Other Common Conditions (Adults)

Allergy in Adults and Children

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Allergies in adults and children

As Allergy UK suggest
“We estimate that allergies affect the lives of up to 41 million people in the UK. Between 5 and 8 per cent of children in the UK live with a food allergy. There are many kinds of allergies, from food, which is probably the most widely recognised, to skin, respiratory, eyes, drugs and venom allergy. While in most people, allergy reactions will be mild to moderate they can be fatal in a condition called anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction which requires an immediate emergency response.”
“About Allergy.” Allery UK website. Retrieved 16th May 2023
About Allergy | Allergy UK | National Charity

Information on types of allergies is included below:

From the NHS, Patient info and NICE

From Itchy Sneezy Wheezy (collaboration includes Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health)
Public information Allergy Care Pathway Itchy Sneezy Wheezy Project – Public Area

Living with allergy

From Allergy UK
Includes a helpful page on living with an allergy

Why some allergy testing adds no value

From the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
Section for Patients Patients – BSACI includes

  • Common allergies and frequently asked questions
  • Why some allergy testing adds no value see under statements Choosing Wisely – BSACI

Food allergy and food intolerance are not the same thing. The leaflets explore the difference between them, their causes, and how they are diagnosed and managed.

From the NHS, Patient info and NICE

From Allergy UK
Food Allergy | Allergy UK | National Charity

As the NHS suggest
“The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it’s clear it is not down to one single thing. Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. “Atopic” means sensitivity to allergens. It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather. Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema. Allergy tests are not usually needed.”
“Atopic eczema.” The NHS website. Retrieved 16th May 2023.
Atopic eczema – NHS

Further support for eczema

This page on allergy in adults and children can help you understand how you can identify and avoid any possible allergy trigger better. Detailed Information on the management of eczema, including a helpline, can be found under

An allergic perspective on  eczema

Allergy UK take an allergy perspective on eczema
Atopic eczema Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) | Allergy UK | National Charity

As Allergy UK suggest
“Common asthma triggers include:

  • allergies (to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example)
  • smoke, pollution and cold air
  • exercise
  • infections like colds or flu

Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.”
Asthma and Respiratory | Allergy UK | National Charity

Further support for respiratory (chest and lung) conditions

This page on allergy can help you understand how you can identify and avoid any allergy trigger better. Information on the management of asthma and other lung conditions can be found under

National Support - Self Referral

From Allergy UK

From Anaphylaxis UK
For allergy questions call us Contact us | Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy. If you have a severe allergic response, you should call 999. This is explained simply in the first leaflet from NHS choices, including the symptoms of anaphylaxis and what to do if someone has anaphylaxis.

From the NHS, Patient info and NICE

From Anaphylaxis UK

Allergy Action Plans

From the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
BSACI Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) has developed Allergy Action Plans for adults and children at risk of anaphylaxis. Allergy Action Plans – BSACI

Videos

From Itchy Sneezy Wheezy (collaboration includes Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health)
Some excellent videos on the practical side of allergies, in particular relating to the use of medication.  Allergy Care Pathway Itchy Sneezy Wheezy Project – Allergy Videos

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