Carolina asthma and allergy
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.
Getting help for allergies
If your pharmacist thinks you might have a mild allergy, they can offer advice and treatment to help manage the condition. See your pharmacist if you think you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can also be caused by other conditions. Your pharmacist can help determine whether it's likely you have an allergy.
If your allergy is particularly severe or it's not clear what you're allergic to, the pharmacist may advise you see your GP who may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and advice about treatment.
Read more about allergy testing.
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. The Food Standards Agency has more information about food allergen labelling.
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
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 doesn't react to it so severely.
Read more about treating an allergy and avoiding allergic reactions.
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 one 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.What is an allergy?
An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, foods, and house dust mite. Whilst in most people these substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identifies them as a ‘threat’ and produces an inappropriate response. This can be relatively minor, such as localised itching, but in more severe cases augmentin 500/125 mg prices it cause anaphylaxis, a condition which can lead to upper respiratory obstruction and collapse and can be fatal.
Allergies are very common. They’re thought to affect more than 1 in 4 people in the UK at some point in their lives. They’re particularly common in children. Some allergies go away as a child gets older, although many are lifelong.
The most common causes of allergic reactions are:
Pollen from trees and grasses
Proteins secreted from house dust mites
Moulds
Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs
Pets such as cats and dogs, and other furry or hairy animals such as horses, rabbits augmentin 500/125 mg price and guinea pigs
Insects such as wasps and bees
Medicines (these may cause reactions by binding to proteins in the blood, which then trigger the reaction).
What happens when you have an allergic reaction?
When a person comes into contact with a particular allergen they are allergic to, a reaction occurs. This begins when the allergen (for example, pollen) enters the body, triggering an antibody response. When the allergen comes into contact with the antibodies, these cells respond by releasing certain substances, one of which is called histamine. These substances cause swelling, inflammation and itching of the surrounding tissues, which is extremely irritating and uncomfortable.
Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen.
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
Sneezing
Wheezing / coughing / shortness of breath
Sinus pain / runny nose
Nettle rash / hives
Swelling
Itchy eyes, ears, lips throat and mouth
Sickness, vomiting & diarrhoea
Anaphylaxis and Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening severe allergic reaction. It is a medical emergency, and requires immediate treatment. A severe allergic reaction can cause an anaphylactic shock and must be treated with an Adrenaline Auto Injector (AAI).
The most common causes of anaphylactic reactions include:
certain foods (including peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish). However, all foods can potentially cause anaphylaxis
insect stings
drugs and contrast agents (used in some x-ray tests), particularly those given by injection.
More information on anaphylaxis
Allergies during childhood
In the UK, 40% of children have been diagnosed with an allergy. The four most common allergies in children are food allergy, eczema, asthma, and hay fever. Allergy symptoms can affect all aspects of a child’s day to day life, including their health and wellbeing, education, and social activities.
Allergies in children can be distressing for both the child and the parent. We understand that parents are concerned about protecting their children against allergen triggers and serious allergic reactions.
More information on allergies during childhood
Diagnosing an allergy?
The first step in managing an allergy is identifying the cause(s) of the problem. Diagnosing allergy can be difficult since the symptoms may be similar to other conditions. You may be referred by your GP to a specialist allergy service and our helpline can tell you where your nearest specialist clinic is and give you details to take to your GP.
If you think you may be allergic to something and do not know what it is, you should start to keep a record of your symptoms. In particular, the following information may help your doctor make a diagnosis:
Do your symptoms occur at any particular time of the day?
Do you only get symptoms at certain times of the year?
Do you suffer more at night time or during the day?
Do your symptoms occur when you are in the house as well as outside?
Does exposure to animals bring on your symptoms?
Do you think that any food or drink brings on your symptoms?
Do the symptoms occur every time you come into contact with the allergen?
Do your symptoms improve when you are on holiday?
Allergy testing
If you think you have an allergy, tell your GP about the symptoms you’re having, when they happen, how often they occur and if anything seems to trigger them.