Allergies

Allergies can be something we are born with, or something we can develop at any stage of our lives.

Children can be prone to allergies, although many simply grow out of them when they reach their teenage or early adult years.

An allergy is simply the body's reaction to certain substances that we eat, breathe in or even simply touch. The symptoms of an allergy can vary, but that are all the result of histamines – part the body's natural defences – being released in greater than required quantities to combat a perceived “threat”.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and temporary, although severe reactions can occasionally be prolonged and, very rarely, life threatening.

So, what are the symptoms of an allergic reaction and how do you know if they are just causing temporary discomfort or if they mean that you've got a serious medical emergency?

Mild allergic reactions

Hayfever and pet allergies fall into this category and usually produce the following symptoms:

  1. Rash
  2. Itchiness
  3. Sneezing
  4. Slight wheeziness

What to do

  • If possible, remove the source of the allergy. Put pets out of doors. Remove flowers and close windows to prevent pollen freely circulating.
  • In the case of a skin allergy, your pharmacist will be able to recommend a product which will help relieve the symptoms.
  • Antihistamine tablets and liquids, available from your pharmacy or supermarket, can be highly effective, but make sure you check their suitability for children.
  • Other conditions can have similar symptoms so always seek medical advice if you are unsure what is causing the symptoms or if they persist.

Severe allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis)

This is a massive allergic reaction that develops very quickly, sometimes after only a few seconds. Bee stings and insect bites are often the cause of anaphylactic shock, but triggers can also include contact with particular materials, injection of certain drugs or ingestion of food such as peanuts.

It is important to realise that life-threatening cases are still extremely rare. They are characterised by:

  1. Swelling of lips, mouth and tongue
  2. Tight feeling in the chest
  3. Asthma-like symptoms and difficulty breathing
  4. Signs of shock: pale face, cold and clammy skin, fast and shallow breathing, a rapid but weak pulse and in extreme cases unconsciousness
  5. Skin eruptions and puffiness around the eyes
  6. Anxiety

What to do

Anaphylactic shock is a highly dangerous medical condition that can lead to unconsciousness in minutes and could result in death. Every second counts, so calling an ambulance immediately is imperative. Advice given by St John’s Ambulance Service includes:-

  • Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
  • Give any information you have on the cause of the casualty’s condition.
  • Check whether the casualty is carrying any necessary medication. If they are, help them to use it.
  • If the casualty is conscious help them to sit up in a position that most relieves any breathing difficulty, this is usually sitting up and leaning forward slightly.
  • If the casualty becomes unconscious or stops breathing start the ABC resuscitation routine immediately:-

Airway
Open and maintain the airway as your first priority making sure there are no obstructions, including the tongue, that could prevent breathing. To do this place one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilting the head back, then lift the chin using 2 fingers only.

Breathing
Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds to see if the casualty is breathing normally. Look to see if the chest is rising and falling, listen for breathing and try to feel for breath against your cheek. If breathing is normal, place the casualty in the recovery position. If breathing is not normal then you will need to begin CPR. (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Circulation
If the casualty has stopped breathing you can assist them by performing a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. You breathe out enough oxygen to potentially keep the casualty alive until the emergency services arrive and the oxygen you breathe into the casualty will need to then be pumped around the body using chest compressions. The advice of how many rescue breaths and chest compressions differs whether the casualty is an adult, child or baby but the emergency services will be able to advise the correct procedure.

St John’s Ambulance website offers more detailed advice on the ABC resuscitation routine, the recovery position and CPR. They regularly run first aid courses in England and Wales which will help you be prepared in an emergency. In Scotland the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association provide a similar service.

    Source:

  • http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/heart-attacks-and-shock/severe-allergic-reactions.aspx

Please note that any external website links mentioned are not affiliated with, endorsing or endorsed by Novartis Consumer Health UK Ltd or the Savlon® brand. Linking to these sites does not imply endorsement of their products or services. We cannot guarantee the relevance of such sites and Novartis Consumer Health UK Ltd do not assume any liability for the information contained within those sites.

Top Tip

You can’t always be with your children, so make sure their teachers, doctors and work colleagues know about your family’s allergies. You can also buy them medical bracelets with information on their allergies enclosed.

     

 

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.