Allergies
The UK has some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world, with over 20% of the population affected by one or more allergic disorders.
Relevant information can be found on this page to support managing patients presenting in primary care with guidance on suitable self-care measures and medication.
Information on the anticholinergic burden of medications used to treat allergy can be found on our deprescribing webpage.
NEWS
National Patient Safety Alert: Class 1 Medicines Recall Notification: Recall of Emerade 500 micrograms and Emerade 300 micrograms auto-injectors, due to the potential for device failure
Allergic Rhinitis
Mild to moderate hayfever should be considered self-care. Please see our self-care webpage for more information and resources including our self-care quick guide.
See the formulary guidance for prescribing recommendations for allergic rhinitis.
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)
NHS Somerset ICB: Adrenaline Auto-Injector advice on use for GPs and patients summarises key messages for patients. It also contains information on how to obtain training devices, register for expiry alert services and provides direct links to training videos for different devices.
MHRA: Advice on use of adrenaline auto-injectors (August 2018 update)
MHRA: The correct use of your Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) is a good quick reference infographic for patients and includes information on recognising the signs of anaphylaxis, what to do in an emergency including correct positioning, being prepared and how to report any faults or problems.
NICE Clinical guideline [CG134] Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment
It is recommended that patients are prescribed two pens which they should carry on their person at all times.
Anaphylaxis UK have produced a number of factsheets about living with different types of allergies and anaphylaxis.
Allergies and Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools
All primary and secondary schools in England can buy adrenaline auto-injectors from a pharmacy, without a prescription, for use in emergencies. The Department of Health and Social Care have published guidance on using emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools.
Allergy UK has fact sheets and resources for schools covering a wide range of allergies.
Cows Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)
See our infant feeding page for CMPA guidelines for both breastfed and formula fed infants and for information on breastfeeding with special diets.
Eczema
For information on prescribing in eczema and other skin conditions see our Dermatology page.
Food Allergies
Cows Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)
See our infant feeding page for CMPA guidelines and information on breastfeeding with special diets.
Lactose Intolerance
While lactose intolerance is a sugar intolerance, rather than an allergy, information has been given by SPS: Prescribing in lactose intolerance and how to identify lactose free medicines
Oral Immunotherapy
See the Somerset Traffic Light System for information on oral immunotherapy.
Palforzia for treating peanut allergy in children and young people is currently RED.
Patient Resources
Food Allergy
Allergy UK: Food Allergy
Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers. This could be because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk, such as cross contamination. Allergy UK are informed by the Food Standards Agency and provide a free alert service where they alert the public via their website, social media and by sending allergy alert emails to those who have requested them. Patients can sign up to receive alerts for particular allergens.
Food Allergy in Children
Patient Webinars: Food allergy in children
Allergy UK: Parent Pathways aims to support to parents, children and adolescents by providing age specific information and resources to help the child gain more independence around their allergies.
Allergy UK also has fact sheets and resources for schools covering a wide range of allergies.
For information on using emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools see Allergies and Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools