What it is
Allergies are very common and often start in childhood. People with one allergy are more likely to have others, and to have asthma or eczema.
Management usually means identifying and avoiding the trigger, medicines such as antihistamines, and for people at risk of severe reactions, carrying adrenaline auto-injectors.
Common signs
- Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes
- Itchy rash or hives, swelling
- Wheezing, coughing or tight chest
- Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea after eating a trigger food
How it is usually diagnosed
- A detailed history of what happened and when
- Skin prick tests or blood tests for specific IgE
- Sometimes a supervised challenge test in a specialist clinic
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Allergy test results
- An up-to-date list of your allergies and the reactions they caused
- Your allergy action plan and adrenaline prescription
- Records of any emergency treatment for a reaction
Questions to ask your doctor
- Exactly what am I allergic to, and what should I avoid?
- Do I need to carry adrenaline, and when should I use it?
- Should my allergy be recorded in a specific way for hospitals and pharmacies?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or a hoarse voice
- Feeling faint, confused or collapsing; use adrenaline if you have it and call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.