Allergy
Allergies are very common and around 1 in 4 people in the UK are believed to be affected. An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, drugs, pollen, or pet dander. Most allergic reactions are mild, and can be managed at home. However, severe allergies can be more problematic and interfere with your everyday life or even lead to life-threatening ”anaphylactic” reactions.
Allergies are more common in children and can go away with age. However, for some people they are present for life. It’s important to realise that, with time, it is possible to become allergic to new things.
The bodies allergic response involves a very specific set of physiological changes and should not be confused with food “intolerance” which may lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating tummy cramps or diarrhoea when certain foods are consumed. Food intolerance is not mediated through the bodies immune system and can only be established through a process of trial and error (“exclusion diet”).
Selfcare and more information
Managing my condition
In most cases, the best way of managing an allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction where possible.
If you have a known food allergy, you can check a food’s ingredients list for allergens before eating it.
For information about food allergen labelling, you can visit The Food Standards Agency link below:
There are also several medications available over the counter to help control symptoms of allergic reaction, including:
- antihistamine tablets
- lotions & creams i.e. calamine lotion & emollients
- steroid medication
You can read more on the NHS website regarding avoiding allergic reactions and treating allergies.
Do I need to see the GP?
If you suspect you or your child may have an allergy to something and it is proving hard to control with over-the-counter medication, consider seeing your GP.
The symptoms of allergic reactions can also be triggered by other conditions. Your GP can help determine whether it’s likely you or your child has an allergy. If the GP considers that you may have a mild allergy, they can offer advice and treatments to help manage the condition.
If your allergy is particularly severe your GP may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and advice about treatment.
The tests that may be carried out by a specialist to determine whether or not you have an allergy may include:
- skin prick
- blood tests
- patch tests
- elimination diet
- challenge testing
Further information on testing can be found here.
As well as the over-the-counter medication already mentioned, some people with severe allergies and anaphylaxis need specialist treatment such as immunotherapy and adrenaline. Further information can be found by clicking here.
Videos About Allergy
Living with allergic disease | https://www.allergyuk.org
Allergy UK – Amiee-Lea Smith | published on 12 September 2016
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.