| Allergies are caused by allergens which contain | | | | may be life threatening. |
| protein, which is found in all living organisms, and it is | | | | In the US 20% of adults and children suffer from |
| this protein which causes allergies. If your body | | | | allergies. In the UK approx 1 in 4 people suffer from |
| reacts to a substance in an adverse way then you | | | | allergies at some point in their lives. In Australia there |
| are said to be allergic to that substance. | | | | has been a dramatic increase in allergies recently with |
| Four of the most common allergies are; dust mites, | | | | an estimated 40% now suffering from some form of |
| nuts, pollen and animal (pet). | | | | allergy. |
| An allergic reaction happens when you come in | | | | The best & easiest way to prevent allergies is to |
| contact with an allergen through your skin, the lining | | | | avoid contact with the allergen - the substance which |
| of your lungs, mouth, gullet, stomach or intestines. | | | | triggers your allergy. There are many OTC (over the |
| Allergic reactions can cause a range of symptoms, | | | | counter) treatment for allergies the most common |
| some mild, some serious and very occasionally fatal. | | | | being: |
| If the allergen is airborne then the allergic reaction will | | | | Antihistamines; These treat allergies by blocking the |
| occur in the eyes, nose & lungs. If the allergen is | | | | action of the chemical histamine, which is a chemical |
| swallowed, the allergic reaction will occur in the | | | | released by the body when in contact with the |
| mouth, stomach & intestines. When in contact with | | | | allergen. Antihistamines can be taken in pill, cream or |
| an allergen your body produces chemicals (antibodies) | | | | liquid form. You can also take eye or nasal drops. |
| to fight off the allergen. Sometimes enough chemicals | | | | Decongestants; Relieve symptoms of allergies such |
| are released to cause a reaction throughout the body | | | | as blocked noses, often caused by hay fever, dust |
| such as hives, decreased blood pressure, shock or | | | | & pet allergies. They can be taken as pills, capsules, |
| loss of consciousness. This severe type of reaction is | | | | liquid form or nasal spray. |
| known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock which | | | | |