Allergy
0 Treatments
4 FAQs
Allergies are immune system responses to substances that are typically harmless to most people. When someone with allergies encounters an allergen, their immune system identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine, which causes inflammation and the classic allergy symptoms. Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies such as anaphylaxis. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, insect venom, medications, and latex.
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Advice for Allergy
Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, itchy skin or rash (hives), swelling of the lips, tongue or face, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms vary depending on the allergen and can range from mild to severe.
Allergy FAQs (4)
Allergies often run in families, which suggests a genetic component. If one parent has allergies, their children have about a 30-50% chance of developing allergies. If both parents have allergies, the risk increases to 60-80%.
Yes, allergies can develop at any age, even if you've previously been exposed to the allergen without problems. Similarly, some childhood allergies may improve or disappear completely with age, although others (particularly nut allergies) often persist throughout life.
National Health Service (NHS)
Allergies overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/
British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
Guidelines: https://www.bsaci.org/guidelines/
British National Formulary (BNF)
Antihistamines: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/antihistamines.html
Allergic emergencies: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/allergic-emergencies.html