Allergies

Hay Fever (Allergic rhinitis): Refers to nasal allergies of sneezing, blockage and often also affects the eyes. It does not have to be only with hay and can occur all year round.

Vasomotor Rhinitis: Occurs when the nose becomes irritable and reacts to air conditioning, changes in temperature, red wine, and similar irritants.

Asthma: Is usually seen with cough and wheeze, often related to exercise, this can be related to allergies. Recognition, avoidance and treatment of the allergies is helpful.

Hives (Urticaria and Angioedema): Can occur after a bite, or sting, but some people get this on a daily basis. If severe, it can cause swelling (angioedema)

Anaphylaxis: Is the most severe form of allergy, often after foods, medications, or insect stings, where someone becomes short of breath or collapses.

Nasal Polyps: Look similar to allergic rhinitis, but usually causes a loss of smell and severe nasal blockage.

Insect sting allergy: Can range from mild swelling, through to anaphylaxis.

Food allergy (general): Food allergies are increasing and are also becoming more severe. There is a big difference between allergies and intolerances, testing can help to determine which you have.

Milk allergy: This is usually the first food allergy to appear, often with the first feed of formula at around 3 months of age.

Egg allergy: Is very common, affecting many young children. Often there is a difference if the egg is baked in a cake, compared to when it is raw.

Nut allergy: These are the most worrying of the food allergies, both peanut, and tree nut allergies tend to start in childhood, but frequently persist to adulthood.

Allergy Testing and desensitisation: This is the best way to decrease an allergy. It has been around for more than 100 years, it can be done for insect allergies, inhaled allergies, and soon will be available for foods.