1) Asthma
Allergy and asthma are closely linked. For many of the five million people in the UK who have asthma, symptoms are triggered by air-borne allergens such as dust and pollen. At their worst, the symptoms - tightness in the chest, breathlessness, and coughing - kill three people every day in Britain alone. Yet as many as 90% of the asthma deaths are preventable.
Although there's no cure, there is treatment. "The most effective are anti-inflammatory medications which control symptoms and reduce the risk of an asthma attack" says Asthma UK's chief medical advisor, Dr Mike Thomas. You can find lots more information, as well tips on how to control triggers, and speak directly to an allergy nurse at www.asthma.org.uk.
2) Hay fever
About 16 million people in the UK suffer hay fever - or allergic rhinitis – a miserable allergy to pollen or fungal spores which causes sneezing and a runny nose and eyes. If you're one of them, and determined to make the most of this summer, the best approach is combining suitable treatments with sensible avoidance measures, advises Professor Jean Emberlin of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, University of Worcester, in an Asthma and Allergies supplement with The Guardian. These include:
- wearing wrap-round sunglasses.
- keeping windows closed and not hanging clothes to dry outdoors on high pollen count days. You can find UK pollen counts at bbc.co.uk/weather.
- Having regular showers to get rid of any pollen caught on your body or hair.
You might also try a tailormade immunotherapy treatment at The Breakspear Hospital, specialists in treating allergies. See www.breakspearmedical.com.
3) Pets
Moggies causing you misery? Pet allergy is caused by the shedding of tiny particles of fur and skin - called dander. Symptoms are similar to those experienced by hay fever sufferers and include itchy eyes, stuffy ears and wheezing. Stay friends with your four-legged friends, by following these rules from www.allergymatters.com:
- Wash your pet at least twice a week.
- Give your home a good vacuum every couple of days.
- Avoid upholstered furniture, opting for plastic or wooden chairs instead.
4) Peanuts
One in 50 people suffers from a food allergy, says the NHS, and 90 per cent of problems are caused by cows' milk, wheat, peanuts, nuts, fish, shellfish and eggs. Peanut allergy is most common in under 15 year olds. It can range from a mild stomach upset or rash to anaphylaxis, the term used to describe an extreme allergic reaction that can lead to unconsciousness and suffocation.
Apart from telling everyone about your allergy (so that they can keep them away from you) and avoiding peanuts all together, doctors recommend sufferers always carry an EpiPen - pre-loaded adrenaline injection kits available on prescription. Adrenaline rapidly constricts blood vessels, eases breathing, and help stop swelling around the face and lips. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk tells you more. It also publishes an updated 'food alert' list of products known to contain traces of nuts.
5) Milk
Allergy to cows' milk is the most common food allergy in early childhood and affects up to 7% of babies under one year old. It's caused when the immune system reacts against one or more of the proteins found in milk. Symptoms include diarrhoea, swelling of the lips and black eyes.
Make sure you or your child avoids milk, milk powder, milk drinks, all types of cheese, butter, margarine, yoghurt, cream and ice cream. Antihistamine drugs are very effective in calming down any reactions. Speak to your chemist or GP.
6) Fish and shellfish
Adults, not children, are most likely to have an allergy to fish and shellfish. The major allergens in fish are called parvalbumins. They're similar in all kinds of fish which is why people allergic to cod tend to be allergic to hake, carp and pike.
Sufferers should avoid all fish and seafood, as well as places where they're cooked – some people have been known to react to allergens present in the vapours of cooking shellfish.
7) House mites
Dust mite allergens have been linked to asthma, hay fever and eczema, and can cause wheezing, a runny nose, tight chest and skin rashes. They live in dry dust but are destroyed if put in a 60 degree wash. They love beds, so it's worth investing in anti-allergy bedding and vaccuming your mattress frequently if you suspect you have an allergy to house mites. Better still, do it with an anti-allergy vaccum (Argos sell them) fitted with specialist HEPA filters. Keeping windows open and the heating down are also helpful.
8) Gluten
Gluten and wheat allergy are not one and the same. Wheat allergy is very rare, while gluten allergy - other wise known as coeliac disease - is a gut disorder caused by gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats) that's estimated to affect around one in 100 people. Symptoms include diarrhoea, wind, weight loss and mouth ulcers. Management is by total avoidance of gluten, which means no bread, pasta, pizza, pastry, biscuits and cakes. Reliable tests are available. Talk to your GP or other recommended health professional. For more facts and advice, visit www.coeliac.org.uk.
9) Sesame
On the increase in the UK, sesame allergy can cause severe full-body reactions including anaphylaxis. People who are allergic to sesame must seek to avoid it completely, as even a tiny amount may trigger a severe reaction, say The Anaphylaxis Campaign.
The best strategy is to avoid anything that may contain sesame seeds or oil such as tahini, hummus, halvah and many Chinese dishes. Sesame is sometimes used in beauty products such as hand cream – always check the label. And always be prepared – carry antihistamine tablets and an EpiPen or two.
10) Insect stings
A bee sting is nasty for anyone. But in some it can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis that requires emergency medical attention. If you're at risk, wear long-sleeved tops, trousers, socks, a hat – anything that puts a barrier between your skin and a potential sting – especially at dawn and dusk when insects are most active. Avoiding wearing aftershave or perfume is another wise precaution (insects like strong scents).
If you suspect you have an allergy but aren't sure, one option is to be tested at an allergy clinic. Find the one nearest you here: http://www.bsaci.org/clinics/index.php?option=com_clinics&Itemid=26.