Allergies - Prevention

Prevention-Allergies

Contents

1. Overview
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
5. Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you're allergic to, although this isn't always easy or practical.

Below is some practical advice that should help you avoid the most common allergens.

House dust mites

One of the biggest causes of allergies are dust mites, which are tiny insects found in household dust.

You can limit the number of mites in your home by: 

• choosing wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead of a carpet 
• fitting roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean 
• choosing leather, plastic or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture 
• cleaning cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, either by washing (at a high temperature) or vacuuming 
• using tested allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows
• using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, as it can trap more dust mites than ordinary vacuum cleaners 
• regularly wiping surfaces with a damp, clean cloth – avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air 

Concentrate your efforts of controlling dust mites in the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room.

You can find more information on allergies in the home on the Allergy UK website.

Allergies - Treatment

Treatment-Allergies

Contents

1. Overview
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
5. Prevention

The treatment for an allergy depends on what you're allergic to. In many cases, your GP will be able to offer advice and treatment.

They'll advise you about taking steps to avoid exposure to the substance you're allergic to, and can recommend medication to control your symptoms.

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 isn't 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 

Find out how to prevent allergic reactions

Allergies - Diagnosis

Diagnosis-Allergies

Contents

1. Overview
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
5. Prevention

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.

Your GP can offer advice and treatment for mild allergies with a clear cause.

If your allergy is more severe or it's not obvious what you're allergic to, you may be referred for allergy testing at a specialist allergy clinic.

Find your nearest NHS allergy clinic

The tests that may be carried out are described on this page.

Skin prick testing

Skin prick testing is one of the most common allergy tests.

It involves putting a drop of liquid onto your forearm that contains a substance you may be allergic to. The skin under the drop is then gently pricked. 

If you're allergic to the substance, an itchy, red bump will appear within 15 minutes.

Most people find skin prick testing not particularly painless, but it can be a little uncomfortable. It's also very safe. 

Make sure you don't take antihistaminesbefore the test, as they can interfere with the results.

Allergies - Symptoms

Symptoms-Allergies

Contents

1. Overview
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
5. Prevention

Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within a few minutes of being exposed to something you're allergic to, although occasionally they can develop gradually over a few hours.

Although allergic reactions can be a nuisance and hamper your normal activities, most are mild.

Very occasionally, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can occur.

Main allergy symptoms

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: 

• sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis)
• itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)
• wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough
• a raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
• tummy pain, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea
• dry, red and cracked skin

Allergies - Overview

Overview-Allergies

Contents

1. Overview
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
5. Prevention

An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance.

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. 

Adults can develop allergies to things they weren't previously allergic to.

Having an allergy can be a nuisance and affect your everyday activities, but most allergic reactions are mild and can be largely kept under control.

Severe reactions can occasionally occur, but these are uncommon.