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Allergies
Allergies
For millions of people, the simple act of petting a cat, dusting the shelves or opening a window invites sniffles and sneezes. But it' not the cat, dust or pollen that's responsible for your symptoms - it's an overreaction by your own immune system.
What is it?
'Allergic rhinitis' is the medical term for the nasal symptoms caused by allergies to a variety of airborne particles. The condition can be an occasional inconvenience or a problem so severe that it interferes with almost every aspect of daily life. If you notice symptoms in warm weather, you may have seasonal allergies, commonly called hay fever, triggered by tree or grass pollen or ragweed. If you have symptoms year-round - called perennial allergies - the most likely culprits are mites in household dust, mould or animal hair. You may be allergic to one or more of these irritants. Both types of allergies have the same symptoms. People with allergic rhinitis may have decreased resistance to colds, flu, sinus infections and other respiratory illnesses.
Asthma
Australia and New Zealand rank second and third in the world after the UK in the asthma commonness stakes. Asthma always requires medical management, but there are several steps you can take on your own to minimise the frequency and severity of attacks.
What is it?
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball.
What is it?
The cause of conjunctivitis is commonly a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or — in newborns — an incompletely opened tear duct.
Dermatitis & Eczema
Your skin is constantly exposed to the elements, making it susceptible to a variety of problems, including the common condition dermatitis.
Dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, and the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitis describes swollen, reddened and itchy skin.
Dermatitis is a common condition that isn’t life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel very uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treatdermatitis.
Sinusitis
Each year thousands of people develp sinus trouble. The sinus cavities produce mucus to help keep the respiratory system free of debris. When the sinuses become inflamed or blocked, the flow of mucus is hindered and a number of painful symptoms can result.
What is it?
The sinuses are four pairs of openings in the bones at the front of the skull, located above the eyes, on either side of the nose, behind the bridge of the nose and behind the cheekbones. They are lined with a thin membrane that secretes mucus, which passes into the nose through small openings in the sinuses. Mucus sweeps away inhaled dust, pollen, germs and other matter, and then drains into the back of the throat, where it is swallowed. (Most dangerous germs are destroyed by stomach acid.)
Hayfever
Most likely you or someone you know has allergies. The telltale itchy, puffy, watery eyes and red, stuffy nose signal changes in the seasons in homes and workplaces across the country. What these people suffer from is allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
What is it?
The medical name for this condition refers to stuffy and itchy nose, the most common symptom. Hay fever is an allergic reaction. It is your immune system's response to foreign material in the air you breathe. Hay fever usually refers to allergies to outdoor, airborne materials such as pollens and molds.
