Living with allergy brings with it some significant challenges for both adults and children as it can affect every aspect of life from school and work to holidays and socialising.

It has an impact on families and friends too, particularly parents who live with the stress and worry of protecting their child from serious allergic reactions when they are away from home, at school or with friends. 

The search for a diagnosis can be a challenge in itself and it can be important to understand the role of specific health professionals on the road to effective treatment.

Antihistamines are probably the best known type of allergy medication, and most are readily available from a pharmacy without prescription. However, there are a number of different types of antihistamines; some have been used for many years, some are improvements on old drugs, and new antihistamines are being developed all the time.

While antihistamines used to have a reputation for making people drowsy, more modern antihistamines only occasionally have those side effects.

Some occupations, such as the Armed Forces, the Police, or factory environments may have certain requirements for people with particular allergies.  If you have an allergy and are worried about the impact it will have on your job, contact our Helpline for advice.  For more information on allergy and the Armed Forces, please download our allergy and the military Factsheet below.