Allergies

About allergies

A reaction the body experiences to a certain food or substance is known as an allergy. Allergies occur frequently. More than 1 in 4 persons in the UK are believed to experience them at some point in their life.

Children are especially prone to them. While many allergies are permanent, some allergies disappear as children age. Even in adults, allergies might develop to things they weren't previously sensitive to.

Although having an allergy might be bothersome and interfere with your daily activities, the majority of allergic reactions are moderate and are generally manageable. Although rare, severe responses can occasionally happen.

Common allergies

Common allergens include:

• Tree and grass pollen (hay fever)
• House dust mites.
• Foods, such as peanuts, milk and eggs (food allergy)
• Animal fur, particularly from pets like cats and dogs.
• Insect stings, such as bee and wasp stings.
• Certain medicines.

 

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 blocked nose
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Wheezing and coughing
• A red, itchy rash
• Worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms

 

The majority of allergy reactions are minor, although anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occasionally happen. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Getting help for allergies

Your pharmacist can provide guidance and therapy to help you manage the disease if they suspect you may have a minor allergy. If you believe that you or your kid may have experienced an adverse reaction to something, consult your pharmacist. Other disorders can also result in the signs of an allergic reaction. If you have an allergy, your pharmacist can help you assess the likelihood of it.

The pharmacist can suggest that you visit your doctor if your allergy is extremely severe or it's unclear what you're allergic to. Your doctor might then refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and treatment recommendations..

What causes allergies?

When your immune system misidentifies a typically safe substance as a potentially harmful invader, an allergy develops. Following that, the immune system creates antibodies that continue to be on the lookout for that specific allergen. These antibodies may cause a range of immune system chemicals, including histamine, to be released when you are exposed to the allergen once more, leading to allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies

Depending on the chemical, allergy symptoms might impact your skin, digestive system, sinuses, and nasal passages in addition to your airways and nasal passages. Acute to mild allergic responses are possible. In extremely extreme circumstances, allergies can result in a potentially fatal reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

A food allergy can cause:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy can cause:

• A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can cause:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:

• Itch
• Redden
• Flake or peel

 

Treating allergies

Depending on what you are allergic to, there are several allergy treatments. Your pharmacist will frequently be able to provide guidance and treatment.

In addition to giving you advice on how to prevent contact with the allergen, they may also suggest medicine to help you manage your symptoms.

ØAvoiding exposure to allergens

Avoiding the things you are allergic to is frequently the best method to manage your symptoms, however this isn't always feasible.

For instance, you could be able to assist in managing:

• Avoiding food allergies by watching what you eat
• Minimising pet allergies by routinely bathing them and allowing pets to be outside as much as possible
• By maintaining a dry, well-ventilated home and taking care of any dampness or condensation, you can prevent mould allergies.
• By staying inside and avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high, you can prevent hay fever.
• Using duvets and pillows that are allergy-proof and installing wooden flooring rather than carpets will help reduce dust mite allergies.

ØAllergy medications

Without a prescription, you can purchase medications for minor allergies from pharmacies participating in Pharmacy First Scotland. However, before beginning any new medication, please consult your pharmacist because not everyone should take it.

-Antihistamines

-Decongestants

-Lotions and creams

-Steroids