Allergies

Work Experience blog on Allergies - by Nithika from Hardenhuish school

You may wonder “Why do I suddenly have or have allergies?”

It might be due to your genetics or a change in your immune system and it can be developed at any age. The most common allergens in the world include food(nuts), animals (cats/dogs’ hair), insects (bee stings), medication(penicillin), or any other chemicals that causes an irritation to the human body. The UK’s population is mostly allergic to grass pollen (hay fever), food (peanuts, milk, eggs).

SYMPTOMS

Some symptoms due to an allergic reaction include- itchy, watery eyes, vomiting, stomach ramps, rashes, sneezing, running nose etc. These symptoms caused by the allergens that you breathe or eat makes your body feel irritable and uncomfortable. First Aid can really be useful for a mild allergic reaction to keep the affected person calm and treating them efficiently until more medical professional help arrives. That’s why learning First Aid comes handy in situations like this – whether be for yourself, your close ones, a stranger etc.

HAY FEVER

One of the most common allergies in the UK is hay fever which is also called as allergic rhinitis that occurs when the immune system overreacts to the allergens present in the air such as pollen, dust or mould. Symptoms of Hay fever affecting the body are a running nose, itchy red watery eyes, loss of smell, headache, sneezing and coughing. If these symptoms worsen, you start to feel fatigue and sickness.

So how can I feel better?

Recommended by the NHS - You could put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen, wearing full covered sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes, take a shower and change your clothes after, and stay indoors whenever possible. Treating yourself with this can be very useful especially during spring (March, April, May).

BEE STING ALLERGIES

Other allergies including insect allergens such as bee stings should also be taken into consideration. The allergic symptoms following the bee sting can be annoying and if it worsens it can lead to anaphylaxis (Severe life-threatening allergic reaction). Severe symptoms include skin reactions (itching and flushed skin), difficulty breathing, rapid or weak pulse, loss of consciousness etc. If these symptoms become unbearable, and lead to anaphylaxis, First Aid can become useful.

Some useful First Aid tips for bee sting allergies is that:

You should lay the affected person flat, not allowing them to stand or walk. Give an adrenaline injector (EpiPen or Ana pen) into the outer mid-thigh. You could also inject the second one into the other thigh if your symptoms aren’t controlled after the first injector. Phone an ambulance (999 or 112)