NHS Lincolnshire ICB is supporting Allergy Awareness Week between 22nd April and 28th April 2024.
An allergy develops when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen (particular food or substance) as though it is a threat, like an infection. It produces antibodies to fight off the allergen, in a reaction called the immune response.
Common allergies
Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. The more common allergens include:
- grass and tree pollen – an allergy to these is known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- dust mites
- animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair)
- food – particularly nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs and cow’s milk
- insect bites and stings
- medication – including ibuprofen, aspirin, and certain antibiotics
- latex – used to make some 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
Common allergic disorders include asthma, eczema and hay fever, and symptoms of an allergy can include sneezing, wheezing, coughing and skin rashes.
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that causes it, although this is not always easy. Allergens such as house dust mites or fungal spores can be hard to spot and can breed in even the cleanest house.
It can also be hard to avoid pets, particularly if they belong to friends and family, however, you can take steps to help improve the situation such as keeping pets outside as much as possible.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include
Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include:
- sneezing
- a runny or blocked nose
- 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 is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
Seasonal allergy
At this time of year, many people start to be affected by allergies due to larger quantities of airborne grass pollen, suffering from symptoms such as sneezing, runny, blocked or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip. However, some people are allergic to other types of pollen, such as tree or weed pollen, and may be affected at different times of the year.
How to manage an allergy
In many cases, the most effective way of managing an allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction whenever possible. For example, if you have a food allergy, you should check a food’s ingredients list for allergens before eating it.
There are also several medications available to help 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 as moisturising creams (emollients) – these can reduce skin redness and itchiness
steroid medication – sprays, drops, creams, inhalers and tablets that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by an allergic reaction. Anyone who is feeling unwell with the symptoms of hay fever should in the first instance visit their pharmacist who can offer advice on medication that is available over the counter to relieve the symptoms associated with the condition.