Allergies

Allergies - Illnesses & conditions Illnesses and conditions Immune system Allergies Allergies About allergies Symptoms of allergies Testing for allergies Treating allergies Preventing an allergic reaction About allergies An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance. Allergies are very common. Theyre thought toaffect more than 1in 4people in the UK at some point in their lives. Theyare particularly common in children. Some allergies go away as a child gets older, althoughmany are lifelong. Adults can develop allergies to things they werent previously allergic to. Having an allergy can be a nuisance and affect your everyday activities, but most allergic reactions are mild and can be largely kept under control. Severe reactions can occasionally occur, but these are uncommon. Common allergies Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.The more common allergensinclude: grass and tree pollen an allergy to theseis known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) dust mites animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair) food  particularlynuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs and cows milk insect bites and stings medication including ibuprofen , aspirin, and certain antibiotics latex used to makesome gloves and condoms mould these can release small particles into the air that you can breathe in household chemicals including those in detergents and hair dyes Most of theseallergensare generally harmless to people who arent allergic to them. Symptoms of an allergic reaction Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen. They can cause: sneezing a runny or blockednose red, itchy, watery eyes wheezing and coughing a red, itchy rash worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur. This isa medical emergency and needs urgent treatment. Read more about the symptoms of allergies . When to get professional advice Pharmacy First Scotland: Allergies treatment from your pharmacy If you have allergies you can get advice and treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotlands Service Directory. Search for a pharmacy near you Getting help for allergies If your pharmacist thinks you might have amild allergy, they can offer advice and treatment to help manage the condition. See your pharmacist if you think you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something. The symptoms of an allergic reactioncan alsobe caused by other conditions. Your pharmacist can help determine whether its likely you have an allergy. If your allergy is particularly severe or its not clear what youre allergic to, the pharmacist may advise you see your GPwho may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and advice about treatment. Read more about allergy testing . How to manage an allergy Inmany cases, the most effective way of managingan allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction whenever possible. For example, if you have a food allergy, you should check a foods ingredients list for allergens before eating it. The Food Standards Agency has more information about food allergen labelling . There are also several medications available tohelp control symptoms of allergic reactions, including: antihistamines these can be taken when you notice the symptoms of a reaction, or before being exposed to an allergen to stop a reaction occurring decongestants  tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or liquids that can be used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose lotions and creams, such asmoisturising creams (emollients) these canreduce skin redness and itchiness steroid medication  sprays, drops, creams, inhalers and tablets that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by an allergic reaction For some people with very severe allergies, a treatment called immunotherapy may be recommended. This involves being exposed to the allergen in a controlled way over a number of years, so your body gets used to it and doesnt react to it so severely. Read more about treating an allergy and avoiding allergic reactions . What causes allergies? Allergiesoccur when the bodys immune system reacts to a particular substance as though its harmful. Its not clear why this happens, but most people affected have a family history of allergies or have closely related conditions such as asthma or eczema. The number of people with allergies is increasing every year. The reasons for this are not understood, but one of the main theories is its the result of living in a cleaner, germ-free environment, which reduces the number of germs our immune system has to deal with. Its thought this maycause it to overreact when it comes into contact with harmless substances. Symptoms of allergies Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within a few minutes of being exposed to something youre allergic to, although occasionally they can develop gradually over a few hours. Althoughallergic reactionscan be a nuisance and hamper your normal activities, most are mild. Very occasionally, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Mainallergy symptoms Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose ( allergic rhinitis ) itchy, red, watering eyes ( conjunctivitis ) wheezing,chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough a raised, itchy, red rash ( hives ) swollenlips, tongue, eyesor face tummy pain , feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea dry, red and cracked skin The symptoms vary depending on what youre allergic to and how you come into contact with it. For example, youmayhave a runny noseif exposed to pollen, developa rash if you have a skin allergy, or feel sickif you eat something youre allergic to. See your pharmacist if you or your child might have had an allergicreaction to something. They can help determine whether the symptoms are caused by an allergy or another condition. Read more about diagnosing allergies . Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) In rare cases, an allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. This affects the whole body and usuallydevelops within minutes of exposure to something youre allergic to. Signs of anaphylaxis include any of the symptoms above, as well as: swelling of the throat and mouth difficulty breathing lightheadedness confusion blue skin or lips collapsing and losing consciousness Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Read more about anaphylaxis for information about what to do if it occurs. Testing for allergies If you think you have an allergy, tell your pharmacist about the symptoms youre having, when they happen, how often they occur and if anything seems to trigger them. Your pharmacist can offer advice and treatment for mild allergies with a clear cause. If your allergy is more severe or its not obvious what youre allergic to, your pharmacist may advise you to see your GP as you may need referredfor allergy testing at a specialist allergy clinic. The tests that may be carried out are described below. Skin prick testing Skin prick testing is one of the most common allergy tests. It involves putting a drop of liquid onto your forearm that contains a substance you may be allergic to. The skin under the drop is then gently pricked with a needle. If you are allergic to the substance, an itchy, red bump will appear within 15 minutes. Skin prick testing is painless and very safe. Make sure you dont take antihistamines before the test, as they can interfere with the results. Blood tests Blood tests may be used instead of, or alongside, skin prick tests to help diagnose common allergies. A sample of your blood is removed and analysed for specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to an allergen. Patch tests Patchtestsare used to investigate a type of eczema known as contact dermatitis, which can be caused by your skin being exposed to an allergen. A small amount of the suspected allergen is added to special metal discs, which are then taped to your skin for 48 hours and monitored for a reaction. Elimination diet If you have a suspected food allergy , you may be advised to avoid eating a particular food to see if your symptoms improve. After a few weeks, you may then be asked to eat the food again to check if you have another reaction. Dont attempt to do thisyourself without discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional. Challenge testing In a few cases, a test called afood challenge may also be usedto diagnose a food allergy. During the test, youre given the food you think youre allergic to in gradually increasing amounts, to see how you react under close supervision. This test is riskier than other forms of testing, as it could cause a severe reaction, but is the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies. And challenge testing is always carried out in a clinic where a severe reaction can be treated if it does develop. Treating allergies The treatment for an allergy depends on what youre allergic to. In many cases your pharmacist will be able to offer advice and treatment. Theyll advise you about taking steps to avoid exposure to the substance youre allergic to, andcan recommend medication to control your symptoms. Avoiding exposure to allergens The best way to keep your symptoms under control is often to avoid the things youre allergic to,although this isnt always practical. For example, youmay be able to helpmanage: food allergies by being careful about what you eat animal allergies by keeping pets outside as much as possible and washing them regularly mould allergies bykeeping your home dry and well-ventilated, and dealing with any damp and condensation hay fever bystaying indoors and avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high dust mite allergies byusing allergy-proof duvets and pillows, and fitting wooden floors rather than carpets Read more about preventing allergic reactions . Allergy medications Medications for mild allergies are available from pharmacies on the Pharmacy First Scotland service without a prescription, but always ask your pharmacist for advice before starting any new medicine, as theyre not suitable for everyone. Antihistamines Antihistaminesare the main medicines for allergies. Theycan be used: as and when you noticethe symptoms ofan allergic reaction to prevent allergic reactions for example, you may take them in the morningif you have hay fever and you know the pollen count is high that day Antihistaminescan be takenas tablets, capsules, creams, liquids, eye drops or nasal sprays, depending on which part of your body is affected by your allergy. Decongestants Decongestants can be used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose caused by an allergic reaction. Theycan be taken as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or liquids. Dont use them for more than a week at a time, as using them for long periods can make your symptoms worse. Lotions and creams Red and itchy skin caused by an allergic reaction can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter creams and lotions, such as: emollients (moisturising creams)to keep the skin moist and protect it from allergens calamine lotion to reduce itchiness steroids to reduce inflammation (see below) Steroids Steroid medications can help reduce inflammation caused by an allergic reaction.Theyre available as: nasal sprays and eye drops for an inflamednose and eyes creams for eczema andcontact dermatitis inhalers for asthma tablets for hives (urticaria) Sprays, drops and weak steroid creams are available without a prescription. Stronger creams,inhalers and tablets are available on prescription from your GP. Immunotherapy (desensitisation) Immunotherapy may be an option for a small number of people with certain severe and persistent allergies who are unable to control their symptoms using the measures above. The treatment involves being given occasional small doses of the allergen  either as an injection, or as drops or tablets under the tongue over the course of several years. The injectioncan only be performed in a specialist clinic under the supervision of a doctor, as there is a small risk of a severe reaction. The drops or tablets can usually betaken at home. The aim of treatment is to helpyour body get used to the allergen so it doesnt react to it so severely.This wont necessarily cureyour allergy, but it will make it milder and mean you can take less medication. Treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Some people with severe allergies may experience life-threatening reactions,known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. If youre at risk of this, youll be given special injectors containing a medicine called adrenaline to use in an emergency. If you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, you should inject yourself in the outer thigh before seeking emergency medical help. Read more about the treating anaphylaxis . Preventing an allergic reaction The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that youre allergic to, although this isnt always easy or practical. Below is some practical advice that should help you avoid the most common allergens. House dust mites One of the biggest causes of allergies are dust mites, which are tiny insects found in household dust. You can limit the number of mites in your home by: choosing wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead of a carpet fitting roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean choosingleather, plastic or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture cleaning cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, either by washing (at a high temperature) or vacuuming using tested allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, because it can trap more dust mites than ordinary vacuum cleaners regularly wiping surfaces with a damp, clean cloth avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air Concentrate your efforts of controlling dust mites in the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room. You can find more information on indoor allergies in the home on the Allergy UK website. Pets Its not the pet fur that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, its flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine. If you cant permanently remove a pet from the house, you could try: keeping pets outside as much as possible, or limiting them to a particular area of the house, preferablyan areawithout carpet not allowing pets in bedrooms washing pets at least once aweek regularly groomingpets outside regularly washing all bedding and soft furnishings on which a pet has lain using an air filter in rooms where you spend most of your time increase ventilation with fans, air-conditioning or by opening windows If youre visiting a friend or relative with a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day youre visiting, as this will stir up the allergens into the air. Taking an antihistamine medicine about an hour before entering a pet-inhabited house can also help reduce your symptoms. The Allergy UK website has more information about domestic pet allergies . Mould spores Tiny particles released by moulds can cause an allergic reaction in some people. You can help prevent this by: keeping your home dry and well-ventilated removing any indoor pot plants from your home not drying clothes indoors, store clothes in damp cupboards or packing clothes too tightly in wardrobes dealing with any damp and condensation in your home avoiding damp buildings, damp woods and rotten leaves, cut grass and compost heaps Food allergies By law, food manufacturers must clearly label any foods that contain something thats known to cause allergic reactions in some people. By carefully checking the label for the list of ingredients, you should be able to avoid an allergic reaction. People with food allergiesmost often experience an allergic reaction while eating out at a restaurant. You can avoid this by: not relying on the menu description alone (remember, many sauces or dressings could contain allergens) communicating clearly with the waiting staff and asking for their advice avoiding places where theres a chance that different types of food could come into contact with each other, such as buffets or bakeries let restaurant staff you know your dietary requirements, including how severe your food allergy or intolerance is always check what allergens are in the dish even if you have eaten it before, as recipes and ingredients can change Remember, simple dishes are less likely to contain hidden ingredients. If youre not sure about a dish, dont risk it Read more about living with a food allergy and advice from the Food Standards Agency onfood allergenlabelling . Hay fever Pollen allergies  more commonly known as hay fever  are caused when trees and grasses release pollen into the air. Doctors often call hay fever allergic rhinitis. Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months that you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you are allergic to. Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses). Tohelpkeep your hay fever under control,you can: check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when its high, if possible avoid drying clothesand bedding outside when the pollen count is high wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes keep doors and windows shut when possible shower and change your clothes after being outside avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fieldsparticularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest if you have a lawn,try asking someone else to cut the grass for you Insect bites and stings If youve ever suffered a bad reaction to an insect bite or sting, its important to take precautions to minimise your risk. When youre outdoors, particularly in the summer, you could: cover exposed skin wear shoes apply insect repellent avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances, as these can attract insects Read more about preventing insect bites and stings . Preventing severe allergies (anaphylaxis) If youreat risk of experiencing asevere allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ), make sure you carry two adrenaline auto-injectorswith youeverywhere. Wearing a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag medallion or bracelet can make others aware of your allergy in an emergency. Consider telling your teachers, work colleagues and friends, so they can give you your adrenaline injection in an emergency, while waiting for an ambulance. Read more about preventing anaphylaxis .