What are allergies?

 

 

Loads of us suffer from allergies. You probably know at least one person that has hayfever or is allergic to nuts.

An allergy is a bad physical reaction to something. This something that you're allergic to is known as an allergen and it is often harmless to other people. The most common allergens are pollen, nuts, pets and dust. For most of us, allergies are simply annoying, but for some people the reactions can be really bad and can only be treated with medicine.

 

 

How do I know if I've got an allergy?

An allergy means our immune system is having an excessive response to something. Some common reactions are...

  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Runny, sneezy nose
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing when we breathe out
  • Rashes (most commonly blotches or little red bumps)
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about allergies.

Check out the NHS Choices website for loads more information about allergies and how to cope with them

 

 

 

 

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about allergies

 

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