Allergy/Hay Fever

During an allergic reaction, the parts of the allergic person’s body that are prone to react include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. As different as allergic diseases may be, they all occur due to an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitized people. Some allergic diseases include allergic rhinitis, allergic eyes, and asthma.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (or "hay fever") is the most common allergic disease. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is characterized by nasal symptoms as a result from the allergen, pollen. Year-round, or perennial, allergic rhinitis usually results from indoor allergens, such as dust mites, molds, or animal dander.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur due to the inflammation of the lining of tissues inside the nose (mucous lining or membranes) after allergens are inhaled. Areas adjacent to the nasal mucous membranes, such as the ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. The most common symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal itching (rubbing)
• Itchy ears and throat
• Post nasal drip (throat clearing)

Allergic Eyes

Allergic eyes (or allergic conjunctivitis) is characterized by the inflammation of the tissue layers, or membranes, covering the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. An allergic reaction leads to the inflammation of the tissues and the following symptoms may appear:

• Redness of the eye overall and under the eyelids
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Swelling of the membranes

Asthma

Asthma is a breathing problem caused by the inflammation and spasm of the lungs air passages, or bronchial tubes. The inflammation results in narrowed air passages, limiting airflow into and out of the lungs. Asthma is usually, though not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness in chest