Allergies

Allergies

After UK Health Radio’s recent very successful visit to the allergy show I thought that we could look today at some basics for those of us unlucky enough to have or suspect that we might have allergies. 

According to some very useful information I found on the Internet site http://www.webmd.boots.com/allergies/guide/allergies-treatment-care it is estimated that one in three of the UK population will suffer from allergies at some time in their lives and that number is on the increase. Common causes of allergy symptoms include food allergies, such as peanut allergy, and seasonal allergies resulting from grass, weed, tree pollen or various moulds. Pet allergies can also cause miserable symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion and wheezing, while allergic skin conditions can cause a rash and itchy skin.

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Some symptoms of allergy include:

Sneezing, difficulty breathing, cramps, and vomiting and if you are prone to allergy you should learn specific allergy symptoms, and emergency warning signs.

Some of the most common allergic conditions are: 

Allergic rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen or other microscopic substances.

Urticaria (Hives)

This condition can be caused by a variety of irritants.

Allergy to bee sting.

The normal reaction of a non-allergic person to a bee sting is different from a bee sting allergy. Make sure that you know the difference!

Allergic reaction to pet hair and dander

An allergy to cats fur and dogs hair and the coats of other animals.

Food allergies and food intolerances

A food allergy is the immune systems response to certain food. A food intolerance is the digestive’s system response to food.

Allergy to latex

Ensure that you know how to spot the symptoms of latex allergy and what you need to do in case of a severe reaction.

Mould Allergies

Mould is always present in most indoor and outdoor spaces, and in many foods.

Drug Allergies

Many medicines can trigger reactions and these can sometimes be very severe.

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

This is a well-recognised condition characterised by itchy skin and is common in children and infants, although it can affect some people all their lives.

Milk allergy

Many products that you would not suspect of containing milk - do! Check labels carefully.

Allergy to nuts

An allergy to nuts can be very serious and can even be fatal if immediate action is not taken. Always ensure that children wear med alerts if they have a nut allergy.

There are lots of allergy treatment options. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can ease annoying symptoms and immunotherapy can also help.  Natural remedies abound to help with congested nasal passages and scratchy throats.  Then there are oral medicines and nasal sprays that are often used with hay fever.   There are eye drops that can be used for irritated eyes, but always ensure that they are Ok for your eyes. 

For some people, immunotherapy has meant the end of their days of taking allergy medication.

Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.

UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com

Amanda Thomas

UK Health Radio

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