ALLERGY INFORMATION & RESEARCH
Allergy information
An allergy or an allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen.
Allergies are very common and affect more than 1 in 4 people in the UK. Allergies are particularly common in children, some allergies disappear or get better as a child gets older, however many allergies are lifelong conditions.
An individual can develop an allergy to foods or substances they weren’t previously allergic to in their adulthood.
Common Allergens:
- Grass and Tree Pollen – an allergy to these is known as Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis.
- Dust Mites – this is an allergic reaction to the dander produced by the dust mites
- Animal Dander – Flakes of skin or hair from a cat, dog or small pet.
- Food – Food allergies commonly include Nuts, Fruits, Shellfish, eggs and Cow’s Milk (Lactose).
- Insect bites and Stings
- Medication – such as Ibuprofen, aspirin and certain antibiotics
- Latex – Used to make some gloves and condoms
- Mould – Mould releases small particles into the air that you can breathe in.
- Household Chemicals – such as detergents and hair dyes.
The Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions happen quite rapidly with the individual affected to the Allergen within minutes of exposure.
Allergens can cause:
- Sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Red, itchy and watery eyes
- Wheezing and Coughing
- A red, itchy rash
Worsening of Asthma or Eczema symptoms. Most allergic reactions are mild, however occasionally a sever reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur. This is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
How to manage your Allergy
In most cases the most effective and ideal way of managing your allergy is to avoid the allergen that caused the reaction.
If you have a food allergy you should always check a food’s ingredient list for allergens before eating it.
There are many medications available to help control the symptoms of allergic reactions. These include:
- Antihistamines – Antihistamines can be taken when you notice the symptoms of your allergic reaction, or before you are exposed to the allergy to stop the reaction from occurring.
- Decongestants – come in forms such as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays and liquid that can be used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose.
- Lotions and creams such as moisturising creams Emollients are used to help reduce redness and swelling caused by an Allergic reaction.
- Steroid Medication – come in forms such as sprays, drops, creams, inhalers and tablets. They can be used to help reduce redness and swelling caused by the allergic reaction.
(Source: NHS Choices)
External Links
For more information about Allergies you can visit:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Allergies/Pages/Introduction.aspx
You can find more information about Allergies at the following links:
Allergic rhinitis
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rhinitis—allergic/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Anaphylaxis
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Anaphylaxis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Antihistamines
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Antihistamines/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Food allergy
Asthma research
Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK, 368,000 people Scotland, including 72,000 children and about 35,000 people in the Grampian area.
One child is admitted to hospital every 20 minutes for an asthma attack, and 75% of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable.
Every day 3 people die from an asthma attack and 90% of these deaths are preventable.
At Asthma and Allergy Foundation, we are working tirelessly to change this.
Trustees of W. S Sutherland Trust recently passed on their assets to Asthma and Allergy Foundation for use towards Asthma Research that would help relieve the suffering of people with asthma in the Highlands and across Scotland. The organisation is currently working in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen towards asthma research and are looking for sponsors to make this vital work possible.
