I'm Having An Allergic Reaction

My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you

- Dr Sarah Jarvis

Allergies are really common – hay fever for instance is an allergy to pollen. Many rashes are an allergic reaction to things your skin comes into contact with.

Many allergies are minor but irritating, and can be dealt with using steroid (cream for skin, sprays for noses etc). But severe allergies can be life-threatening.

There are two main types of allergy, and the possible outcomes are completely different. Allergies are caused by an overreaction from your immune system – largely provided by the white blood cells in your body, which help fight off infection.

An IgE (Immunoglobulin E) reaction is rapid, often severe, even life-threatening – more later. A non-IgE reaction is delayed and can affect just one part of your body.