Allergies:

What they are and how to cope:

If you suffer from an allergy, you are definitely not alone. In fact the number of people suffering from allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives and food allergies, is increasing.

Your immune system protects against infections by producing antibodies.

When you have an allergy, your immune system over-reacts to substances that are not harmful to other people.

True allergies are reactions by your immune system to substances called allergens, which you come in contact with through breathing, eating or touching.

Reducing your exposure to allergens can be an effective way of preventing a reaction, though sometimes this is not possible.

There are many treatments available to help reduce the allergic symptoms although at the moment there are no cures available.

What are the most common allergens ?

House dust mite
Pollens
Moulds
Animal fur
Food allergies
- cow's milk
- nuts
- shellfish

Why are allergies on the rise ?

There are a number of possible reasons:

Most houses now have wall to wall carpets
Double glazing
Central heating
Increased air pollution
Processed foods
Colouring agents
Chemical preservatives

How do you find out what is causing your allergy ?

Keep a record of when and where your symptoms appear to show your doctor. Noticing your own pattern of symptoms helps identify the cause of your allergy.

Do you sneeze or wheeze when you clean the house or empty the vacuum cleaner bag?
Do your symptoms occur when you are in a room with a cat (even though you don't touch the animal)?
Do your symptoms occur at certain times of the year, such as spring or summer?
Do your symptoms occur at particular times in the day?

If your doctor considers it beneficial, he will arrange allergy testing to identify the particular allergens responsible for your symptoms.

Testing for food allergies needs to be performed carefully and under the supervision of a medical professional, particularly for children.

What is anaphylaxis ?

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a sudden, severe reaction to a substance to which you are allergic.
This reaction rarely occurs in allergies such as hay fever, but may be in response to certain foods, bee sting or drug.
The severe reaction causes swelling of the face and throat, difficulty in breathing and a drop in blood pressure.
You should call an ambulance unless you are near a GP surgery or Casualty Department.
After experiencing an anaphylactic shock you may be given an adrenaline injection to carry with you in case it occurs again.

How are allergies treated ?

By trying to avoid the allergens responsible for your symptoms:
removing carpets & soft furnishings to reduce house dust mites
keeping your house ventilated and free from damp
buying special mattresses & pillow coverings that are resistant to dust mites
not buying pets such as cats, mice or guinea pigs
soft toys & teddy bears should be placed in the freezer every 6 months to kill the dust mites
mowing your lawn regularly to prevent the grass from flowering
avoid visiting rural areas during high pollen seasons
have a no-smoking policy in the house (there is strong evidence that smoke worsens diseases like hay fever & increases the risk of asthma developing in children)
breast-feeding your baby for as long as possible which helps your child build up immunity to allergens
Try and avoid exposing babies to domestic animals and avoid sheepskin underlays as these encourage dust mites

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.