Most Common Allergy Diseases and Their Causes

These allergic diseases are among the most common chronic health problems worldwide. They can affect the nose, lungs, skin, digestive system, or the whole body, and their severity ranges from mild irritation to life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.

The most common allergy diseases include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergies, skin allergies (eczema, hives, contact dermatitis), insect sting allergies, and drug allergies. Environmental factors such as pollution, diet, and genetics also play an important role in their development.

1. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

• Cause: Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold

• Symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, throat, and nose

• Common in: Spring and fall seasons

2. Asthma (Allergic Type)

• Cause: Dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, cold air, smoke

• Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness

• Often linked with: Allergic rhinitis and eczema

3. Food Allergy

• Common Triggers: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, sesame

• Symptoms: Hives, swelling, pain in stomach, vomiting, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis

4. Allergies to the Skin

• a. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

• Cause: Genetic + environmental factors (dust, soaps, stress, foods)

• Symptoms: Dry, itchy, inflamed skin

• b. Urticaria (Hives)

• Cause: Foods, medicines, infection, insect stings

• Symptoms: Red, itchy welts on skin

• c. Contact Dermatitis

• Cause: Nickel, latex, perfumes, cosmetics, detergents

• Symptoms: Red, itchy rash where the skin came into contact with the allergen

5. Insect Sting Allergy

• Cause: Bee, wasp, hornet, or ant venom

• Symptoms: Redness, swelling, itching, or severe anaphylaxis

6. Drug Allergy

• Common Drugs: Sulfa drugs, penicillin, aspirin, NSAIDs

• Symptoms: Anaphylaxis, breathing difficulty, rash, hives, swelling

⚠️ 7. Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)

• Cause: Insect stings, food, drugs, latex

• Symptoms: Loss of consciousness, hives, breathing difficulty, sudden drop in blood pressure

• Emergency treatment: Epinephrine (EpiPen)