Respiratory Allergy - Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever), Asthma and Sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is very common and is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with allergens in the environment. These include pollens (grasses, weeds or trees), dust mites, moulds and animal dander (skin flakes from animals with fur). Allergic rhinitis can cause a runny, itchy or congested nose, sneezing and itchy/watery eyes. These symptoms may be mistaken for infections such as colds and flu, but treatments are different. Sinusitis can occur if allergic rhinitis is not treated correctly.

Asthma can be triggered by exposure to allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, changes in temperature and smoke. When people have an asthma attack (flare-up), their airways become narrow, which obstructs the flow of air in and out of the lungs, which can be reversed using reliever medications. Most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives if they take regular preventer medications for asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), to prevent their symptoms.

Thunderstorm asthma affects some people with asthma and/or alllergic rhinitis (hay fever) when pollen granules come into contact with water, causing starch granules to be released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways.