An annoying itch in the… We’ll leave you to fill in the blank. As anyone who reads this article knows, an allergy in some cases can be a serious issue. Okay! Having to constantly wipe your runny eyes, clear your nose and sneeze until the cows come home, all potential symptoms of hay fever, is understandably very annoying to the sufferer. These are just some of the common causes of allergies.
The summer sunshine that many of us welcome can be a nightmare to those who have no choice but to tolerate hay fever.
Aaachew! Where’s that tissue?
Allergies vary from sufferer to sufferer. It could be a seasonal hay fever or something very serious, such as a food allergy. Whatever the allergy, only the person enduring the symptoms bears the annoyance of a constant runny nose or the potential dangers of an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. This potentially life-threatening condition is called Anaphylaxis.
The sensitivity of the anaphylactic reactions also varies. For some, it may even only take a whiff from a nut to react or come into contact with non-allergenic foods that have been handled in the same manufacturing process as allergic foods. That’s why the nature of such an allergy is taken very seriously.
To sum up, the definition of an allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance. The most common allergens are plant pollen, which usually causes hay fever. Animal hair, bee stings, medication, nuts, and shellfish are other allergen,s to name a few.
Allergy Stats for the UK
“A staggering 44% of British adults now suffer from at least one allergy, and the number of sufferers is on the rise, growing by around 2 million between 2008 and 2009 alone. Almost half (48%) of sufferers have more than one allergy – that is around 10 million people”
Types and the common causes of allergies
Medication
Allergies to medication occur in only a small number of people. Most reactions are often side effects of the medicine. The cause of the reaction is usually based on the casualty’s history and symptoms. Sometimes skin testing is also necessary to establish if the casualty is allergic to a certain type of medication.
Food
There are different types of allergic reactions to foods, such as IgE-mediated allergies (Immunoglobulin E), non-IgE-mediated allergies, and food intolerances.
IgE-mediated antibodies cause the allergic reaction to food. The reactions typically occur immediately after the ingestion of an allergen.
Non-IgE-mediated food allergies are caused by a reaction involving other areas of the immune system and not from IgE antibodies. The reactions are delayed and take up to 48 hours to develop after the ingestion of food and usually relate to reactions in the digestive tract, such as vomiting, bloating, or diarrhoea.
Insect
Bees and wasps are the most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction. Non-stinging insects can also cause allergic reactions, such as cockroaches and insect-like dust mites. Allergies to these two insects may be the most common cause of year-round allergies and asthma.
Dust
For people with dust allergies, the home can trigger uncomfortable symptoms. Usually, the allergy symptoms exacerbate during or immediately after vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting. The cleaning process can stir up dust particles, making them easier to breathe.
People with dust mite allergies often suffer the most inside their homes. They are one of the most common indoor allergens, and symptoms can be present all year round. Dust mite allergy can also trigger asthma or cause eczema.
Latex
A latex allergy is a reaction to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex gloves, balloons, condoms, and other natural rubber products contain latex. A latex allergy can be a serious health risk.
Pollen
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies known as hay fever.
Pet
Allergies to pets with fur are common. It is important to know that an allergy-free (hypoallergenic) breed of dog or cat does not exist.
Mould
Mould and mildew are fungi. Fungi grow in so many places, both indoors and outdoors. Allergic reactions can occur all year round.
What is considered a severe allergic reaction?
A severe allergic reaction can develop in seconds when a casualty comes into contact with an allergen they are sensitive to. It has the potential to affect the entire body. A delay in treating the reaction could be serious. This is called anaphylactic shock. To understand the severity of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock or Anaphylaxis, there are a plethora of resources available.
Various charities, such as Allergy UK, offer detailed information and guidance on the common causes of allergies. And that’s just the start. Short online courses, statutory classroom-based first aid courses, specifically the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work and the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid, cover the signs and symptoms, and how to deal with a casualty suffering from an allergic reaction.
What to look out for?
Recognise the ABC symptoms and act quickly - you could save a life.
A - Airway
Persistent cough
• Vocal changes (hoarse voice)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling in the throat, tongue, or upper airway
B - Breathing
• Difficult or noisy breathing
• Wheezing
C - Consciousness/Circulation
Feeling lightheaded or faint
• Clammy skin
• Confusion, sudden sleepiness
• Unresponsive/ unconscious (due to a drop in blood pressure)
These severe symptoms may occur alongside milder stomach or skin symptoms. Anaphylaxis may occur without any skin symptoms.
What to do?
1. Lay the person flat and raise their legs - do NOT allow them to stand or walk anywhere.
A. If unconscious, place them in the recovery position
B. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit up
2. Administer an adrenaline auto-injector without delay, referring to the device label for instructions.
3. Phone 999 and tell them the person is suffering from anaphylaxis
4. If there is no improvement of the symptoms after 5 minutes, a second dose of adrenaline can be given
Medical observation in a hospital is recommended after anaphylaxis.
Types of devices
There are three types of devices in the UK. Auto-injectors known as adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are used for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. The main brands available are EpiPen and Jext. A recently introduced needle-free nasal spray device called the EURneffy® is now available on prescription for people with serious allergies.
These devices contain epinephrine (adrenaline) and are designed for self-administration into the outer mid-thigh muscle if it's an auto-injector (AAIs) or the needle-free nasal spray EURneffy® in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
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