What Is An Allergy? An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. Just as our bodies make antibodies to fight germs, they may also make antibodies in response to other substances that get inside our bodies. This results in an allergy, an adverse reaction caused by hypersensitivity to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, dust, food, or a drug. Allergens, the substance that causes the allergic reaction, can cause one or several responses: Respiratory allergies can cause asthma or hayfever. Intestinal allergies (i.e., food allergies) can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Skin allergies can cause urticaria (hives or nettle rash) and various forms of dermatitis. A massive allergic reaction can cause an anaphylactic shock in some individuals and be life-threatening. What Triggers An Allergy? Substances called "allergens" are responsible for triggering allergic reactions. Most allergens contain some protein, which is an important part of all living things. Allergens that do not contain protein have to bind to protein within the body before they can cause a reaction. Common allergens include: Pollens House dust mites Moulds Pets and other animals Stings from bees, wasps and other insects Foods such as eggs, milk and nuts Some industrial and household chemicals Latex (in some disposable gloves. for example) Some medicine (e.g., penicillin) If you have an allergy, your body "believes" that an allergen is harmful (in other words, your body has become "sensitised"). The next time it encounters the substance, it produces a special antibody, IgE, to attack that allergen. This leads to other cells in the body releasing chemicals (including histamine) that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as irritation and inflammation. If you suffer from allergies, minimise your contact with the indoor and outdoor areas where allergens are commonly found Diagnosing An Allergy If you or a member of your family has experienced symptoms related to allergic reactions, there may be an allergy involved. Sometimes the trigger of an allergic reaction is obvious to the individual. In other cases, a little detective work is necessary. Think about the following: Is there a family history of allergic disorders? Do the symptoms occur (or occur more severely) at any particular time of day or year? Do the symptoms occur in a particular place, at home, work or school? Do symptoms occur after any particular activity, such as eating a certain food or using a certain product? The answers to these questions may help you or your doctor identify the cause. Sometimes a doctor will use allergy testing, such as a skin prick test, to pinpoint a specific cause. Key Fact: Preventing or minimising contact with the allergen prevents symptoms from occurring. Treating An Allergy For an individual with severe allergic reactions, allergies can be debilitating and difficult to manage effectively. In many cases, simply avoiding or minimising contact with a specific allergen can be effective treatment. For example, it is relatively easy to avoid eating kiwi fruit if you are allergic to it. In other cases, avoidance can be difficult, either because the allergen is hard to detect or because it is widespread in the environment (e.g., pollen). If your child has an allergy, it is important that you, and anyone who looks after them, know how to avoid the allergen and what to do if your child has a reaction. This might include giving an adrenalin injection. Make sure your child's nursery or school knows how to deal with such an emergency. If you suspect that your child has a food allergy or intolerance, talk to your GP. Do not cut major food groups out of your child's diet without advice from your GP or dietician. Beware of Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock is a rare but very dangerous condition requiring urgent medical treatment. It is a massive allergic reaction that develops in sensitive individuals within a very short time after exposure to an allergen, for example, following an insect sting, drug injection, or food consumption. When a person is suffering from anaphylactic shock: Their blood pressure may drop considerably. Breathing becomes difficult. Their face and neck may swell, increasing the risk of suffocation. If this happens, dial 999 immediately (emergency service #) and get medical assistance. Some people with a known risk of anaphylactic shock carry a dose of adrenalin that they can inject in an emergency. If you or a member of your family is at risk of anaphylactic shock, ask your doctor for advice. Good Cleaning Is Important We know that good home hygiene is vital in helping to protect you and your family from germs and infectious diseases. However, good hygiene does not eliminate all the microbes around us. It merely reduces the risk of transmission of harmful germs from key sites around the home. Good cleaning helps to reduce the presence of some common allergens, such as house dust mites, moulds and animal hair. By keeping your house clean, you can help reduce "attacks" in allergic individuals. Key Fact: Allergies can cause symptoms ranging from a basic runny nose to a potentially fatal anaphylactic shock. Mattress-Hygiene® for Healthier Sleeping! 01293 514031 (Part of our 'In-Home Allergen Control Service'...)