Common Allergy Diseases

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a foreign substance or allergen. There are several different types of allergy disease, each triggered by different substances.

Types of Respiratory Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis (or commonly known as Hay Fever) is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to the inhalants in the air (i.e. Inhaled Allergens). There is a risk factor that it might develop into a more severe condition like asthma. It also affects the quality of life.

Signs & Symptoms may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny, stuffed or blocked nose
  • Red, itchy and watery eyes
  • Swelling around the eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Itchy throat

    Common allergens that cause Allergic Rhinitis:
  • Pollen (Tree, weed & grass)
  • House dust mites, cockroaches
  • Cat, dog, rabbit and other animal dander

    • Asthma

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It results in bronchial obstruction that makes breathing difficult. Asthma is also the most common chronic disease in children affecting 1 in 7 of them1. Asthma can develop at any age.

    Signs & Symptoms may include:

  • Cough
  • Wheeze
  • Chest Tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Whistling breath

    Common allergens that cause Allergic Rhinitis:
  • Pollen (Tree, weed & grass)
  • House dust mites
  • Cockroach
  • Cat, dog, rabbit and other animal dander

    • Types of Skin Allergies

    Eczema

    Eczema is a chronic, long lasting and recurring inflammatory skin condition.

    Signs & Symptoms may include:

  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Skin rashes
  • Nettle rash
  • Secondary infections

    Common allergens that cause Ecezma:
  • Egg, milk, fish
  • Wheat
  • Peanut, Soybean, Hazelnut
  • House dust mite
  • Cat & Dog dander

    • Contact Dermatitis

    A skin irritation caused by direct contact with an allergen such as poison ivy or nickel. It is a type IV hypersensitivity.

    Food allergies

    Food allergy happens when the immune system reacts to specific food proteins. It is impossible to predict how severe the allergy reaction might be. Hence all patients should be carefully counselled about the risk of anaphylaxis. Food allergy symptons occur within minutes or after a delay of a few hours.

    Signs & Symptoms may include:

  • Tingling/itching in the mouth
  • Raised, itchy red rash (hives)
  • Swelling of the face, mouth, throat or other areas of the body
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Wheezing/shortness of breath
  • Dizzy and lightheadness
  • Oral allergy syndrome

    Common allergens that cause food allergy Infants
  • Egg, milk, Wheat, Soybean

    Common allergens that cause food allergy Infants
  • Egg, milk, Fish, Wheat
  • Peanut, soybean, hazelnuts
  • Relevant fruits & vegetables

    Food allergy is not to be confused with food intolerance whereby either the body cannot properly digest the food that is eaten, or a particular food might irritate the digestive systems. Symptons of food intolerance can include nausea, gas, cramps, diarrhea.

    • Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

    Oral allergy syndrome is a temporary and relatively mild condition. It is caused by a cross-reaction between trees or grass pollens and similar proteins found in, for example fresh fruits and vegetables.

    Signs & Symptoms may include:

  • Itchy mouth
  • Itchy throat
  • Itchy lips
  • Itchy eyes
  • Itchy ears

    Common allergens that cause OAS
  • Raw fresh fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

    It's important to note that symptoms of allergies can vary widely, from mild to severe. If you suspect you have an allergy, it's important to see an allergist for diagnosis and treatment.