Allergy Awareness Week

This week sees the start of Allergy Awareness Week, 20th -26th April.


During this week many allergy charities and companies trying to provide some relief from allergies are trying to maximise the awareness of the general public to allergies; their symptoms and how to try to alleviate them.

Millions of people in the UK are living with one or more allergies. A whopping 44% of allergy sufferers are living in daily fear of having a reaction, yet 66% of the sufferers have no idea how to use an adrenaline pen which could save their lives in a severe attack.

The most common allergy that people think of is hay fever or asthma, but in fact you can be allergic to literally anything and everything.



If you suffer from allergies then here are a few things you can try to alleviate the symptoms, some of which are a really good idea but some are not always easy to apply to normal life!!

• Don`t hang the allergy sufferers clothes out on the washing line to dry as pollen can attach to the clothes and bedsheets.
• Stay indoors on dry and windy days and try to keep the windows shut.
• Keep indoor air dry with a de-humidifier, or if possible install a HEPA ( High-Efficiey Particulate Air) filter.
• Avoid outside activities first thing in the morning when pollen counts are at their highest.
• Avoid wearing hair gel or similar hair products which are pollen magnets.
• Immunotherapy injections are available to try and gradually desensitise you from your particular allergy.
• If you suffer from contact allergies try and create a protection layer over your skin with a barrier cream.
• Don`t use scented bathing products and use non bio washing powder.
• Use natural or unscented cleaning products when cleaning the house to prevent any unnecessary allergens to be introduced into the air.
• Don`t dismiss drugs and over the counter remedies; if you can tell what the trigger symptoms are of an attack then you can greatly minimise the effects the attack has on you. 

Across the UK the top 5 cities most at risk of dust mites are:

City	% at risk of dust mites	% with an existing allergy
Leeds	65%	21%
Southampton	58%	20%
Sheffield	57%	12%
Bristol	56%	19%
Manchester	55%	29%

ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK: 57% OF BRITS AT HIGH RISK DUST MITES

New research has revealed millions of Brits are at high risk of dust mites in their homes due to poor bedroom hygiene.

Online bed retailer Time4Sleep.co.uk conducted an independent survey¹ into the nation’s cleaning habits in aid of Allergy Awareness Week (20^th – 26^th April).  

The research found a huge 57%² of Brits are failing to take precautions against dust mites in their homes, despite their potential to cause allergic reactions.

To find out more about dust mites and see if where you live effects your chances of getting dust mites click HERE.