Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within a few minutes of being exposed to something you're allergic to, although occasionally they can develop gradually over a few hours.

Although allergic reactions can be a nuisance and hamper your normal activities, most are mild.

Very occasionally, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can occur.

Main allergy symptoms

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis)
• itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)
• wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough
• a raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
• tummy pain, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea
• dry, red and cracked skin

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The symptoms vary depending on what you're allergic to and how you come into contact with it.

For example, you may have a runny nose if exposed to pollen, develop a rash if you have a skin allergy, or feel sick if you eat something you're allergic to.

See your GP if you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something. They can help determine whether the symptoms are caused by an allergy or another condition.

Read more about diagnosing allergies.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

In rare cases, an allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening.

This affects the whole body and usually develops within minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to.

Signs of anaphylaxis include any of the symptoms above, as well as:

• swelling of the throat and mouth
• difficulty breathing
• lightheadedness
• confusion
• blue skin or lips
• collapsing and losing consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Read more about anaphylaxis for information about what to do if it occurs.

If you think you have an allergy, tell your GP about the symptoms you're having, when they happen, how often they occur and if anything seems to trigger them.

Your GP can offer advice and treatment for mild allergies with a clear cause.

If your allergy is more severe or it's not obvious what you're allergic to, you may be referred for allergy testing at a specialist allergy clinic.

Find your nearest NHS allergy clinic

The tests that may be carried out are described on this page.

Skin prick testing

Skin prick testing is one of the most common allergy tests.

It involves putting a drop of liquid onto your forearm that contains a substance you may be allergic to. The skin under the drop is then gently pricked.

If you're allergic to the substance, an itchy, red bump will appear within 15 minutes.

Most people find skin prick testing not particularly painful, but it can be a little uncomfortable. It's also very safe.

Make sure you do not take antihistamines before the test, as they can interfere with the results.

Blood tests

Blood tests may be used instead of, or alongside, skin prick tests to help diagnose common allergies.

A sample of your blood is removed and analysed for specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to an allergen.

Patch tests

Patch tests are used to investigate a type of eczema known as contact dermatitis, which can be caused by your skin being exposed to an allergen.

A small amount of the suspected allergen is added to special metal discs, which are then taped to your skin for 48 hours and monitored for a reaction.

Elimination diet

If you have a suspected food allergy, you may be advised to avoid eating a particular food to see if your symptoms improve.

After a few weeks, you may then be asked to eat the food again to check if you have another reaction.

Do not attempt to do this yourself without discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional.

Challenge testing

In a few cases, a test called a food challenge may also be used to diagnose a food allergy.

During the test, you're given the food you think you're allergic to in gradually increasing amounts to see how you react under close supervision.

This test is riskier than other forms of testing, as it could cause a severe reaction, but is the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies.

And challenge testing is always carried out in a clinic where a severe reaction can be treated if it does develop.

Allergy testing kits

The use of commercial allergy-testing kits isn't recommended.

These tests are often of a lower standard than those provided by the NHS or accredited private clinics, and are generally considered to be unreliable.

Allergy tests should be interpreted by a qualified professional who has detailed knowledge of your symptoms and medical history.

The treatment for an allergy depends on what you're allergic to. In many cases, a GP will be able to offer advice and treatment.

They'll advise you about taking steps to avoid exposure to the substance you're allergic to, and can recommend medicines to control your symptoms.

Avoiding exposure to allergens

The best way to keep your symptoms under control is often to avoid the things you're allergic to, although this is not always practical.

For example, you may be able to help manage:

• food allergies by being careful about what you eat
• animal allergies by keeping pets outside as much as possible and washing them regularly
• mould allergies by keeping your home dry and well-ventilated, and dealing with any damp and condensation
• hay fever by staying indoors and avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high
• dust mite allergies by using allergy-proof duvets and pillows, and fitting wooden floors rather than carpets

Allergy medicines

Medicines for mild allergies are available from pharmacies without a prescription.

But always ask a pharmacist or GP for advice before starting any new medicine, as they're not suitable for everyone.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the main medicines for allergies.

They can be used:

• as and when you notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction
• to prevent allergic reactions – for example, you may take them in the morning if you have hay fever and you know the pollen count is high that day

Antihistamines can be taken as tablets, capsules, creams, liquids, eye drops or nasal sprays, depending on which part of your body is affected by your allergy.

Decongestants

Decongestants can be used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose caused by an allergic reaction.

They can be taken as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or liquids.

Do not use them for more than a week at a time, as using them for long periods can make your symptoms worse.

Lotions and creams

Red and itchy skin caused by an allergic reaction can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter creams and lotions, such as:

• moisturising creams (emollients) to keep the skin moist and protect it from allergens
• calamine lotion to reduce itchiness
• steroids to reduce inflammation

Steroids

Steroid medicines can help reduce inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. 

They're available as:

• nasal sprays and eye drops for an inflamed nose and eyes
• creams for eczema and contact dermatitis
• inhalers for asthma
• tablets for hives (urticaria)

Sprays, drops and weak steroid creams are available without a prescription.

Stronger creams, inhalers and tablets are available on prescription from a GP.

Immunotherapy (desensitisation) 

Immunotherapy may be an option for a small number of people with certain severe and persistent allergies who are unable to control their symptoms using the measures above.

The treatment involves being given occasional small doses of the allergen, either as an injection, or as drops or tablets under the tongue, over the course of several years.

The injection can only be performed in a specialist clinic under the supervision of a doctor, as there's a small risk of a severe reaction.

The drops or tablets can usually be taken at home.

The aim of treatment is to help your body get used to the allergen so it does not react to it so severely. 

This will not necessarily cure your allergy, but it'll make it milder and mean you can take less medicine.

Treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Some people with severe allergies may experience life-threatening reactions, known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.

If you're at risk of this, you'll be given special injectors containing a medicine called adrenaline to use in an emergency.

If you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, you should inject yourself in the outer thigh before seeking emergency medical help.

Find out more about treating anaphylaxis

Treating specific allergic conditions

Use the links below to find information about how specific allergies and related conditions are treated:

• hay fever
• food allergies
• allergic rhinitis
• conjunctivitis
• hives (urticaria)
• eczema
• contact dermatitis
• asthma

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you're allergic to, although this is not always easy or practical.

Below is some practical advice that should help you avoid the most common allergens.

House dust mites

One of the biggest causes of allergies are dust mites, which are tiny insects found in household dust.

You can limit the number of mites in your home by: 

• choosing wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead of a carpet
• fitting roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean
• choosing leather, plastic or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture
• cleaning cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, either by washing (at a high temperature) or vacuuming
• using tested allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows
• using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, as it can trap more dust mites than ordinary vacuum cleaners
• regularly wiping surfaces with a damp, clean cloth – avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air

Concentrate your efforts of controlling dust mites in the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room.

You can find more information on allergies in the home on the Allergy UK website.

Pets

It's not pet fur that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, it's flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine.

If you cannot permanently remove a pet from the house, you could try: 

• keeping pets outside as much as possible, or limiting them to a particular area of the house, preferably an area without carpet
• not allowing pets in bedrooms
• washing pets at least once a week
• regularly grooming pets outside
• regularly washing all bedding and soft furnishings pets lie on
• using an air filter in rooms where you spend most of your time
• increasing ventilation with fans or air conditioning, or by opening windows

If you're visiting a friend or relative with a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day you're visiting, as this will stir up the allergens into the air.

Taking an antihistamine medicine about an hour before entering a pet-inhabited house can also help reduce your symptoms.

The Allergy UK website has more information about domestic pet allergies.

Mould spores

Tiny particles released by moulds can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

You can help prevent this by:

• keeping your home dry and well ventilated
• removing any indoor pot plants from your home
• not drying clothes indoors, not storing clothes in damp cupboards, and avoiding packing clothes too tightly in wardrobes
• dealing with any damp and condensation in your home
• avoiding damp buildings, damp woods and rotten leaves, cut grass and compost heaps

Food allergies

By law, food manufacturers must clearly label any foods that contain something that's known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

By carefully checking the label for the list of ingredients, you should be able to avoid an allergic reaction.

People with food allergies most often experience an allergic reaction while eating out at a restaurant.

You can avoid this by:

• not relying on the menu description alone (remember, many sauces or dressings could contain allergens)
• communicating clearly with the waiting staff and asking for their advice
• avoiding places where there's a chance that different types of food could come into contact with each other, such as buffets or bakeries
• letting restaurant staff know your dietary requirements, including how severe your food allergy or intolerance is
• always checking what allergens are in the dish, even if you have eaten it before, as recipes and ingredients can change

Remember, simple dishes are less likely to contain "hidden" ingredients. If you're not sure about a dish, do not risk it.

Read more about living with a food allergy and get advice from the Food Standards Agency on food allergen labelling.

Hay fever

Pollen allergies, more commonly known as hay fever, are caused when trees and grasses release pollen into the air.

Doctors often call hay fever allergic rhinitis. 

Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen you're allergic to.

Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses).

To help keep your hay fever under control, you can:

• check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it's high, if possible
• avoid drying clothes and bedding outside when the pollen count is high
• wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
• keep doors and windows shut when possible
• shower and change your clothes after being outside
• avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields, particularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest
• if you have a lawn, try asking someone else to cut the grass for you 

Find out how to prevent hay fever

Insect bites and stings

If you have ever suffered a bad reaction to an insect bite or sting, it's important to take precautions to minimise your risk.

When you're outdoors, particularly in the summer, you could:

• cover exposed skin
• wear shoes
• apply insect repellent
• avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances, as these can attract insects

Find out how to prevent insect bites and stings

Preventing severe allergies (anaphylaxis)

If you're at risk of experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), make sure you carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you everywhere.

Wearing a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag medallion or bracelet can make others aware of your allergy in an emergency.

Consider telling your teachers, work colleagues and friends so they can give you your adrenaline injection in an emergency while waiting for an ambulance.

Find out how to prevent anaphylaxis