More than half of Brits experience allergies – with two in five of these saying their seasonal reactions started earlier than usual this year.
A poll of 2,000 adults in the UK found that tree pollen, grass and dust mites were the most common causes of symptoms.
But more unusual causes of things like dry eyes and sneezing come from wearing jewellery, getting a tattoo – and even drinking wine.
Seasonal allergies are most common in the warmer months of May through August. One in four (26%) suffer from severe reactions.
More than half (54%) of all people suffering from allergies have accepted their symptoms as they are and have not looked into ways to help them.
71% of people (71%) have actually self-diagnosed with allergies.
(Image by BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Anshu Kaura, pharmacist LloydsPharmacyAccording to the company that commissioned the research: “It’s clear from our research that allergic reactions are not only extremely common amongst Brits, but are also not mild and can often be really debilitating, making it incredibly difficult to continue with their everyday lives.
“That’s why it is so important for those who do live with allergies – especially those that flare up seasonally – to speak to a pharmacist or GP to know exactly what is causing them, so they can get the best possible support to mitigate the symptoms.”
Research revealed that seasonal allergies can cause itching, runny noses, and watery eyes.
Sadly, almost one-fourth (23%) of people with allergies claim that their symptoms can make it difficult to breathe.
It was also highlighted how allergies are impacting people’s lives – with one in five saying their reactions to seasonal changes limit what they feel they can confidently do in everyday life.
Interestingly, 63 percent of respondents have avoided doing anything because they worry about allergic reactions.
(Image by BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
More than one in three (36%) have dodged going outside at certain times of the day – and 25% have ducked out of picnics.
As well as affecting romantic relationships, allergic reactions are also affecting love lives. More than one-tenth of people (13%) have admitted to turning down a date because of an allergy.
A third of five Brits suffering from seasonal allergies (61%) have sought professional help because their symptoms have been so severe.
Nearly half of them visited their GP (46%), while 26% sought out advice from a specialist and 20% visited a local pharmacist.
However, 28% of respondents said that they struggle to find the right person to talk to about allergies.
According to OnePoll research, 33% say it is difficult for them to find information about specific allergy symptoms.
TOP 20 MOST COMMON ALLERGIES
- Tree pollen
- Grass
- Dust mites
- Insect bites
- Animal dander (hair, skin)
- Stinging insects
- Mould
- Penicillin
- Jewellery
- Laundry detergent
- Shellfish
- Cleaning chemicals
- Sunlight
- Cow’s milk
- Fruit
- Ibuprofen
- Pollinated fruit
- Hair dye
- Aspirin
- Sweat
