What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?

The symptoms of an allergy vary according to what a person is allergic to; for example:

• an airborne allergen such as pollen is breathed in and usually causes symptoms in the nose, eyes, sinuses and throat, such as “hay fever” (allergic rhinitis); children with “hay fever” may have seasonal symptoms with a runny, itchy nose and sneezing during grass pollen season
• children who are allergic to dust mites may have ongoing “hay fever”, with a runny or blocked nose and sneezing, often worst in bed, which may be year round
• airborne allergens can also contribute to the symptoms of asthma and eczema
• children with food allergies may react suddenly with a range of symptoms after eating the food to which they are allergic. Symptoms of food allergy can include skin rashes (such as hives or welts), swelling of the face, lips and eyes, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. Some children may have a severe reaction with breathing problems (for example, cough and wheeze) or collapse (see What is anaphylaxis? below)
• in some children food allergy can also contribute to eczema

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How are allergies diagnosed?

Allergies are usually diagnosed once your doctor has listened to your story and examined your child. Sometimes your child may have allergy tests (skin tests or a blood test called a RAST - radioallergosorbent test) to confirm the diagnosis.

 

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How are allergies managed?

Once the diagnosis of an allergy is confirmed, treatment includes avoiding the allergens, where possible, and sometimes prescribed medicines.

 

For those with food allergy, a management plan for any allergic reaction to food exposure is important.

 

ASCIA (the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) has developed several action plans for use in Australia and New Zealand. 

See the various action plans at the ASCIA website.

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What are the most common airborne allergens?

Some of the most common things people are allergic to are carried through the air. These include:

• dust mites which live in carpets, bedding and upholstery
• pollens from trees, grasses and other plants
• moulds, which thrive in warm, dark, moist places, such as bathrooms, basements and outdoors in compost heaps
• animals such as cats, dogs and horses
• cockroaches

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Common food allergens

These include:

• dairy products such as cow’s milk and milk products such as butter and yoghurt
• eggs
• nuts and peanuts
• fish and shellfish
• soy
• wheat (which is found in breads and cereals)

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Other common allergens

These include:

• insect stings (bees and wasps)
• medicines

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What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment.

 

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include;

• difficulty breathing / noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling / tightness in the throat
• difficulty talking and / or a hoarse voice
• wheeze or persistent cough
• dizziness or light-headedness
• loss of consciousness and / or collapse
• being pale and floppy (in young children)

The symptoms can occur within seconds of coming into contact with the allergen or can take up to two hours to occur.

 

In some cases, anaphylaxis is preceded by less dangerous allergic symptoms.

 

Symptoms can include:

• swelling of the face, lips and eyes
• hives or welts on the skin
• stomach pain, vomiting

Several factors can influence the severity of anaphylaxis, including exercise, heat and in food-allergic people, the amount of allergen eaten and how it is prepared .

 

Severe allergic reactions require urgent medical attention.

 

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Where to go for more information

The Allergy Centre

From the ‘everybody’ website, published by CMPMedica NZ Ltd, the Allergy Centre includes information on:

• preventing allergies in children
• hayfever
• eczema
• anaphylaxis
• allergies at school - for parents
• allergies at school - for teachers

Allergy New Zealand
Allergy New Zealand offers a range of services and has regional support groups around the country. Their website provides information on different types of allergies.
Address: PO Box 56 117, Dominion Road, Auckland
Call free on 0800 34 0800
Email: membership@allergy.org.nz
Website: http://www.allergy.org.nz/

 

Anaphylaxis Australia

This is the website of an Australian non-profit organisation which focuses on children with food allergies. It provides advice on dealing with food allergies on a day-to-day basis.

Website: http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/

 

ASCIA (the Australasian Society for Clinical Allergy and Immunology)

ASCIA is the peak professional body for allergists and immunologists throughout Australia and New Zealand. The ASCIA website makes available a range of patient information related to numerous allergic conditions.

Website: http://www.allergy.org.au/

 

Manufactured Food Database

This is compiled by Nutrition Services, Auckland City Hospital, from information voluntarily supplied by New Zealand food manufacturers. The database is purchased by the Ministry of Health. Browse lists of foods free of certain allergens (egg free, legume free, milk/lactose free, soya free, gluten free, low lactose, peanut free, wheat free). Alternatively, go to the search page to find particular items or to produce combination lists.
Website: http://www.mfd.co.nz/

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 03/09/2010

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Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
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