1. Allergic rhinitis
Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose with a clear, thin discharge, stuffy nose, a sensation of plugged ears, watery, bloodshot eyes and itching of the nose, soft palate and ear canal.
Causes: Pollen and mould spores are triggers.
Precautions:
Keep doors and windows closed during strong winds to keep out pollen.
Vacuum your house and dust regularly with a damp cloth to remove any lingering pollen or mould spores.
Use a little vaseline inside your nose as it stops pollen and mould spores from getting to the lining of your nose.
Stay away from pets as pollen and mould spores can collect on their fur.

2. Urticaria
Symptoms: Red, itchy, lesions form on different parts of the body.
Causes: Urticaria can be triggered by exposure to cold, heat, pets, horses and latex rubber.
Precautions:
Keep the skin cool, avoid strenuous exercise. Take lukewarm baths.
Avoid foods containing additives like sodium benzoate, sulphite, colourings and salicylate.

3. Allergic asthma
Symptoms: Persistent coughing with the cough getting worse at night or in the morning. Wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
Causes: Allergic asthma can be triggered by cold air and outdoor exercise in winter. Allergens in the environment like dust mites, mould spores, pollen, cigarette smoke, candles and incense can bring on an attack. Cockroach droppings, eggs and saliva also contain allergens.
Precautions:
Cover mattresses and pillows in allergic casings.
Don’t allow animals into the bedroom.
Avoid all kinds of smoke.

4. Angioedema
Symptoms: A swelling develops below the surface of the skin due to a collection of fluid in the deep layers of the skin. It most often affects the hands, feet, eyes, lips or genitals. In severe cases, the inside lining of the throat and bowel can be affected. It usually lasts one to three days.
Causes: Exposure to cold, wearing tight clothes. Other triggers include nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, aspirin, penicillin, insect bites and latex.
Precautions:
Wear loose, light clothing.
Work closely with your doctor to determine your allergens and then avoid the triggers.
Seek your doctor’s advice before taking any medication.
Avoid medication that contains aspirin. Stick to paracetamol if you need a painkiller.