Are you allergic to dust, pets... or even mould?

IN HAY fever, the substance that causes an adverse reaction is pollen. But a handful of other substances, when breathed in, can trigger allergic reactions, too.

Pet hair is a common one – sufferers tend to be allergic not to the hair itself, but to microscopic, dead animal skin cells attached to it. Less common is an allergy to airborne dust mites and gases emitted by mould. Tackling animal hair allergy is easy: don’t keep pets in the home and wash clothes that have come into contact with animals immediately. Those with dust mite and mould allergies should open windows during the day to ventilate the home.

If your allergies seem severe you may be referred for testing at a specialist allergy clinic.

A specific blood test can measure compounds produced by the immune system in reaction to allergens. These compounds, called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, are released when an allergic person is exposed to certain allergens. Specific IgE antibodies correlate to specific allergens.

Your GP will take a blood sample and test for antibodies related to these common allergens.

If this detects an allergy, they may perform a skin prick or scratch test, which measures the severity of a reaction. A drop of liquid containing the allergen is placed on your forearm, and your skin is gently pricked. The skin will then be monitored for a signs of an allergic reaction, such as a red bump or weal.