Although they are fairly common, allergies can be a nuisance and a disruptive influence in people’s lives. If you regularly experience symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes, you may have a common allergy. Below are the ten most common allergies in the UK:
Pollen
Hayfever is a classic allergy that can be caused by grass, pollen or tree. There are a variety of over the counter medications that can treat hayfever, although persistent symptoms can be highly disruptive. Monitoring pollen counts in the air can help prevent hayfever attacks.
Animals
Whether caused by animal fur or secretions from animal glands, animal allergies are highly common in the UK. Sufferers may not initially realise they are allergic to animals as the symptoms can take time to manifest themselves. Washing an animal frequently and hoovering carpets regularly can help fight these reactions.
Dust Mites
These creatures are present in pretty much every house in the UK and feed on dead cells and other organic materials to survive. Washing bedsheets regularly is one of the best ways to get rid of mites, although getting rid of mite eggs can be slightly more troublesome.
Insect Stings
This allergic reaction can be deadly to certain people, as an insect sting inflicted on someone who is highly allergic can kill them. Swelling, redness or severe itching are all symptoms of insect allergens, while sufferers may also come out in a nasty rash.
Moulds
Moulds are usually found in damp regions of the house such as the basement or in the bathroom. There are also a variety of species of mould, so it is best to keep the house ventilated and avoid activities such as raking leaves that irritate mould growths.
Food
Allergies to seafoods like shellfish and muscles are fairly common, although people can also be allergic to more ‘regular’ UK foods like milk, nuts and wheat. If you are allergic to certain food groups, it is best to avoid them completely, although antihistamines and steroids can be used to combat symptoms.
Latex
Some people can also be allergic to materials used in gloves, medical implements and condoms. These allergies can cause irritated eyes, rashes on the skin and a runny nose. It may be necessary to carry an adrenaline kit on your person if you are allergic to latex.
Medicine
Medications such as penicillin or perhaps even aspirin can occasionally be life threatening. Again, adrenaline may be needed in severe cases although steroids and antihistamines can be used in the event of an allergic reaction.
Fragrances
People can also be allergic to fragrances used in products like scented candles and cosmetics. If the offending product is in a washing detergent, the sufferer’s entire wardrobe of clothes can be ‘infected’ with fragrances that they are allergic to. Anyone suffering from a suspected allergy to detergents should throw their old clothes away and seek a doctor’s advice on which product they can use to wash their clothes.
Cockroaches
Cockroach droppings can cause some serious allergic reactions. If you have a cockroach infestation in your home, you will most likely have to call pest control experts to handle the issue. Repairing cracks in the walls and floors will also deter cockroaches from settling in.
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