Allergies Mate pāwera

An allergy starts when you have been in contact with an allergen (trigger). This will cause you to have an allergic reaction.Some common allergens include: 

• chemicals
• pollen
• house dust mite droppings
• skin, scales, or fur from animals or pets (dander)
• insect bites and stings
• metals or latex
• foods such as peanuts, dairy, eggs, and seafood. 

Allergies cannot be passed down in families, but you may be more likely to have an allergy if someone in your family does. 

Cigarette smoke can make an allergy worse, but is not an allergen itself.

You will have a different allergic reaction depending on what type of allergen you are in contact with. These can include:

• hay fever
• skin rashes (allergic contact dermatitis) — caused when your skin comes into contact with an allergen
• conjunctivitis 
• asthma
• reactions to certain foods.

Common food allergy symptoms (mild to moderate) are:

• tingling in the mouth
• swelling of the lips
• abdominal pain
• throwing up (vomiting).

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms include any of:

• difficulty with or noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• wheeze or persistent cough
• difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
• persistent dizziness, loss of consciousness and/or collapse
• becoming pale and floppy (in young children)
• abdominal pain and throwing up (vomiting) are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy.

If you think you, or your tamaiti (child), have an allergy, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider. Some symptoms of allergies may be due to other conditions. 

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms, known triggers, and if you have been exposed to new triggers like food, medicine, or pets. 

It can be easy to identify an allergen if you react soon after you have been exposed. If the cause is not known, you may need more tests. This can include a skin test or a blood test.

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that causes them.

Things you can do to avoid allergic reactions include:

• regular cleaning and improved ventilation (dust mites)
• avoid certain plants and limit time outdoors when pollen is high (hay fever)
• keep pets outside if possible (animal dander)
• avoid strong soaps, perfumes, and chemicals (skin)
• wear shoes, long pants and shirts, and use insect repellent (insect bites and stings)
• always carry an EpiPen if you or your tamaiti are at risk of anaphylaxis
• carry an allergic reaction plan so people know what to do if you have a reaction, such as anaphylaxis
• wear a medical bracelet or necklace that says what you are allergic to
• remind your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any allergies before you take any new medicines (prescribed, over the counter, and herbal).

Depending on the type of allergy, you may need:

• medicines to stop a hay fever reaction (antihistamine)
• steroid tablets to reduce inflammation
• steroid nasal sprays or decongestants to relieve a blocked nose or sinuses
• eye drops (medicated or non-medicated) to relieve redness, itching, or watery eyes
• creams (moisturising or corticosteroid) to relieve dry, itchy, or flaky skin
• adrenaline (usually an EpiPen).

Medications (drugs) and complementary or alternative remedies can cause allergies, though true drug allergies are rare. 

Symptoms can include:

• itchy rashes (hives) and swelling (angioedema)
• nausea
• throwing up (vomiting)
• runny poos (diarrhoea).

However, these same symptoms can be a side effect of the medication rather than an allergic reaction. They can also be caused by the condition being treated.

Medicines can also cause severe reactions (anaphylaxis) needing urgent medical attention.

If a medicine allergy is confirmed, you will need to avoid it. The allergy should be recorded in your medical records, including:

• hospital
• healthcare provider (GP)
• dental.

You may need to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.

Drugs and medications — Allergy New Zealandexternal link