Respiratory and eye allergies

Allergy can affect the nose or the bronchi. Nasal allergy is called allergic rhinitis while bronchial allergy is termed allergic asthma.

Respiratory allergy is usually caused by allergens present in the air we breathe – airborne or inhaled allergens. When inhaled, these allergens land on the lining of the nose or of the bronchi. In non-atopic people, this has no consequences. However, in atopic individuals (those in whom the immune system is genetically programmed to produce IgE against such allergens) when the allergens come into contact with the lining of the nose or the bronchi it triggers an allergic response that causes unpleasant symptoms.

Causes

Respiratory allergy

• Pollen
• Household dust
• Moulds
• Allergy to animals
• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergic asthma

Eye allergies

• Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis
• Other types of eye allergy