There are many different types of allergy, and, unfortunately, they are becoming ever more widespread. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the more common allergies that you can expect to encounter at some point in your life, either personally or with someone you know. Let’s get started straight away.
Food Allergies
Different types of food can cause a broad range of reactions in different people. In fact, there is an excellent chance that you have a food allergy already, even if you don’t know it. Many people suffer from wheat intolerances, for example, and are so used to feeling tired all of the time that they don’t realise there is a problem.
If you suspect you have a food allergy, it is important to discuss your options with a doctor. Allergy treatments are usually straightforward. However, there are occasions when people can suffer greatly from the effects of eating different foods. Nuts are a particular problem – and can lead to anaphylactic shock. If you or a member of your family has a nut allergy, you may need to carry around an Epipen to use in emergencies.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, and it is likely that most households have at least somebody who suffers from it. Hay fever is an allergic response to high pollen counts in the atmosphere and tends to be at its worst during spring time when plants and flowers have started to pollinate.
However, certain people can suffer from hay fever all through the year. Treating hay fever depends on how strong your symptoms are. Some people will escape the majority of the effects by steering clear of fields and plants while others can be set off with the slightest hint of cut grass.
Animal Allergies
A surprisingly high proportion of the population suffers from animal allergies. Again, symptoms can range in severity from person to person. If you are allergic to cats or dog, it is best to avoid visiting homes that keep them, as it will likely lead to a bout of sniffing and sneezing. Usually, that is as bad as things will get, but there may be occasions when you should seek out treatment. If you have any violent reaction to any animal of any kind, it is vital that you see your doctor as soon as possible.
This is especially true of insect stings. If a bee or wasp stings you could suffer anaphylaxis, which may cause swelling in your airwaves, and in rare cases can lead to death. Typical symptoms include wheezing, anxiety, intense pain and a sharp drop in blood pressure. Get immediate medical attention if you suffer any uncomfortable reaction to be on the safe side.
These are just three of the many allergies that are becoming more common in the UK each year. It’s also worth pointing out that many people can develop an allergy almost overnight, so even if you have no concerns right now, there are no guarantees for the future. However, contact your doctor if you think you need to, and you should manage to stay on top of it.
