My eyes are watering and won’t stop itching. What do I do?

6th October 2023

My eyes are watering and won’t stop itching. What do I do?

Do you find yourself constantly battling itchy, watery eyes or dealing with a nose that seems determined to run a marathon? Perhaps an unexplained rash is driving you to distraction with relentless itching. These discomforts are familiar to many of us, but when they persist, they might be a sign that you’re having an allergic reaction.

Allergies can show up in various ways, and while they can range from minor inconveniences to serious health concerns, they often share common symptoms, such as sneezing, hives, skin redness, swelling, stomach discomfort, or even respiratory issues.

You might think allergies are all about sudden, life-threatening reactions like anaphylactic shock, but there’s more to the story. There are four distinct types of allergic reactions, each with unique characteristics. Let’s explore them together.

Immediate allergic reactions (Type I)

These reactions are like a lightning bolt, happening within seconds to minutes. Anaphylactic reactions are the most severe and can cause life-threatening issues like difficulty breathing and severe swelling. They’re triggered by antibodies in response to allergens like pollen or certain foods.

Cytotoxic reactions (Type II)

Type II reactions take a bit more time, usually minutes to hours. Here, antibodies trigger the immune system’s complement system, potentially leading to autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune neutropenia. These reactions are linked to diseases like Goodpasture syndrome and Graves’ disease, adding intrigue to the allergy narrative.

Immune complex-mediated reactions (Type III)

These reactions don’t rush in; they take several hours to show their effects. Antibodies collaborate with allergens to create immunocomplexes, which can contribute to autoimmune conditions like lupus and serum sickness. The complex dance of these antibodies adds depth to our understanding of allergies.

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (Type IV)

Type IV reactions are patient and can appear hours or even days after exposure. They’re often linked to persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, creating an intricate interplay between the immune system and these pesky invaders.

What should you do if you suspect you have an allergy?

Unchecked symptoms can lead to discomfort and potential complications regardless of the type. For immediate and severe reactions, call 999 and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like severe rashes, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

For milder allergies, it’s time to take action. Testing can help identify your triggers, allowing you to manage your allergies and regain control over your well-being proactively. Don’t let allergies hold you back; take the first step towards a more comfortable and allergy-aware life.

Take the guesswork out of living a comfortable life. Let’s take the first steps to discover what’s bringing you discomfort. Our allergy experts can guide you through the process, from testing to advice. Simply register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Everything you need to know about your dust mite allergy

26th April 2023

Everything you need to know about your dust mite allergy

Our homes are our place of comfort. They’re the one spot that our entire lives revolve around. So it feels like a sort of betrayal when it affects you for the worse. Take dust mites, as an example. There you are trying to sleep peacefully, but their mere presence sets your allergies off in fits of sneezing or coughing.

Yes, it isn’t the dust itself doing that, but the mites that live in your home undiscovered. And, unlike seasonal allergies, these can be a year-round problem. But let’s step back a bit. What even are dust mites? And why are they causing an allergic reaction? Let’s take a look.

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are almost imperceptible insect-like creatures that live in our homes – whether we want them to or not. They love warm, humid environments, which is why they’re drawn to our furniture, especially our beds. Even better for them, they feed on dead human skin cells, so our beds are practically a buffet for them.

Despite being like insects, an allergy to them isn’t the same as an allergy to, say, wasps. They don’t bite, sting, or burrow into our skin. Instead, they defecate, urinate, and die just like any other species. And it’s these droppings and decaying bodies that trigger our allergies. It’s a bit grim and disgusting, we know, but it’s simply a part of life.

These aspects that trigger our allergies are what we come to know as a dust mite allergy, or even simply just a ‘dust’ allergy.

Common symptoms

Anyone who has ever had hay fever will recognise the symptoms. Dust mite allergies tend to affect our respiratory symptoms in much the same way. When you come into contact with dust mites, here’s what you might experience:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Itchy skin
• Coughing

This is at the milder end of the reaction spectrum, but there can be more concerning symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness around the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing and wheezing

How to prevent them

If any of this sounds familiar, or if you know for certain you have a dust mite allergy, you might be wondering what you can do about it. There are some simple changes you can make that should help with your symptoms. Obviously, the ultimate tip is to talk to your doctor before making any drastic changes. But in the meantime, try these…

Up your cleaning schedule – If you let dust mite skin and droppings accumulate, it’s going to make your symptoms worse. By cleaning your bedding at high temperatures more frequently (we recommend weekly), you can get rid of any droppings and kill any lingering dust mites.

Reduce the humidity – As we said earlier, dust mites love warm, humid environments. So if you feel like your symptoms are too frequent, maybe you need to reduce the humidity. You can do this by opening your windows more often or investing in a dehumidifier.

Replace any fabrics you can – Dust mites live in fabric they can really embed in. Think of all the creases in your sofa and curtains. Or the strands of carpet they can hide in. If it’s in your budget, it may be worth replacing these with smoother materials. Think leather sofas and hardwood floors.

But, like we said, talk to your doctor about any allergy concerns. They can find a solution – or even an allergy specialist – who can help you make meaningful changes. Now you know more about dust mites, you should feel more empowered to tackle your allergy once and for all.

If you ever have any questions about your allergies, get in touch. Our team of allergists are always happy to help. Call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient today.

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

20th May 2020

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

When summer arrives, we might have a new problem to contend with. The invasive ragweed is set to cause havoc for hay fever sufferers. Allergies are bad enough in the summer, but an estimated 13.5 million people across Europe will have trouble thanks to the ragweed’s pollen.

It isn’t a species native to our continent, so where did it come from? How will it affect your allergies? And could a non-native beetle be the answer to reducing the amount of ragweed?

What is ragweed?

Ragweed comes from North America and has somehow found its way over to Europe. It can now be found in 30 European countries, including here in the UK. Its pollen can trigger hay fever reactions such as sneezing and itchy eyes, even going as far as aggravating other conditions, such as eczema and asthma.

It thrives in the summer as the ideal conditions are cool nights and warm, dry days. We might not get many of those over here, but there’s still plenty of opportunities for them to do their damage.

Depending on the conditions, it can carry through to September and has even been known to drag on through to November in the USA. That is less likely to happen here, but the idea of pollen allergies sticking around in autumn and winter is not something many want to entertain.

The North American ragweed leaf beetle

New research suggests the answer to the ragweed problem is the aptly named ragweed leaf beetle. It comes from the same continent as the ragweed itself, and their appetite for its pollen can reduce symptoms in millions of people.

If their model is correct, researchers predict the beetle could reduce the number of people affected from 13.5 million to 11.2 million. This would also help reduce the estimated cost on our healthcare systems – it costs £6.5 billion per year.

They are already trialling using the beetle in Italy but don’t expect it to happen here quickly. Introducing foreign species into a new ecosystem is always a risk that needs assessing. Australia is already a country that has decided against this course of action. Another mark against us is our climate; the beetle thrives in warmer temperatures so they might not survive here.

If you have hay-fever-like allergies this summer, it might be the ragweed. To fight off the symptoms, you can follow many of the same tips we’ve given for hay fever in the past. You can also use the same anti-allergy medication too. As always, check with your doctor before you try any new medication.

Whether it’s hay fever, ragweed pollen, or any other allergy, the symptoms are never fun. They can be a drag on your life and ruin your mood. Don’t let your allergies control you – get in touch with us today to talk to a professional allergist.

Three steps to improving an unknown allergy

7th August 2019

Three steps to improving an unknown allergy

So you’re sneezing uncontrollably, can’t breathe properly, and you don’t have any tissues to hand. Your first thought is hay fever, but then again you’re not sure. There’s a rash on your arm and you have no idea what’s going on. You’re reacting to some unknown allergy, but what? 

Identifying the allergen is important and will help prevent any further reactions. But it’s not always easy to pinpoint. Here are four things you can do to improve an unknown allergy. 

Identify any recent changes to your lifestyle

It’s safe to assume you’re reacting to something new. Think of everything you’ve done and used in the few days before showing symptoms. This can help identify the specific allergen and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. 

Strip back on any new products you’re using until you’re positive they’re not the cause. Reduce the products you use to those that you’ve used for long periods of time with no issue. 

You might have been spending more time outside on high pollen days, worn a new item of jewellery, or used a new beauty product. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so cut back on the potential culprits.

Watch what you eat

Regardless of what you’re reacting to, a good diet can help reduce the effects of allergies. It’s best to make your immune system’s life as easy as possible. By maintaining a healthier lifestyle, you’ll keep your symptoms from completely taking over your life.

Identify suitable treatments

Depending on what symptoms you’re showing, you’ll be able to find over-the-counter treatments to ease your symptoms. 

If you’re congested, you can take oral or nasal decongestants to get some relief. You can also perform a saline sinus rinse to clear your airways. If you’ve got an itchy rash, you may want to get a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce itching and inflammation. 

It’s important you know when it’s time to get help. If your symptoms get more severe or show no sign of slowing down, it’s time to get some guidance from a doctor. It doesn’t take long for a reaction to turn worse, so it’s best to keep track of your symptoms and how you’re feeling.

Over 20% of the UK’s population suffers from an allergy, but it’s not always easy to identify what you’re reacting to. There are some easy steps to take to reduce your symptoms while you’re still trying to identify a cause. If you need any more guidance or want to book an allergy test, get in touch on 02031 433 499.