoms:
Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin
Rash on the face, especially children
Rash around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in adults