ALLERGY FACTS

  1. Home
  2. Allergy facts

WHAT IS ALLERGY

WHAT IS ALLERGY?

Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds and medication. 1,2

A substance that is an allergen for one person may not be for another. 2

However, the risk of developing allergies is higher if other family members suffer from allergy or asthma. 1

Coming in contact with these allergens may trigger an allergic reaction, which begins as a result of the release of a certain substance (e.g. histamine), leading to the development of symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, sneezing, watery eyes, itching and/or a runny nose. 1,2

отступ

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) has been shown to have a direct impact on an individual’s quality of life 3

Worldwide, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects between 10 % and 30 % of the population. 4

A third of South Africans will suffer from some allergic disease during their life. 40 % of allergy sufferers are children. 5

The most common conditions are eczema, asthma, hay fever and hives. 5

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) have been shown to reduce quality of life and performance at work or school. 3

TYPES OF ALLERGY

WHAT KIND OF ALLERGY DO I HAVE,
AND WHAT IS CAUSING IT?

Allergy exists in several forms. You may experience different symptoms, depending on the allergen
and the part of your body that is affected. 1

отступ

NOSE, EYES, SINUSES AND THROAT

NOSE, EYES, SINUSES AND THROAT

When you breathe in allergens, an allergic reaction may occur, which may result in the release of a substance called histamine. This then causes the lining of your nose to produce lots of mucus and become swollen and inflamed. The result is a runny, itchy nose, and a violent sneezing. You may also get watery eyes and a sore throat. 1

THE LUNGS AND CHEST

THE LUNGS AND CHEST

Asthma can sometimes be exacerbated during an allergic reaction. When you breathe in an allergen, the lining of the passages in your lungs may swell and make breathing difficult. 1

THE SKIN

THE SKIN

Skin problems such as eczema (dry, red, itchy skin) and urticaria (also known as hives) occur. Hives are white or red itchy bumps, which look and feel like insect bites. Food may be a factor in some cases of hives. 1,2

WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAY FEVER)? 3,4

 

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) may have effects on daily activities and quality of life. 5

It may be seasonal, occurring in spring, summer and early autumn or may come as perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), with symptoms experienced throughout the year. 6

Круглый слайдер

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAY FEVER) INCLUDE: 4,5

RUNNY NOSE
NASAL ITCHING
NASAL CONGESTION
SNEEZING
WATERY EYES
ITCHY THROAT
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN PREVENT THE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAY FEVER)
отступ

WHAT IS URTICARIA (HIVES)?

URTICARIA AFFECTS 20 % OF PEOPLE AT SOME TIME DURING THEIR LIVES 1

URTICARIA, ALSO KNOWN AS HIVES, CAN BE TRIGGERED BY MANY SUBSTANCES OR SITUATIONS AND USUALLY STARTS AS AN ITCHY PATCH OF SKIN THAT TURNS INTO SWOLLEN RED WHEALS. 1

THE ITCHING MAY BE MILD TO SEVERE. SCRATCHING AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, EXERCISE, EMOTIONAL STRESS MAY WORSEN THE ITCHING. 1

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF HIVES, SHORT LIVED (ACUTE) AND LONG-TERM (CHRONIC). 1

COMMON CAUSES OF URTICARIA (HIVES) 1:

PLANTS

E.G. POISON IVY

 

MEDICINES

E.G. ANTIBIOTICS, ASPIRIN AND IBUPROFEN

 

PET HAIR

 

POLLEN

 

INSECT STINGS/BITES

 

LATEX

 

PHYSICAL STIMULI

e.g. cold, heat or sun exposure

 
 
 

SYMPTOMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF URTICARIA (HIVES):

Symptoms can last anywhere from minutes to months, or even years!
While they may be mistaken for bug bites, hives are different in several ways: 1

Hives can appear on any area of the body; they may change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time. 1
The bumps - red or skin-colored “wheals” with clear edges - usually appear suddenly and go away just as quickly. 1
Pressing the center of a red hive makes it turn white - a process called “blanching”. 1
Chronic hives occur almost daily for more than six weeks and are typically itchy. Each hive lasts less than 24 hours. 1

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN PREVENT THE SYMPTOMS OF URTICARIA (HIVES)

 

ALLERGY VS. COLD

отступ

DO I HAVE AN ALLERGY OR IS IT JUST A COMMON COLD?

While you must consult your doctor to thoroughly diagnose your condition, the information below may help you understand the difference. 1
 
 
  COLDS/FLU ALLERGY
SYMPTOMS

Similar symptoms to allergy. It may also come with sore throat, fever and aches.

Runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; wheezing; watery or itchy eyes.
WHEN DOES IT START?

Develops over several days.

Begins shortly after exposure to an allergen.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Should clear up within several days.

Lasts as long as exposure.

TRY THE SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ TO UNDERSTAND BETTER HOW YOUR SYMPTOMS RELATE TO DIFFERENT KINDS OF ALLERGIES.
HOWEVER, YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN TO RECEIVE HIS/HER ADVICE.