National Allergy Week

Summer, season of happiness and sunshine for most of us, but a time of dread and misery to thousands of hayfever sufferers. And with pollution in London on the rise it is becoming an increasing problem across the capital.

One in four people in Britain suffers from an allergy, triggered by the likes of pollen, wheat, nuts, dust, animals or plants. Believe it or not, there are some people who have an allergy to toilet roll, and even latex. In some cases an allergic reaction can be so severe as to be fatal.

National Allergy Week (May 17-21) aims to highlight the dangers to our health that allergies can cause, within our home and work environment — while offering advice on ways to reduce these risks.

What is an allergy?

An allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances. The symptoms - and in some cases disease - triggered in a predisposed person can cause inconvenience at best, or a great deal of misery.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Skin rashes, sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, wheezing, vomiting, coughing, shortness of breath and a sore palate are the most common symptoms. In severe cases, two per cent of the population can develop a life-threatening whole body allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis.

What should you do if you suspect you are allergic to something?

Consult your local GP to find out what exactly is triggering the allergy and how it can be controlled. A useful website to visit is http://www.allergyadvice.co.uk.