Allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. These substances can trigger coughing, itching, sneezing and wheezing. Allergies are not only bothersome but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and sinusitis. Allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal.

COMMON ALLERGIC REACTIONS

1.       ALLERGIC ASTHMA

Characterized by airway obstruction.

Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.

2.       ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS (Eye Allergy)

Characterized by inflammation of the eyes.

It is the most common form of allergic eye disease.

Symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes and lid distress.

Allergic conjunctivitis is also commonly associated with the presence of other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis.

3.       ALLERGIC RHINITIS (Hay Fever)

Characterized by clear nasal discharge, itching of the roof of the mouth and/or ears, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness and sneezing.

4.       ANAPHYLAXIS (Life Threatening)

Characterized by life threatening symptoms.

This is a medical emergency and the most severe form of allergic reaction.

Symptoms include bloating and chest tightness. Generalized warmth or flush, light headedness, sense of impeding doom and tingling of palms, soles of feet or lips.

The above can progress into cardiac arrhythmia, seizures and shock and respiratory distress.

Possible causes can be food, insect bites/stings, latex and medications.

5.       ATOPIC DERMATITIS

A chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by flaking, lesions and scaling.

6.       CONTACT DERMATITIS (Eczema)

Characterized by skin inflammation.

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in adults.

This is the most common occupational disease representing up to 40 percent of all occupational illnesses.

There are currently about 3,000 known contact allergens.

7.       DRUG ALLERGY

Characterized by a variety of allergic responses affecting any tissue or organ.

Drug allergies can cause anaphylaxis.

8.       FOOD ALLERGY

Most prevalent in very young children and is frequently outgrown.

Food allergies are characterized by a broad range of allergic reactions.

Symptoms may include chest tightness, decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, itching of the eyes, itching or swelling of lips or tongue, loss of consciousness and wheezing.

Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis.

9.       INSECT BITE/STING ALLERGY

Characterized by a variety of allergic reactions.

Stings cannot always be avoided and can happen to anyone.

Symptoms include itching, pain and swelling at the site of the bite/sting.

Insect bite/sting allergies can cause anaphylaxis.

10.              LATEX ALLERGY

An allergic response to the proteins in natural, latex rubber characterized by a range of allergic reactions.

Persons at risk include healthcare workers, patients having multiple surgeries and rubber industry workers.

Symptoms include coughing, eczema, hand dermatitis, sneezing, urticaria and wheezing.

11.              UTICARIA (Hives)

A reaction of the skin or a skin condition commonly known as hives.

Characterized by the development of itchy, raised white bumps on the skin surrounded by an area of red inflammation.

                       Acute urticaria is often caused by an allergy to foods or medication.