Allergic reaction – An adverse immune response following repeated contact with otherwise harmless substances such as pollen, animal dander, dust, mold spores, foods, or drugs.
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) – Inflammation of the nasal mucus membranes due to an allergic response.
Allergic contact dermatitis – A type of rash caused by an allergic reaction to specific chemical substances that come in contact with the skin.
Anaphylaxis – A medical emergency that involves an acute systemic (affecting the entire body) allergic reaction. It occurs after exposure to an allergen to which a person was previously sensitized. This reaction can be life-threatening.
Angioedema – A non-itching reaction in the skin’s underlying tissue marked by swelling and red blotches, this often involves the face and hands, can be very dramatic and even restrict breathing, similar in pathology to hives (urticaria), but occurs in deeper tissue.
Asthma – A chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. Episodes of asthma can be triggered by allergens, infection, exercise, cold air, and other factors. This condition is becoming more common in both adults and pediatric patients.
Asthma and allergies in athletes – Athletes with allergies and asthma have special needs for close monitoring to maximize athletic performance and comply with anti-doping regulations. Asthma with exercise in both adults and children is much more common than is usually believed.
Asthma in pregnancy – Pregnant patients with asthma need close monitoring to maximize their lung function and minimized possible adverse effects to the fetus from lack of oxygen or medication reactions.
Autoimmune disease – When the immune system mistakes self-tissues for nonself and mount an inappropriate attack, the result is an autoimmune disease. There are many different types of autoimmune diseases, some of the best-known examples are rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid diseases, diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Bronchitis – An inflammation of the bronchi (lung airways), resulting in persistent cough. Bronchitis is more common in smokers and in areas with high atmospheric pollution.
Drug allergy – An adverse immune reaction following contact with otherwise harmless drugs, usually manifested as a rash or other systemic complaints, up to and including anaphylaxis.
Eczema – An inflammation of the skin, usually causing itching and sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling, or blisters. A type of eczema often made worse by allergen exposure is termed “atopic dermatitis.” This condition is particularly common in pediatric patients.
Food allergy – An adverse immune reaction following contact with otherwise harmless foods, the manifestations of this reaction may range from mild to life-threatening. These reactions may be found in both children and adults.
Immunodeficiency – A range of disorders, both inherited and acquired, that result in the dysfunction of part or all of the normal immune response.
Insect hypersensitivity – An adverse immune reaction following contact with insect stings (i.e. honeybees or yellow jackets), the manifestations of this reaction may range from mild to life-threatening.
Occupational asthma – A respiratory disorder directly related to inhaling fumes, gases, dust, or other potentially harmful substances while “on the job.” With occupational asthma, symptoms of asthma may develop for the first time in a previously healthy worker, or pre-existing asthma may be aggravated by exposures within the workplace.
Otitis media – An inflammation of the middle ear (also called earache), commonly found in infants and children with allergic rhinitis.
Rhinitis – An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to an allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever,” is a disorder that causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. Non-allergic rhinitis is triggered by certain factors, such as strong smells, pollution, particulate matter in the air, smoke, or other irritants.
Sinusitis – An acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the facial sinuses, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Urticaria (hives) – An allergic reaction of the skin or a skin condition commonly known as hives, characterized by the development of itchy, raised white bumps surrounded by an area of red inflammation.