Did you know that an estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from an allergy at some point in their lifetime and that at least half this number is children*?
Over the last 20 years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who suffer with allergies, in all age groups.
An allergic reaction is a well-defined, clinical occurrence that happens when a person’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. Allergies occur because the immune system produces special allergic antibodies (called IgE); it is these antibodies that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Typical presentations involve either the respiratory system, causing wheezing, a runny nose and difficulty breathing, or the skin, with rashes, hives and swelling.
There are an enormous variety of substances that people may be allergic to. The most common ones are insect stings, indoor pets, horses, dust mites, pollen, some foods and certain commonly prescribed and sold-over-the-counter drugs. Food allergy is common, particularly with regard to eggs, milk, nuts, fruits, wheat, soy and some seeds. The symptoms of food allergy develop within seconds or minutes of eating the food and, in extreme cases, can be life-threatening. Food allergy should not be confused with food intolerance, which is never life-threatening.
As a general rule, the allergens we breathe in such as dust mites, tree, grass or weed pollens produce respiratory symptoms; allergens we eat or drink produce skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms or anaphylaxis. However, both types of allergens can produce the whole range of allergy symptoms. Symptoms are mild or severe depending on the individual and it is important to remember that some people suffer life-threatening anaphylaxis on exposure to an allergen. This is a medical emergency that can produce an itchy rash, throat swelling, breathing difficulty and sometimes low blood pressure. Anaphylaxis must be treated promptly.
Allergies can be diagnosed by taking a careful clinical history and carrying out skin or blood tests if necessary. It is most important for everyone with an allergy to know what they are allergic to in order to reduce the likelihood or impact of exposure. Treatment with nose sprays, eye drops and/or antihistamine tablets will often ease or clear the symptoms. Anyone who suffers from a potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen can be given some method of administering adrenalin (such as an Epi-pen or the newer JEXT device) and be taught how and when to use it.
Methods of treatment are continually being developed and some patients now have the option of immunotherapy, or desensitisation. Immunotherapy introduces a calculated amount of the allergen into the patient, in ever-increasing doses, over the course of 3 years. This has been very successful with bee and wasp venom and can be used to cure allergic reactions to pollens, dust mites, cats and horses.
An allergy consultant should also be able to help people with allergies work out what they are not allergic to, as well as what they should avoid. This is important as many patients have been misdiagnosed and avoid a great many things which they may not have to miss out on.
Getting tested for an allergy can be your first step to a better quality of life. So, if you are worried about allergies contact your doctor and ask to be referred to a consultant in allergy.
*Statistics from Allergy UK