Hay fever can be a seasonal or year-round health problem. The muscles around the airways can contract, causing the airways to narrow even more. When the lining of the airways is inflamed, it produces mucus that clogs the airways and further blocks the flow of air. Because of the insidious nature of this condition and the special care required, asthma is discussed further in a separate section in this guide. If not treated early, atopic dermatitis can be complicated by a secondary infection.
Contact dermatitis is a rash that is caused by direct skin contact with certain substances.
The most common causes of contact dermatitis are poison oak or ivy, metals, jewelry and cosmetics. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which are hollow cavities within the bones of the skull found around and behind the nose. The inflammation is an extension of the inflammation in the nose into the sinuses, or a result of obstruction which may stem from an allergic reaction in the nose. Symptoms include thick yellowish or green nasal discharge, headache, feeling of facial fullness, fatigue and fever. Large swellings that invade deeper skin layers are called angioedema.