Common Allergy Conditions

Allergic conditions are often triggered by one or more of the common indoor allergens – dust mites debris, pollen, pet dander or mould spores.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

This condition occurs when the eyes are exposed to an allergen – such as pollen. The membrane covering the eyes and the inside of the eyelid (the conjunctiva) becomes irritated and inflamed. The effects can be seasonal (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis) or all year round (perennial allergic conjunctivitis) and may happen alone or in conjunction with allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyes

Dermatitis: Eczema (Atopic) and Contact

Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema. This common allergic condition is caused by allergen exposure to the skin. Eczema is an itchy rash that often occurs on the hands, arms, legs and neck, although it can cover the entire body. It can be triggered by airborne allergens like pet dander and dust mites. Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is caused by direct contact with a substance that is causes a skin reaction (like latex or poison ivy), but not by common airborne allergens.

Symptoms

• Itchy, red and flaky skin
• Peeling of the skin

Allergic Rhinitis

Rhinitis’ means inflammation of the nasal passages, which may, in some cases, be caused by an allergen. The symptoms can include nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. Dust mites debris, pollen, pet dander, and mould spores can all cause allergic rhinitis.

If the allergy is caused by pollen, the symptoms are usually seasonal, and the condition is called ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ or ‘hay fever’. Indoor allergens, such as dust mites debris, pet dander and mould spores, can cause symptoms all year round. In this case, the condition is called ‘perennial allergic rhinitis’. Sometimes, it can also affect the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) or the sinuses (sinusitis).

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy, runny or itchy nose
• Itching of the roof of the mouth
• Post nasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)

Hayfever

Hay fever is another name for seasonal allergic rhinitis, which may occur in conjunction with allergic conjunctivitis. It is caused by an allergy to the pollen of plants, trees, or grasses. Depending on where you live and the pollen(s) you are allergic to, hay fever can happen in the spring, summer and/or autumn - and could last until the first frost.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Itchy and/or runny nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Burning or itching on the roof of your mouth and/or your throat

Cold Versus Common Allergies

Some allergies, especially allergic rhinitis, are easily confused with the common cold. That is because some of the symptoms are quite similar. However, there are some general rules for determining which is which.

Common Allergies

• More likely to be present if your parents have allergies
• Symptoms may last several weeks or more
• Symptoms may occur in a pattern, cropping up at the same time each year or after exposure to certain settings or situations
• Symptoms often includeitching of the nose and/or eyes
• Symptoms often include frequent sneezing and/or watery eyes
• Never causes a fever

Colds

• Most symptoms resolve within 2 weeks (a cough may persist for longer)
• A fever is possible