Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Respiratory Allergies
Number of Conditions: 4
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Allergic Disorders
Sub-category: Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms:
sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; itchy eyes, nose, or throat; watery, red, or swollen eyes; postnasal drip; fatigue
Root Cause:
Overreaction of the immune system to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mold.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, skin prick tests, or specific IgE blood tests.
Treatment:
Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, decongestants, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Medications:
Oral or intranasal antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine , Cetirizine , Fexofenadine , Diphenhydramine , Azelastine ), intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Budesonide , Mometasone , Beclomethasone ), leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast ), decongestants for short-term use (e.g., Pseudoephedrine , Phenylephrine , Oxymetazoline ), and allergy immunotherapy (e.g., Grastek , Ragwitek ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-30% of the global population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, atopic conditions, exposure to allergens, urban living, pollution.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with treatment; symptoms may persist but can improve with allergen avoidance and therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sinusitis, sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life, potential development of asthma.
Allergic Asthma
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Allergic Disorders
Sub-category: Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; coughing, especially at night or early morning; triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold
Root Cause:
Inflammation and constriction of the airways due to immune system overreaction to allergens.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lung function tests (spirometry), allergy testing, medical history, peak flow measurement.
Treatment:
Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, allergen avoidance, biologic therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies).
Medications:
Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Budesonide , Mometasone ), long-acting beta agonists (e.g., Salmeterol , Formoterol used with ICS), leukotriene modifiers (e.g., Montelukast ), biologics for severe asthma (e.g., Omalizumab , Mepolizumab , Dupilumab ), and rescue medications (e.g., Albuterol , Levalbuterol ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 8-10% of the global population; up to 60% of asthma cases have an allergic component.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to allergens, pollution, smoking, respiratory infections in childhood.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms are controllable with proper management; untreated asthma can lead to chronic lung issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe asthma attacks, chronic obstructive airway disease, decreased quality of life, potential hospitalization.
Seasonal Allergies (Pollen Allergy)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Allergic Disorders
Sub-category: Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms:
sneezing; nasal congestion; itchy and watery eyes; coughing; wheezing or difficulty breathing in some cases
Root Cause:
Immune system response to seasonal pollen release from trees, grasses, or weeds.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests against common pollens; patient history.
Treatment:
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, leukotriene receptor antagonists, allergen immunotherapy.
Medications:
Oral or intranasal antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine , Cetirizine , Fexofenadine , Diphenhydramine , Azelastine ), intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Budesonide , Mometasone , Beclomethasone ), leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast ), decongestants for short-term use (e.g., Pseudoephedrine , Phenylephrine , Oxymetazoline ), and allergy immunotherapy (e.g., Grastek , Ragwitek ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 10-20% of the population in temperate climates, depending on pollen season intensity.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, high pollen exposure, other allergic conditions (e.g., eczema or asthma).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with medications and allergen avoidance strategies; symptoms return seasonally.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sinus infections, exacerbation of asthma, and chronic nasal inflammation.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Allergic Disorders
Sub-category: Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms:
chronic sneezing; nasal congestion; itchy nose; persistent runny nose; postnasal drip
Root Cause:
Immune system overreaction to year-round allergens like dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick or blood tests for perennial allergens; patient history and physical exam.
Treatment:
Allergen avoidance, antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, immunotherapy for chronic cases.
Medications:
Oral or intranasal antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine , Cetirizine , Fexofenadine , Diphenhydramine , Azelastine ), intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Budesonide , Mometasone , Beclomethasone ), leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast ), and decongestants for short-term use (e.g., Pseudoephedrine , Phenylephrine , Oxymetazoline ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 13% of the global population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Indoor allergen exposure, atopic family history, presence of other allergies or asthma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Long-term management can control symptoms effectively; not curable but treatable.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic sinusitis, impaired sleep, reduced productivity and quality of life.