Common Allergic Conditions

There are several allergic conditions, each with its own set of symptoms. These are often triggered by one or more of the common indoor allergens – dust mites, pollen, pet dander or mould spores.

Allergic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is characterised by inflammation of the lungs and airways. There are two main types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic (‘intrinsic’) asthma. In allergic asthma, repeated episodes of asthma or ‘asthma attacks’ are triggered by inhaling an allergen. During an asthma attack, the inflamed airways become narrower, the muscles around them tighten, and more sticky mucus (phlegm) is produced – making it harder to breathe. Common triggers include house dust mites, animal dander and pollen.

Symptoms

• Coughing, which is sometimes uncontrollable
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

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 eyelids

Allergic Rhinitis

‘Rhinitis’ means inflammation of the nasal passages, which may, in some cases, be caused by an allergy. The symptoms can include nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. Dust mites, 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, 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 or runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Itching of the roof of the mouth
• Post-nasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)

Atopic Eczema and Contact Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (or eczema) is a common allergic condition that results in chronic inflammation and intense itching of the skin. It mainly affects children. In babies, eczema usually affects the face, scalp and the limbs. In older children, eczema tends to occur in the flexures of the arms and legs, and the hands and neck. In some children, the eczema worsens following contact with common allergens, such as pet dander and dust mites. In some children, the eczema is triggered by eating certain foods.

Symptoms

• Inflamed, itchy, red skin
• Dry skin
• Blistering
• Thickened or cracked skin
• Peeling of the skin

Hay Fever

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.

A sinus infection can start as a cold but it is also often triggered by allergic rhinitis caused by allergens like pet dander.

Symptoms

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

Colds Versus Allergies

Some allergic conditions, 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.

Allergies:

• More likely 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 include itching 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)
• Symptoms usually include a sore throat
• A fever is possible.