Allergies can be serious and on rare occasions they can kill. The causes of bad reactions include foods (particularly nuts), insect stings and certain prescribed drugs. There's also been a rise in allergic reactions to latex (natural rubber) in the last few years.
But even if you suffer from the most severe form of allergy, anaphylaxis, you can protect yourself. Lives don't have to be lost.
If you've ever had a bad reaction in the past - whatever the cause - future reactions may also be severe. Even if symptoms have been mild, it's a good idea to get them checked out by your GP. This is particularly true in the case of nut allergy - which can be notoriously unpredictable.
Sometimes the symptoms of allergy get worse when people reach their teens.
Serious ones include a severe drop in blood pressure (where you go weak and floppy); severe asthma; or a closing of the throat.
Mild or moderate symptoms may include itching or swelling in the mouth, hives anywhere on the body, generalised flushing of the skin, or nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms usually occur after seconds or minutes, and may progress rapidly. Occasionally they begin a few hours after contact with the allergenic food or substance.
Allergies shouldn't be ignored. Even if your past symptoms have
been mild, take them seriously - particularly if nuts were the cause.
See your GP.
A GP with a good understanding of allergy will hear you out and prescribe the correct treatment. Then you'll be able to halt an allergic reaction once it's started.
To obtain more specialist guidance, ask your GP for a referral to an allergy clinic.
If you leave the surgery without either a referral or a prescription, then seek a second opinion. You can always contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign for advice. Tel: 01252 542029. Email:info@anaphylaxis.org.uk
People who are at risk of severe reactions - whatever the cause
- carry around pre-loaded injection kits containing adrenaline (also
known as epinephrine). It sounds scary, but it's not. The adrenaline injections prescribed these days are very easy to use. The needle is hidden, and you don't actually see it until after you've used the kit. It's available on prescription.
Antihistamines may be prescribed if the doctor is confident your symptoms will always be mild. But that's a tough judgement to make. If there's any doubt, you should carry adrenaline.
Face up to the problem. You're not alone - there are thousands of others in the same boat.
Read food labels. It takes seconds. It could save your life.
Eating out. Ask the waiter exactly what's in the meal you want. If necessary, tell them exactly what making a mistake will do to you. If you're not happy with the answer, choose something else on the menu. Or eat elsewhere.
Avoid high-risk places. This is a difficult one if all your friends are pushing to go for a Thai meal. Nuts are used liberally in Oriental or Indian food and it's best to avoid it. That leads on to the next point....
Educate your friends. Tell them where your adrenaline kit is and show them how to use it. If you are nut-allergic, tell them Oriental and Indian food is really risky for you.
Be alert to all symptoms. Don't ignore them.
Above all - if you have an adrenaline kit, make sure you take it everywhere.
Good asthma control - if you have asthma as well as allergies, make sure it's well controlled using a preventer inhaler.
Alcohol - too much can affect your judgement, taking you off guard. It can also speed up the reaction. We're not saying go tee-total, just be aware of the risks.
Kissing - ask your partner if they've been eating the food you're allergic to. Embarrassing - but important.
Exercise - it can sometimes make a reaction worse. If you feel a reaction coming on, don't rush around.
Chocolates - mixed selections contain nut ones. Be aware. Don't be embarrassed about saying No.
Wear a MedicAlert emblem. Information: 020 7833 3034. Website: www.medicalert.org.uk
Mistakes sometimes happen so it's not a bad idea to think ahead
and work out how you would handle an emergency....
If you suspect you're having a bad reaction - or the start of a bad reaction - use your adrenaline kit. Someone must dial 999 and give the following information:
"It is an emergency. The patient is suffering from suspected anaphylaxis (pronounced anna-fill-axis)." The caller should give the address where the ambulance is being called to, as well as the postcode if known. Someone should wait outside the building to direct the ambulance crew to the patient. When the ambulance crew arrives, repeat that the patient is suffering from suspected anaphylaxis. Tell them what has been administered. If there is no improvement in symptoms after five minutes, and the ambulance hasn't arrived, a second adrenaline injection can be administered if there's one available.
If you would like an information pack, simply click here to email your postal address to us. We will also do our best to answer specific questions. Send these to us by email or telephone our office on 01252 542029. However, you must always be guided by your GP or consultant.
