What are Allergies?

Common Allergic Diseases

The most common allergic diseases are:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) - Rhinitis describes the lining of the nose when it becomes inflamed (red and swollen). People with this condition usually complain of an itchy, stuffy or drippy nose, a scratchy throat, and coughing. Persistent sneezing, coughing, and an itchy throat may be signs of Allergic Rhinitis

   

• Allergic Asthma - Allergic Asthma affects your airways and interferes with your breathing.  In allergic asthma, and nonallergic asthma, substances known as triggers bring about attacks.  Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.  Things other than allergens trigger nonallergic asthma.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis - Allergic Conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction on the surface of the eyes and eyelids caused by allergens.  Itching is the most common symptom although other symptoms include redness, tearing, swelling, burning or a sensation of fullness in the eyes or eyelids, an urge to rub the eyes, sensitivity to light and, occasionally, blurred vision.

• Urticaria (hives) - Urticaria is the medical word for hives.  Hives, or "wheals", are pale red swellings of skin that occur in groups on any part of the skin.  Each hive lasts a few hours before fading without a trace. New areas may develop as old areas fade. They can vary in size from as small as a pencil eraser to as large as a dinner plate and may join together to form larger swellings. Hives usually are itchy, but may also burn or sting.  

• Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) - commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
  

• Allergens - Substances that normally cause allergies, such as; pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, air pollutants (dust, smog, tobacco smoke, wood smoke), strong sprays from perfumes, paints, household cleaners, talcum powder and chalk dust.

Adapted from Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America