How to deal with the most common allergies among Brits at the start of hayfever season

ALLERGIES are the most common chronic illness in Britain, with millions of people suffering from reactions to pollen, dust and food.

More than 40% of adults suffer from at least one allergy – and almost half have more, according to the charity Allergy UK.

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As hayfever season arrives, with pollen counts rising from now until mid-summer, Sun on Sunday Health asks experts to explain some of the most common allergies – and whether it’s actually possible to cure them.

Allergy expert Professor Helen Brough said: “We are seeing more allergies among adults and children.

“Climate change and pollution are making the pollen season worse for hay fever sufferers.

“Meanwhile, studies show that the number of peanut and tree nut allergies has tripled in recent decades.”

Allergies are more common in children and less common in retirees.

Many people take over-the-counter antihistamines, which block symptom-causing chemicals released by the immune system.

Those with more severe allergies can get a life-saving adrenaline shot to reverse the body’s reaction, which can include difficulty breathing.

Prof Brough, founder of Children’s Allergy Doctors, said: “Spending more time indoors, using detergents that break down our skin barrier, which is the gateway for allergens, and eating more ultra-processed foods that weaken our gut microbiome. contributed to a greater number of allergic people.”

Here, experts explain some of the big allergens. . .

GRASS POLLEN

Beverly Adams-Groom, pollen expert at Clarityn, said: “All types of pollen produce the same symptoms of hayfever, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, nasal congestion and irritability, but grass pollen is by far the worst overall bully. .

“There are around 150 species of grass in the UK, around 12 of which are most likely to affect people suffering from hayfever from the end of April.

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Only people with the allergy gene can suffer from hay fever, which is why not everyone gets it.

“There is no cure, so people need to control their symptoms with medication or other treatments.

“Try not to bring pollen into the house. Take a shower when you get home and, if possible, ask other people to change your clothes.

“Always clean pets with a damp cloth.”

TREE POLLEN

Tree pollen season is in full swing at the end of May, with birch pollen responsible for 25 per cent of our reactions to hay fever.

Ash, sycamore and oak pollen also trigger reactions.

Dr. Adams-Groom recommended: “Outside, try to wear a mask to reduce pollen inhalation and wrap-around sunglasses to keep it from getting in your eyes.

“Review pollen forecasts and ask your pharmacist about tablets, nasal sprays, or barrier balms, many of which can be used together.”

POLLEN FOOD SYNDROME

Professor Brough said: “If you feel an itching or tingling sensation in your mouth and lips when eating raw fruit, you may have food pollen syndrome, which is where food allergies meet hay fever.

“This affects people who also have allergies to grass, tree or weed pollen.

“They may also experience mild swelling and redness around the lips, throat, mouth or face.”

Apples, peaches and other stone fruits, carrots and potatoes, as well as some nuts, trigger reactions.

She added: “Cooking fruit or vegetables and roasting nuts helps resolve this.”

DUST MITE

Dust mite allergy is triggered by tiny mites that live in the scales of human skin and hide in carpets, curtains and bedding.

The signs of dust mite allergies are similar to those of hay fever and can worsen asthma and eczema.

Prof Brough said: “It’s a year-round problem for millions.

“Although it cannot be cured, ensuring good ventilation, vacuuming carpets, washing bedding at least once a week and getting dust mite-proof mattresses, pillows and duvets can help keep it at bay.”

PEANUT

Peanut allergy affects one in 50 children and one in 200 adults. It varies in severity, causing itching, hives, swelling or redness, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea, runny or congested nose, and coughing or difficulty breathing.

It is usually not overcome, but scientific studies have found that gradual oral exposure to peanuts can lead to reduced sensitivity, which makes patients less likely to react to accidental peanut exposure.

Prof Brough explained: “This is done by administering increasing amounts of peanuts under the supervision of a specialist allergist.

“The best way to completely prevent peanut allergy is to expose children to peanut butter mixed with purees early, starting at six months, and often.

“Studies have found an 81% reduction in peanut allergy by age five if children are given a heaping teaspoon of peanut butter three times a week.”

EGGS

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“As with peanuts, there is strong evidence that introducing one egg a week to children from six months can prevent egg allergy,” Professor Brough said.

It affects just one percent of adults, but two percent – ​​one in 50 – of children. It is usually caused by egg white proteins.

Symptoms can appear within seconds and include swelling, dizziness, stomach pain and breathing difficulties.

Children with egg allergies also often present with eczema, hay fever and asthma, Professor Brough said.

She added: “There is no cure, but egg allergy can usually be overcome.”

MILK

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Cow’s milk allergies affect seven percent of children under one year old.

Symptoms include rash, swelling of the skin, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

Professor Brough says: “The likelihood of overcoming this allergy depends on the person and the severity of their reaction.

“There is no cure, but again this allergy is often overcome.

“Food allergies can be detected by doctors through a skin prick or blood test.”