ORGAN

DISEASE

SYMPTOMS

Nose

Allergic rhinitis

Initially the disease is associated with itchy, runny nose and thin watery discharge similar to a ‘viral flu’. Bouts of sneezing are a common feature. Later the disease progresses to congestion (nasal block) and post-nasal drip.

Chronic rhinitis may be associated with puffy dark circles underneath the eyes.

Airborne allergens are the main triggers of the symptoms but certain foods can provoke the symptoms and complicate the diagnosis of rhinitis.

Hayfever which involves both the nose and eyes (rhinoconjunctivitis) is a seasonal allergic reaction to high levels of airborne pollens during spring/summer in the temperate regions. Hayfever is uncommon in the tropics. Main causes of allergic rhinitis in the tropics are dust mite allergens and pet dander but pollens (tropical grasses and oil palm pollens) may be causal in few cases. Rhinitis tends to be perennial in the tropics because of the severe reaction to dust mite allergens

Sinus

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses is often a complication of allergic rhinitis. It is associated with headache, facial pain and purulent discharge due to bacterial and/or fungal infection that interfere with normal functions of the sinuses.

Eyes

Conjunctivitis

Typical feature is the inflammation of the conjunctiva which is a transparent membrane covering part of the eye. The symptoms include itching, redness, swelling and tearing. In general airborne particles such as pollens, pet dander or house dust mite allergens are the main triggers. However, foods may have a causative role in addition to the aeroallergens in the development of the symptoms in some individuals.

Lungs

Allergic asthma

Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in chest and cough. Mostly associated with airborne allergens but foods may also trigger the condition.

Skin

Hives (urticaria)

Hives are itchy welts of varying sizes that appear on the skin, lips, inside the mouth and ears. They are often triggered by foods. Dust mite allergens may be causative for the symptoms in some cases in the tropics.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Seen mainly in infants and young children. These are itchy rashes that appear in the skin creases of the arm, legs, wrist, and neck but may be present all over the body. Many of the cases are caused by allergens. Foods are the main cause of the reaction but dust mites may also be co-participants.

Digestive tract

Vomiting, Diarrhoea,
Constipation, bloody stool, abdominal pain, colitis

Food allergies are often associated with stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrohea, constipation and eczema. Severe damage may occur to the delicate mucosa of the intestine during an intestinal allergic reaction.
Food allergy may cause skin itchiness and also the development of eczema few days later. Food allergy may be associated with gastrointestinal distress, asthma, chronic rhinitis, ear infections, headache, fatigue and depression. In young infants cows milk or soy milk allergy may be the main cause.

Oral Allergy Syndrome

Itchy swelling of the lips, mouth, throat

About 10 percent of people allergic to grass/tree pollens may develop itchy symptoms of the mouth and throat to some uncooked vegetables or fresh fruits and juices or nuts. This due to cross-reactive allergens in pollens and the provocative food.

Ears

Hearing problems,
Itchy ears

Recurrent infections or fluid in the middle ear may be caused by allergic reactions. If untreated over long periods it may eventually result in loss of hearing. Itchy inner ear may be a sign of allergy. Food allergy is often the main cause of the symptoms.

Anaphylaxis

Respiratory distress, Hives, Low blood pressure, Fainting

This is a life threatening systemic reaction caused by foods (e.g. bird nest soup, peanuts, eggs) or drugs (e.g. penicillin) or insect venom via a sting of bee, hornet or wasp. Immediate medical attention should be sought. Individuals who have had an anaphylactic experience must carry epinephrine (or adrenaline in auto-injection form e.g. Epipen which is now available in Malaysia) that may provide temporary relief. As soon as possible identify and avoid the trigger factors.