Allergies are on the rise in the UK, according to Allergy UK, with 25 percent of Britons likely to experience an allergic reaction in their lifetimes. ‘Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is an allergen’ explains Dr Hilary. ‘Grass and pollen, dust mites, animal dander, nuts and shellfish tend to be the most common allergens.’
An allergic reaction is caused when your body reacts to an allergen and releases antibodies to fight the perceived threat.
Different Kinds of Allergies
Allergens can affect us via substances in the air, foods or medications we consume and substances that come into contact with the skin.
Symptoms
Airborne substances can cause:
- A blocked, itchy or runny nose and sneezing (Rhinitis)
- Itchy, red and watering eyes (Conjunctivitis)
- Wheezing, coughing and breathlessness (Asthma)
Digestive allergic reactions can cause:
- Raised, itchy and red rash (Hives)
- Swelling of the lips, tongue eyes and face
- Sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain
Substances we come into contact with can cause:
- Inflammation of the skin (Contact Dermitisis)
Treatment
Over the counter-medication including antihistamines and decongestants can provide some relief if you are suffering from an allergy. If you suffer from a skin allergy, emollients often provide an effective moisturizing treatment to prevent skin from becoming dry. Topical corticosteroids also reduce swelling, itching and redness of the skin.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and should be treated as an emergency, and the person experiencing the reaction should be injected with adrenaline as soon as possible. Substances that commonly cause anaphylaxis include insect stings, certain medicines (e.g penicillin-based antibiotics) and foods like nuts, milk and eggs.
According to Dr Hilary, it is important to know how to look out for the signs of anaphylaxis. Symptoms include swollen eyes, lips hands or feet and swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue that affects breathing and swallowing.
Further Reading: Is your baby or child tired out? They may be allergic to house dust mites
Case Study: Allergy Awareness
In 2011, Haydn Wileman, who suffered from severe asthma, died due to an unknown nut allergy that caused anaphylaxis. Evidence shows that asthma can make children more susceptible to developing allergies, and it’s thought that many children suffering from asthma may have allergies they are unaware of. Following her son’s death, Haydn’s mother set up the charity Haydn’s Wish to raise awareness of children’s allergies and to highlight the link between asthma and allergies. If you suffer with asthma, or know someone who does, it is a good idea to ask your GP about allergy testing.
See Also:
Skin Condition: Eczema
Hope for Peanut Allergy Cure
