Almost a third of people worldwide suffer from allergic diseases. Various factors can cause or aggravate the symptoms of allergy.
In small children, allergies frequently have a food-related origin: milk, eggs, peanuts, cereals are the most common allergens at this age; whereas in adults food allergy is caused mainly by fish and seafood although fruits and vegetables can also be involved.
Later in life allergies are caused primarily by inhaled allergens which are present both inside the home e.g. house dust mites, moulds, pet allergens, or in the open air and outdoors pollens from grasses, trees and weeds. Pollens are generally present in the air from spring to early autumn in temperate climates and may be present during the whole year in tropical climates.
Animals can also trigger allergies in people. Examples of this include: dogs cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and horses. Insects can also be an important cause of allergy: insect venoms (especially from bees and wasps) can cause severe allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive and cockroaches can also be a source of inhaled allergen.
Tobacco smoke, diesel exhaust particles and other pollutants are irritant factors that can aggravate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
The most common symptoms of allergy are sneezing, runny nose and watering eyes; itchy eyes and nose (allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis).; itching, reddening and swelling of the skin (urticaria, eczema) as well as wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties (asthma).
Optimal control of your disease usually requires medical treatment but also avoidance of the allergens and triggering factors that initiate or aggravate your symptoms.
The Allergy Family game is a fun way to understand allergy, the medical treatment involved, and allergen avoidance. Your children can learn about allergy whilst having fun!