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Allergies

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

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.

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 medicines 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 medicines – sprays, drops, creams, inhalers and tablets that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by an allergic reaction

For some people with very severe allergies, a treatment called immunotherapy may be recommended.

This involves being exposed to the allergen in a controlled way over a number of years so your body gets used to it and does not react to it so severely.

What causes allergies?

Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a particular substance as though it's harmful.

It's not clear why this happens, but most people affected have a family history of allergies or have closely related conditions, such as asthma or eczema.

The number of people with allergies is increasing every year.

The reasons for this are not understood, but 1 of the main theories is it's the result of living in a cleaner, germ-free environment, which reduces the number of germs our immune system has to deal with.

It's thought this may cause it to overreact when it comes into contact with harmless substances.

Allergy symptoms include sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. A life-threatening allergic reaction can also cause swelling and breathing difficulties.

If you have an allergy, try to avoid the thing you're allergic to if you can. Medicines like antihistamines can help ease symptoms if you need them.

Allergies are caused by your immune system mistaking a harmless substance for something harmful. Common triggers include pollen, food and animals.

Avoiding exposure to allergens

The best way to keep your symptoms under control is often to avoid the things you're allergic to, although this is not always practical.

For example, you may be able to help manage:

  • food allergies by being careful about what you eat
  • animal allergies by keeping pets outside as much as possible and washing them regularly
  • mould allergies by keeping your home dry and well-ventilated, and dealing with any damp and condensation
  • hay fever by staying indoors and avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high
  • dust mite allergies by using allergy-proof duvets and pillows, and fitting wooden floors rather than carpets

Related links

Allergies

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

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3,137 public posts

Allergies

Hi does anyone take antihistamines for hay-fever that has Bronchiectasis just wondering if it's OK to take ?thanks
Hi does anyone take antihistamines for hay-fever that has Bronchiectasis just wondering if it's OK to take ?thanks
Willanna profile image
Willanna
in Lung Conditions Community Forum

Metal allergies and Autoimmunity

Hi lupis, I hope you are doing great🙂. I wanted to share with you that I have had a contact allergy test, and I have been found to be allergic to the metals: nickel, cobalt and palladium. I have been instructed to restrict certain foods from my diet, a lot of them actually. But my surprise was to
Hi lupis, I hope you are doing great🙂. I wanted to share with you that I have had a contact allergy test, and I have been found to be allergic to the metals: nickel, cobalt and palladium. I have been instructed to restrict certain foods from my diet, a lot of them actually. But my surprise was to
Naladog profile image
Naladog
in LUPUS UK

Is this meal plan sufficient enough?

I’m pretty sure I have food intolerances at the very least since I have many symptoms and food allergies and celiac disease run in my family.
I’m pretty sure I have food intolerances at the very least since I have many symptoms and food allergies and celiac disease run in my family.
healthiskey profile image
healthiskey
in Healthy Eating
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6 top tips for controlling seasonal allergies

Read our latest blog here: nras.org.uk/6-top-tips-seasonal-allergies/
Read our latest blog here: nras.org.uk/6-top-tips-seasonal-allergies/
Aribah-NRAS profile image
Aribah-NRAS
NRASin NRAS

Newly discovered allergies and link to asthma

I posted a few weeks ago as I was having a bad flare up of asthma post-covid. I had a asthma attack at home and saw my GP shortly afterwards. Because it happened out of the blue at home and not due to my normal triggers like exercise, smoke, pollutants etc, she decided to do some allergy tests and
I posted a few weeks ago as I was having a bad flare up of asthma post-covid. I had a asthma attack at home and saw my GP shortly afterwards. Because it happened out of the blue at home and not due to my normal triggers like exercise, smoke, pollutants etc, she decided to do some allergy tests and
kjs81 profile image
kjs81
in Asthma Community Forum

Holidays!

I am so attached to him and he has food allergies so has flare ups which I’m worried about. Wish I could look forward I really need this as I lost my dad 8 months ago! Just looking for some comfort! Feel like I’m going nuts!
I am so attached to him and he has food allergies so has flare ups which I’m worried about. Wish I could look forward I really need this as I lost my dad 8 months ago! Just looking for some comfort! Feel like I’m going nuts!
L1974 profile image
L1974
in Anxiety Support

Allergy meds

I am in the U.S. and need relief from seasonal allergies. I read an article by an allergist with the Cleveland Clinic. "Decongestants are not recommended for people with hypertension or heart problems.
I am in the U.S. and need relief from seasonal allergies. I read an article by an allergist with the Cleveland Clinic. "Decongestants are not recommended for people with hypertension or heart problems.
Cookie24 profile image
Cookie24
in AF Association

Glenmark levothyroxine update

There seems to be supply issues and in the end spoke to the CEO of the company who was extremely helpful when I explained my severe allergies to tablets and then my problem with getting the Ten Pharma liquid thyroxine.
There seems to be supply issues and in the end spoke to the CEO of the company who was extremely helpful when I explained my severe allergies to tablets and then my problem with getting the Ten Pharma liquid thyroxine.
Happydaystomorrow profile image
Happydaystomorrow
in Thyroid UK

Inconsiderate delivery drivers

Most people do not have a problem with this and are very considerate once they know I have allergies. This one driver was very rude and bullying, I let them know I was annoyed and they refused to deliver my parcel.
Most people do not have a problem with this and are very considerate once they know I have allergies. This one driver was very rude and bullying, I let them know I was annoyed and they refused to deliver my parcel.
Rubble86 profile image
Rubble86
in Lung Conditions Community Forum

Allergies & RA

Hi I have a history of allergies, food as a child and now mast cell degranulation. I wonder if there is a link with RA? I wonder if others have allergies, or perhaps think there is a connection?
Hi I have a history of allergies, food as a child and now mast cell degranulation. I wonder if there is a link with RA? I wonder if others have allergies, or perhaps think there is a connection?
Arty5 profile image
Arty5
in NRAS

Pfizer booster and CEFUROXIME (AS AXETIL) allergy

Hi Has anyone had the Pfizer vaccine with an allergies to penicillin and CEFUROXIME (AS AXETIL). I had astra zeneca for my first 2 doses but I'm going for my booster tomorrow and it will be Pfizer so I'm really nervous
Hi Has anyone had the Pfizer vaccine with an allergies to penicillin and CEFUROXIME (AS AXETIL). I had astra zeneca for my first 2 doses but I'm going for my booster tomorrow and it will be Pfizer so I'm really nervous
Alw75 profile image
Alw75
in Asthma Community Forum

CLL and Allergies

Has anyone experienced severe allergies to dander, pet hair and certain foods since CLL diagnosis? If so what steps have helped you deal w/this?
Has anyone experienced severe allergies to dander, pet hair and certain foods since CLL diagnosis? If so what steps have helped you deal w/this?
Naisy profile image
Naisy
in CLL Support

IBS flare up after Covid vaccine

I have hesitated getting the vaccine as mandates didn’t affect me and I just didn’t know how my body would react given my multiple food allergies. I wanted to wait until more reports came in concerning vaccine side effects.
I have hesitated getting the vaccine as mandates didn’t affect me and I just didn’t know how my body would react given my multiple food allergies. I wanted to wait until more reports came in concerning vaccine side effects.
Bandanner profile image
Bandanner
in IBS Network

Chronic Sinusitis from Allergies- what other treatment is there aside nasal steroids?

I have ongoing sinusitis from allergies (hay fever ) which is causing me headaches every day and night. I have had an MRI head scan which has shown inflammation in my sinuses.
I have ongoing sinusitis from allergies (hay fever ) which is causing me headaches every day and night. I have had an MRI head scan which has shown inflammation in my sinuses.
LRLR profile image
LRLR
in Asthma Community Forum

Chest tightness.

Does anyone know how i go about getting tested to see if any allergies trigger off asthma? Don’t know if it’s a thing as I’m unsure what makes me chesty or tightness as I feel tightness randomly sometimes
Does anyone know how i go about getting tested to see if any allergies trigger off asthma? Don’t know if it’s a thing as I’m unsure what makes me chesty or tightness as I feel tightness randomly sometimes
Levans29 profile image
Levans29
in Asthma Community Forum

New Allergen Laws Make Things Worse Not Better (UK news story)

"However, the new rules (Natasha's Law), which came into force on 1 October this year, have made some businesses so risk averse they are refusing to serve food to anyone who declares an allergy or asking customers with allergies to sign a waiver before they eat – despite advice not to do so from the
"However, the new rules (Natasha's Law), which came into force on 1 October this year, have made some businesses so risk averse they are refusing to serve food to anyone who declares an allergy or asking customers with allergies to sign a waiver before they eat – despite advice not to do so from the
Benjamin123 profile image
Benjamin123
in Gluten Free Guerrillas

Salamol doses how many hours minimum ?

He had eczema as a baby and many allergies. He grew out of the eczema and most allergies but remains allergic to tree nuts. He had a wheeze episode 2 weeks ago. AE gave us salamol inhaler and sent us home with it after 4 hr of monitoring.
He had eczema as a baby and many allergies. He grew out of the eczema and most allergies but remains allergic to tree nuts. He had a wheeze episode 2 weeks ago. AE gave us salamol inhaler and sent us home with it after 4 hr of monitoring.
Kristinema profile image
Kristinema
in Asthma Community Forum

Bloods

Had my bloods back - was told only thing of note was the white blood cell count of 17 which is high - I appreciate that mine will be high as I have allergies and I am on meds. Is this normal?
Had my bloods back - was told only thing of note was the white blood cell count of 17 which is high - I appreciate that mine will be high as I have allergies and I am on meds. Is this normal?
Madbiker1 profile image
Madbiker1
in Asthma Community Forum

taking a break because of allergies

I had bad allergies this week and couldnt run for 4 days because my breathing was bad. I was supposed to start week 7 on tuesday, but I didn't. I am wondering if i should really try to run week 7 or go for something easier.
I had bad allergies this week and couldnt run for 4 days because my breathing was bad. I was supposed to start week 7 on tuesday, but I didn't. I am wondering if i should really try to run week 7 or go for something easier.
steph_4045 profile image
steph_4045
in Couch to 5K

When flecainide is given as a bonus intravenously. Is it always with dextrose?

The doctor ( who knew about my allergies) said it could only be given with dextrose. Is this true?
The doctor ( who knew about my allergies) said it could only be given with dextrose. Is this true?
Rhiannonimity1 profile image
Rhiannonimity1
in AF Association
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