An allergy
When your body reacts to an otherwise harmless substance, such as dust, pollen, or animal fur, it is called an allergy. Although the symptoms may not be severe for some, they can be for others.
Reasons for allergies
Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions in people.
Typical allergies consist of:
- pollen from grass and trees (hay fever)
- dust mites in homes
- foods like milk, eggs, and peanuts (food allergy)
- animals, especially domesticated ones like dogs and cats
- stings from insects, including those from wasps and bees
- certain medications
See if there is an allergy.
An allergic response may cause the following symptoms:
- a sneeze or runny nose
- sensitivity or soreness around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks
- breathlessness, wheezing, or coughing
- hives, or elevated rash, or itchy skin
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- swelling mouth, throat, lips, or eyes
Dial 999 in the event that:
- Your tongue, lips, throat, or mouth can all abruptly swell
- you feel like you’re choking or gasping for air, or you’re breathing rapidly or are having trouble breathing.
- You’re having trouble swallowing or your throat feels constricted.
- You may notice this more easily on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet if you have black or brown skin. Your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale.
- You feel abruptly very lightheaded, sleepy, or bewildered.
- Someone passes out and cannot be revived
- A youngster appears limp, floppy, or unresponsive (their head may tilt sideways, backwards, or forwards, or they may struggle to raise their head or concentrate on you).
It’s possible for you or the ill individual to experience an itchy, raised, or puffy rash.
These might indicate a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency hospital care.
If you possess an auto-injector for adrenaline
If you have an adrenaline auto-injector (such an EpiPen) and you or the person you are with is experiencing a severe allergic response, you should use it right away.
If you require an injection administered by someone else or if you forget how to use it, there are instructions on the side of the injector.
After using the injector, even if you or the person you’re with seems to be feeling better, call 999 to request an ambulance.
See a physician if:
You believe your child or yourself may be allergic to something.
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What takes place during your consultation
A general practitioner (GP) may schedule allergy testing or refer you to an allergist clinic for testing.
You might have the following tests:
- a skin prick or patch test, in which you apply a tiny quantity of the allergen to your skin to observe any reactions.
- blood testing to look for potential allergies causing your symptoms
- a specific diet in which you limit or avoid foods you may be allergic to, in an effort to alleviate symptoms
Allergy remedies
Among the allergy treatments are:
- attempting to stay away from the allergen as much as you can
- medications such as antihistamines, steroid pills, and steroid creams for minor allergic responses
- Adrenaline auto-injectors, which are emergency medications for severe allergic responses, like an EpiPen
- Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, is a treatment for severe allergic reactions that entails exposing you to the allergen gradually so your body becomes accustomed to it and no longer reacts as severely (this should only be done by a medical professional)
You will receive an allergy management plan from your specialist that will include how to take care of your allergy.
