Allergic Rhinitis

Occurs when the inside lining of the nose swells up or becomes inflamed. This leads to runny noses, congestion, sneezing or itchy, watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis is caused by breathing in tiny particles of specific allergens, to which an individual is sensitive to.

Angioedema

Angioedema is a severe swelling of the deeper layers of the skin that can be disfiguring and uncomfortable. It usually occurs in a person’s face, eyelids, mouth and lips, and in the hands and feet. Angioedema and hives often go together but angioedema can also occur on its own.

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition or disorder caused by inflammation or swelling of the lining of the airways in the lungs and the production of a thick mucus. These cause the airways to become narrow and sensitive creating coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing. Some people can develop more a more severe type of allergic asthma.

Atopic dermatitis

Also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis presents as itching, inflammation, redness and swelling of the skin. This common allergic skin disease is often associated with food allergies, asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids due to a reaction from allergy-causing substances such as pollen and/or dust mites. When your eyes are exposed to anything to which you are allergic, histamine is released and causes the blood vessels in the in the eyes to swell, and the eyes to become itchy, red and watery. This is a condition that can occur alone, but often accompanies nasal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion and runny nose.

Drug allergies

Often, an allergic reaction to a drug will show up as a rash, either while it is being taken, or in the week or two after stopping the medication. However, reactions may also include one or more of the following symptoms: hives, angioedema (swelling of the deeper tissues) and anaphylaxis, a potentially life threatening reaction.

Food allergies

Most true food allergies occur while eating a specific food, or within seconds, minutes or hours of eating. The reaction recurs each time the food is eaten and the symptoms can vary. Typical allergic responses affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract (bowels) and upper and lower respiratory tracts (throat and lungs) and can range from a few hives to a life-threatening reaction.

Hymenoptera sting allergies

Hymenoptera is an order of insects that includes honey bees, yellow jackets, yellow hornets, white-faced hornets and wasps, among others. An allergic reaction caused by a sting from one of these insects can result in swelling or hives on the body and face, swelling of the tongue and/or throat, wheezing and difficulty with breathing, and nausea and vomiting.

Latex allergy

A latex allergy is an allergy to proteins originating from the rubber tree, which are still present in products made from natural rubber latex. Latex can be found in many different products including, but not limited to, balloons, condoms and rubber gloves. While a latex allergy often first appears as a rash on the hands when using rubber latex gloves, people with skin problems on their hands from glove use are not necessarily allergic to latex. Other symptoms may include itchy swollen eyes, runny nose and sneezing, tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Sinusitis

The sinuses are air-filled spaces found in the head. Each person has four pairs, (eight sinuses), each of which is lined with the same kind of mucous membrane that is found inside the noses and lungs. When any or all of these sinuses become irritated or inflamed, it is called sinusitis.

Uticaria

Urticaria, also called hives are welts on the skin that can vary in shape and colour, frequently itch and can last for hours, days, months or in rare cases, years.