Allergy

Clinical answers to the most common patient questions about Allergy.

What is Allergy?

An allergy is the immune system reacting to something harmless — pollen, dust, a food or a medicine — as though it were a threat. Reactions range from a runny nose and itchy skin to, rarely, a severe whole-body reaction called anaphylaxis that is a medical emergency.

What are the symptoms of Allergy?

Common symptoms of Allergy include sneezing and runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy skin, hives or rash, swelling of the lips, face or eyelids, coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath and stomach upset after eating a trigger food.

What causes Allergy?

Allergy is commonly caused by pollen from grasses, trees or weeds, house dust mite, animal dander, mould spores, foods such as nuts, shellfish, egg or milk, insect stings, certain medicines and latex.

Who is most at risk of Allergy?

Risk factors for Allergy include family history of allergy, asthma or eczema, existing asthma or eczema, childhood onset, repeated exposure to a trigger and air pollution and tobacco smoke exposure.

How is Allergy diagnosed?

Allergy is usually diagnosed using clinical history focused on timing and triggers, skin prick testing, specific IgE blood testing, supervised food challenge in selected cases and lung function testing where asthma is suspected.

How is Allergy treated?

Treatment for Allergy typically involves identifying and avoiding the trigger, antihistamine medication under medical guidance, steroid nasal sprays for nasal symptoms, inhalers where the airways are involved, adrenaline auto-injector for those at risk of anaphylaxis and immunotherapy for selected persistent allergies.

Can Allergy be prevented?

Identifying triggers and reducing exposure, keeping rescue medication accessible for anyone previously assessed as at risk of severe reaction.

When should someone see a doctor about Allergy?

Seek medical advice about Allergy if you experience difficulty breathing or noisy breathing, swelling of the tongue, throat or difficulty swallowing, sudden hoarse voice, widespread hives with faintness or collapse, rapid weak pulse, pale clammy skin and A sense of impending doom during a reaction.

What is the outlook for Allergy?

Most allergies are well controlled with avoidance and medication. Some childhood food allergies are outgrown; others persist for life. Anaphylaxis risk is manageable with a clear emergency plan.