Advice and Treatment
FAQs
What is an allergy?
An allergy is the body's reaction to a protein or allergen in our environment that is usually harmless. An allergic person's immune system believes these allergens are harmful and produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack them. This leads other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine) which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
What is histamine?
Histamine is a natural chemical that is released by blood cells and triggers the allergic reaction.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is simply the name given to any substance that can trigger an allergy. There are thousands of different allergens all around us and almost any substance can provoke an allergic reaction in someone who is very sensitive.
What are the most common allergens?
The most common causes of allergies in the UK are:
Are allergies common?
- Pollen
- a protein in the droppings of dust mites
- cat and dog dander (hair and skin cells)
Allergies are widespread and affect roughly a third of the population of the UK at some time in their lives. As many as half the people with allergies are children.
Do allergies run in families?
The tendency to develop allergies is inherited from our parents, but the actual allergies themselves are not. The more allergic your family is, the more likely it is that you will be, too.
Why do some people develop allergies, and not others?
The reason why some people have a tendency to develop allergies is because they have the ability to produce the allergy antibody called "IgE" when they come into contact with a particular substance.
Do children outgrow allergies?
Yes, sometimes kids do outgrow their allergies, but if they do, it is usually by the time they are three. If a child's parents grew out of their allergies when they were young, chances are the little 'un will too.
What's the difference between the symptoms of an allergy and a cold?
There are a number of ways to tell what's causing your symptoms:
What's the most effective treatment for my allergy?
- Colds normally start with a sore throat
- Colds have a thicker discharge from the nose
- With allergies, nasal discharge is often very watery
- Allergies don't usually give you a cough, whereas it is a common feature of a cold
- Eye symptoms are a common symptom of an allergy, but not of a cold
- Hay fever comes and goes depending on when pollen is present; dust and pet allergies can cause symptoms all year round; but colds tend to last for around five days
The most effective way to treat an allergy it is to steer clear of the allergen in question. Of course, that's not always practical. Fortunately, there are lots of treatments you can take to relieve allergy symptoms and help you carry on life as normal.
The BENADRYL® range can be your first line of defence. It includes a variety of fast-acting, non-drowsy treatments that offer effective relief from everyday allergy symptoms. With tablets, capsules, cream and a new oral solution formulated specially for kids, there is something to suit everyone.
Where can I buy BENADRYL®?
The BENADRYL® range can be your first line of defence. It includes a variety of fast-acting, non-drowsy treatments that offer effective relief from everyday allergy symptoms. With tablets, capsules, cream and a new oral solution formulated specially for kids, there is something to suit everyone.
The entire BENADRYL® range is available from pharmacies, and BENADRYL® One a Day and BENADRYL® Allergy Relief 12s are also available from all leading supermarkets. You can also buy online from www.pharmacy2u.co.uk