Understanding Allergy Types: A Step Towards Better Management

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. In the UK, it is estimated that around 21 million people live with some form of allergy, and this number continues to grow.

Allergies can be triggered by a wide range of substances and factors, from pollen and pet dander to certain foods and chemicals.

Understanding why they occur is essential to developing management strategies, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. Find out more below:

Why are there so many types of allergies?

Allergies are an exaggerated immune system response to substances that, for most people, are harmless. When our body mistakenly identifies these substances as dangerous, it releases histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms.

Allergies can be genetic, environmental, or develop over time. The variety of allergens explains why there are so many different types of allergies. Due to pollution, lifestyle changes, and constant exposure to new allergens, allergies have become an increasingly prevalent health issue in recent years.

Hayfever: What is it and why does it occur?

Hayfever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies and affects around 13 million people in the UK. It occurs when the immune system reacts to pollen from plants such as grass, trees, or flowers, releasing histamine to combat what the body perceives as a threat.

The main symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.

Hayfever: How to avoid it

Avoiding pollen is the best way to prevent hayfever flare-ups. Some tips include:

Monitoring pollen levels and avoiding going outdoors during peak periods, especially in spring and summer.
Keeping windows closed on days with high pollen levels.
Changing clothes and taking a shower after outdoor activities to remove any pollen that may have settled.
Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes and, if possible, a hat to prevent pollen from sticking to your hair.

Indoor allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

Indoor allergies are caused by allergens found indoors, such as dust mites, mould, and pet dander. These allergies are common throughout the year and can be particularly problematic during the winter when homes are less ventilated.

Prolonged exposure to these allergens can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and even asthma attacks.

Indoor allergies: How to avoid them

To minimise indoor allergens, it's essential to keep the home clean and well-ventilated. Preventive measures include:

Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
Washing bedding weekly in hot water.
Using dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, as dust mites and mould thrive in damp environments.
Regularly cleaning curtains, carpets, and upholstery where dust mites tend to accumulate.

Pet allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

Pet allergies are an allergic reaction to proteins found in animals' dander (dead skin), saliva, or urine. When these particles become airborne and inhaled, they can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes, coughing, and even shortness of breath.

Pet allergies: How to avoid them

If you are allergic to animals but still want to live with pets, certain actions can help control the symptoms:

Keeping pets out of the bedroom and areas where you spend most of your time.
Regularly grooming and bathing your pet, preferably outdoors.
Cleaning the house frequently, especially carpets, rugs, and upholstery where dander tends to accumulate.
Using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce allergens in the environment.

Mites and dust allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

Dust mite and dust allergies are triggered by microscopic particles present in our homes. Dust mites are tiny arachnids that feed on dead skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments like mattresses, pillows, and carpets. Their faeces and body fragments are primary triggers of allergic reactions.

Mites and dust allergies: How to avoid them

Keeping the environment clean and dry is essential for preventing dust mite and dust allergies. Best practices include:

Using allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
Washing bedding weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
Keeping household humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers.
Avoiding carpets and heavy curtains that collect dust.

Skin allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

Skin allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens like metals, fragrances, cleaning products, or certain cosmetics. The immune system reacts to these substances causing redness, itching rashes or severe cases blisters or peeling skin.

Skin allergies: How to avoid them

To prevent skin allergies it's important to identify and avoid contact with allergens that trigger your reaction. Some useful measures include:

Using hypoallergenic products especially cosmetics and personal care items.
Avoiding strong fragrances opting for fragrance-free detergents and fabric softeners.
Getting a skin allergy test to identify specific irritants.
Regularly moisturizing the skin to prevent dryness making it less susceptible to irritation.

Food allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to proteins found in certain foods as though they were harmful. This can happen with various foods including nuts milk eggs fish seafood wheat or soy. Symptoms can range from mild itching in the mouth to severe difficulty breathing.

Food allergies: How to avoid them

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is avoiding consuming allergenic food. Some tips include:

Cautiously reading food labels looking for potential allergens.
Informing restaurants family members about your allergy preventing cross-contamination.
Carries prescribed medications such as antihistamines or adrenaline injectors for emergencies.

Insect sting allergies: What are they and why do they occur?

An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to venom injected by insects such as bees wasps ants or mosquitoes. People who are allergic may experience localized swelling redness itching or systemic reactions affecting the entire body.

Insect sting allergies: How to avoid them

Avoid walking barefoot in grassy areas or near flowers where insects might be present.
Wear long-sleeved clothing insect repellent when outdoors.
Avoid strong perfumes which may attract insects.
If allergic always carry medication such as an adrenaline auto-injector for emergencies.

Severe allergy symptoms and what to do in these cases

The most severe allergy symptoms can include anaphylaxis a serious potentially life-threatening reaction. Signs include difficulty breathing swelling throat tongue sudden drop blood pressure dizziness loss consciousness.

If prescribed an auto-injector administer adrenaline immediately if symptoms arise.
Call an ambulance seek emergency medical help immediately even if symptoms improve after injection.
Stay with affected person monitor their condition until help arrives.

Allergy treatment

A variety of treatments exist for managing allergy symptoms; antihistamines are commonly recommended for relief. Consult a doctor for personalized advice on managing your specific allergies effectively.

Want to know more?

Read more articles below:

Histallay Seasonal Allergy Guide

Is pollen one of the most common allergens?