action against allergy - information
The symptoms of allergy and allergy-related illness come in many different forms, from a mild irritant to a severely debilitating chronic condition. About one in three of us suffers allergy for all or part of our life and although there are some common denominators it is a personal condition, different for everyone.
Allergies may be triggered by a wide number of causes, for instance through a reaction to food or food additives, to pollutants in the air either outside or within the home, to chemicals or electricity or in the many everyday items that we use. Although true food allergy affects a very tiny proportion of us, food intolerance is widely experienced and can cause considerable suffering.
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Asthma and hayfever, eczema, M.E./chronic fatigue syndrome, candida albicans and irritable bowel syndrome are among the conditions now known to be endured by allergic people (although the illness may not be caused by allergens). Some reactions may be life–threatening: to peanuts or bee stings for example, leading to anaphylaxis and anyone at risk should have an EpiPen with them at all times. |
Any form of allergic illness can seriously affect the quality of life, not just for adults but for children, too. In fact there is a growing number of children affected by allergy related conditions, notably in their reactions to food. These can result in widely differing outcomes, from eczema to hyperactivity.
Proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for achieving and maintaining good health. This is the role of the medical specialist trained to deal with allergy. Unfortunately such expert resources in this country are woefully inadequate, which means that in many areas allergy sufferers get little help. Patients turn to the general practitioner for guidance – but allergy is not a subject given much attention in the medical school curriculum and may not be a source of help. This can leave an allergic person in some despair.
Action Against Allergy is a charity which, in common with several others, tries to help bridge the gap. We offer an information service which provides information and support to those forced to consider self-management of their condition and who are unable to get the help they need from their GP. We help to overcome that feeling of isolation and helplessness which so many people experience.
Our information packs and leaflets cover the whole spectrum of allergy-related illness including food allergy and intolerance, asthma, eczema and hayfever, environmental and chemical allergies, M.E. and IBS.
Our ‘Find a doctor’ service can give you contact details of the nearest specialist in your area whose practice covers your kind of problem.
Our membership scheme gives you a free 48 pp journal three times a year, an exclusive listing of other members on our AAA Talk-Line who are happy to lend a sympathetic ear, and easy access to our advisory services.
All these can be ordered securely online, by phone or by mail, in return for small donations.
We depend on public support to keep our information services going. Our practical work also includes running workshops for parents of allergic children, both at live events - register for our workshop at this year’s Allergy & Gluten Free Show on May 8 – and read our recent online forum with talkallergy held in collaboration with NHS Choices and King’s College London Allergy Academy.
We will continue to offer you practical help and support until the day comes when you can get it from your GP. We and others are working hard to bring that day forward.
Information written and supplied by Action Against Allergy
Last Reviewed: 14 March 2013
Next Review Date: 14 March 2013
