Allergy Introduction & Overview - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Lung & Respiratory Diseases & Disorders

Bronchitis

Types of Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis: This type of allergy causes swelling of nasal mucosa with respiratory discomforts like sneezing and runny nose by inhaling allergens such as pollen, molds, dust, dander and other allergens.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: The allergic reaction affects the eyes, redness and itching are the signs of this allergy.

Bronchoconstriction: Wheezing and shortness of breath caused by narrowing of bronchial cavities. Asthma is a serious type of bronchoconstriction. This type of allergy is also caused dust, pollen, mites, and other allergens.

Ear Allergies: The allergens affect ear passages causing pain and impairing hearing.

Skin Allergies: Itchy rashes, blisters, hives, and contact dermatitis caused by touching certain substances such a poison ivy or food items are manifestation of this type of allergy. In allergies where swelling occurs as a result of hives, swelling can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties.

Food Allergies: Certain kind of foods, such as fish egg, nuts and milk can cause intestinal upsets due to allergic reactions.

Time Delayed Allergies: An allergic response appearing hours or days after application or absorption of an allergen; including contact dermatitis and bacterial allergy [Allergies, 2006]

Anaphylaxis: This is the most severe systemic allergic reaction causing bronchoconstriction, swelling of body tissues, vomiting, cramps, skin reactions and drop in blood pressure, coma and even death [Guyton & Hall, 2006].

An allergy can also be classified on the basis of its effect and allergen as:

Respiratory Allergies
Skin Allergies
Food Allergies
Asthma
Drug Allergies
Sting Allergies