Food Allergy Awareness Week

Food Allergy Awareness Week is from 9-15 May 2021. Food allergy emergencies take place around every 3 minutes with the UK having some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world affecting nearly half of all British adults and nearly 40% of all British children. It is estimated up to 20% of adults and children have a food hypersensitivity. Usually, dietary changes and over the counter medications can successfully alleviate symptoms but in many cases more severe allergies may require prescription medications. Pharmacy Planet sells a wide range of prescription allergy medications including Rhinocort Nasal Spray and EpiPen Auto-Injector at our online UK pharmacy.

Food Allergies
Anyone who is a parent knows that when we wean our children onto solid foods as babies we, through the inevitable process, can introduce potential food allergies. A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. Almost 1 in 12 young children suffer from a food allergy and it seems to be getting more common. It may be interesting to know that babies who suffer from eczema have also been found to be at higher risk of having food allergies.

The most common food allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and some fruits and vegetables. If someone who is allergic to these, or any foods has a reaction, they may experience some of the following symptoms:

  • itching sensation in mouth throat or ears
  • raised itchy red rash (urticaria or hives)
  • swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips tongue and roof of mouth (angioedema)
  • vomiting

Anaphylaxis is the most serious allergic reaction and can be life threatening. If you or someone else is feeling light-headed, has breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat, clammy skin, experiences confusion and anxiety or collapses or loses consciousness, then you should call 999 immediately. Use any auto-injector pen if the person has one. Remove any possible triggers such as a bee stinger, lie the person down flat and if symptoms do not improve give another injection after 5 to 15 minutes.

Most allergies are manageable with self-help, over the counter, or prescription medications. However if you have severe allergies see your GP for prescription medication management. At Pharmacy Planet we carry a wide range of allergy relief including Rhinocort Nasal Spray and EpiPen Auto-Injector for purchase at our online pharmacy in the UK. Visit our website for a quick and hassle-free order delivered directly to your door. https://www.pharmacyplanet.com