Allergies
Know your triggers. Carry your treatment.
Typical symptoms
- Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes.
- Itchy skin, hives or a raised rash.
- Stomach upset after certain foods.
- Wheezing or coughing, especially in people with asthma.
Common triggers
- Pollen, house dust mites, mould and animal dander.
- Foods such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk and wheat.
- Insect stings and some medicines.
Common treatments
- Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets or syrup.
- Steroid nasal sprays for persistent hay fever.
- Antihistamine eye drops for itchy eyes.
- Emollients and mild steroid creams for allergic skin rashes.
- An adrenaline auto-injector if a severe allergy has been diagnosed.
- Avoidance: reading labels, allergen-proof bedding, pollen counts.
Seek medical help urgently if
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or a hoarse voice
- Sudden faintness, collapse or widespread hives
- Use the adrenaline pen immediately and call emergency services
General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.