What's making you sneeze?

Sneezing a lot? Common allergens lurk everywhere.

It’s possible that you could be allergic to more than one of these: animal dander, pollens, dust mites, foods, medications, cockroach droppings, insect stings, and moulds. Needless to say, avoiding these isn't always easy. 

The obvious signs of an allergic reaction are sneezing and itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. But symptoms can also include skin rashes, body pains, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Types of allergic reactions

• Allergic rhinitis: an allergic reaction which causes nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. This can be caused by both indoor allergens and things like pollen. It's often complicated by sinusitis.
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis: caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen of grass, trees and weeds. This usually only lasts as long as the pollen season of the specific plant in question.
• Eczema: an itchy rash, which is often found on the arms and legs and neck.
• Contact dermatitis: this is a reaction in which areas of the skin become red and inflamed after contact with allergens, like certain cosmetics, medications, plants, chemicals or metals.
• Urticaria: can be identified by large itchy blotches on various parts of the skin. This is sometimes triggered by infections, insect bites, medication, food or latex.