Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that happens quickly after exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, insect stings, or medicines. Read more about anaphylaxis on the Healthify website.

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain foods, treating them as harmful. Read more about food allergies on the Healthify website.

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). The most common symptoms are a blocked, runny and itchy nose. Rhinitis can be: Allergic – either seasonal (hay fever) caused by pollen allergies or perennial caused by e.g. house dust mite, pets. Infectious – e.g. the common cold Non-allergic, non-infectious – caused by irritants such as smoke, fumes, food additives In the case of allergic rhinitis, the specific allergen (the thing that you are allergic to) may be identified by skin prick tests. This involves placing a drop of the allergen on your skin and then scratching your skin through the drop. If you are allergic, your skin will become red and swollen at the site. Treatment of allergic rhinitis involves avoiding the allergen if possible, but if not possible then corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamines are the usual medications prescribed.

Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic reaction that happens when certain foods, especially raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts, trigger symptoms in people who already have pollen allergies.

Allergy desensitisation is a treatment that helps reduce sensitivity to substances that trigger allergic reactions, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet hair. It works by giving small, gradually increasing doses of the allergen (the substance you are allergic to) - usually as injections, sprays, tablets or drops under the tongue – over a long period. This process trains the immune system to become less reactive, reducing symptoms and the need for other allergy medicines.

Allergy tests help find out what substances (allergens) are causing an allergic reaction. They can identify sensitivities to things like pollen, dust mites, foods, insect stings, or pet hair. Common types include: Skin prick tests – small amounts of possible allergens are placed on the skin, which is then lightly pricked. If a red, itchy bump appears, it shows an allergy. Blood tests – measure allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in the blood. The interpretation of allergy tests needs to be done in combination with a history of a patient's symptoms to see if these are consistent with allergy. Find out about allergy testing and the tests we offer at The Allergy Doctors here

Hives (also called urticaria) are raised, red, itchy bumps that appear on the skin. They can vary in size and may join together to form larger areas. Hives often come and go within hours or days. Visit the Healthify website to learn more about acute and chronic hives.

Angioedema is a condition that causes sudden swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and tissues, most commonly affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, or genitals. It may be due to an allergic reaction, but other causes include side effects of medications, infections or illness or it may be an inherited condition.