What allergies can you get

Symptoms of asthma include:. Hay fever is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, because the symptoms appear only when it is pollen season. Hay fever originally only referred to allergies caused by grass pollens, but the term is now also used to describe the symptoms of rhinitis inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose.

People with hay fever are more likely to develop sinus infections , and can have interrupted sleep that leads to extreme tiredness. Severe hay fever symptoms can affect learning in children and productivity in adults. Hay fever can also make it more difficult to control asthma in those who are more likely to get it. For all allergies, the immune system reacts to specific allergy trigger molecules allergens. Your immune system produces antibodies that detect the allergen and cause inflammatory reactions and the release of a chemical called histamine.

Histamine causes hay fever symptoms, such as itchy and watery nose and eyes, and sneezing. In Victoria, inland areas tend to have higher pollen counts and northerly winds can bring pollens from inland regions to the coastal areas, including Melbourne. In contrast, the east coast of Australia often has less pollen, because winds tend to blow in from the sea and the Great Dividing Range protects the coast from inland winds.

In South Australia and Western Australia, levels of pollen in the air vary, depending on wind direction. The season for pollen allergies can last for several months and occurs when the plants are flowering. This will vary depending on location and the type of plant. For instance:. A wheat allergy is often confused with coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity also known as gluten intolerance.

Wheat allergy is an immune response to allergy triggers allergens in wheat, including molecules in the pollen and seed. Wheat allergies can cause symptoms of the digestive system cramps, nausea or vomiting , as well as those described for the pollen allergies.

Symptoms can occur after eating or touching wheat, or products containing wheat. In contrast, coeliac disease is a condition where your own immune system damages the intestine in the presence of gluten. Gluten sensitivity is not an allergic reaction, but a food intolerance or sensitivity.

Asteraceae is a family of flowering plants, including many common species, and some are used in herbal medicines. Pollen from plants in this family is a common cause of hay fever, asthma and dermatitis.

Echinacea can cause severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis , asthma attacks, severe hives and swelling in some people, and this can occur when the first dose of echinacea is taken. Pollen from plants in the Asteraceae family can also cause an allergic skin reaction on contact. The pollen can be found in herbal medicines, shampoos, cosmetics and massage oils, and includes pollen from plants such as the:. Sensitisation to pollen of plants from the Asteraceae family has also been linked with allergic reactions to other substances that are similar.

This is known as cross-reactivity and has caused allergic reactions to:. If you have allergic symptoms that seem to appear at certain times of the year, you should visit your doctor, who will ask some questions about your allergic reactions. You can also discuss your record of your symptoms. To test for an allergy to pollens, the allergist may use a skin prick test or a blood test for allergies. Information about evidence based allergy testing is available on the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.

A number of methods claim to test for allergies, but they have not been medically or scientifically proven. They can be costly and could lead to dangerous avoidance of certain foods. The organisation representing allergists Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy recommends that you do not use certain methods to have potential allergies tested.

These methods include:. Always speak with your doctor if you are thinking of using a complementary medicine or therapy to test for allergies. A direct way to manage pollen allergies is to reduce your exposure to pollens. Pollen counts are published in the media and can help you to plan to avoid exposure. If you are unable to avoid pollen, your doctor may suggest medication to reduce hay fever symptoms including:. Decongestant tablets and sprays can cause side effects, so use with caution or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you have asthma caused by pollens, your doctor will prescribe the correct medication and help you to develop a plan to manage your asthma. A reaction produced by the body's immune system when exposed to a normally harmless substance. The exaggeration of the normal effects of a substance. For example, the caffeine in a cup of coffee may cause extreme symptoms, such as palpitations and trembling.

Where a substance causes unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhoea, but does not involve the immune system. People with an intolerance to certain foods can typically eat a small amount without having any problems. Page last reviewed: 22 November Next review due: 22 November Severe reactions can occasionally occur, but these are uncommon. Common allergies Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. The more common allergens include: grass and tree pollen — an allergy to these is known as hay fever allergic rhinitis dust mites animal dander, tiny flakes of skin or hair food — particularly nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs and cows' milk insect bites and stings medicines — including ibuprofen , aspirin and certain antibiotics latex — used to make some gloves and condoms mould — these can release small particles into the air that you can breathe in household chemicals — including those in detergents and hair dyes Most of these allergens are generally harmless to people who are not allergic to them.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen. They can cause: sneezing a runny or blocked nose red, itchy, watery eyes wheezing and coughing a red, itchy rash worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur.

This is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment. Getting help for allergies See a GP if you think you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something. A GP can help determine whether it's likely you have an allergy. Find out more about allergy testing How to manage an allergy In many cases, the most effective way of managing an allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction whenever possible.

The most common are cockroaches and the insect-like dust mite. Allergies to these two insects may be the most common cause of year-round allergy and asthma. A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex gloves, balloons, condoms and other natural rubber products contain latex. An allergy to latex can be a serious health risk. Mold and mildew are fungi. Since fungi grow in so many places, both indoors and outdoors, allergic reactions can occur year round.

Allergies to pets with fur are common. It is important to know that an allergy-free hypoallergenic breed of dog or cat does not exist.

Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies.