The following information has been taken from Royal College of Physicians report titled ‘Allergy the Unmet Need’ published in 2003:

The UK has one of the highest rates of allergic disease, including allergic rhinitis, in the world. Moreover, allergies are on the increase in the UK: Asthma, rhinitis and eczema have increased in incidence two to three-fold in the last 20 years.

The latest estimates suggest that one-third of the total UK population - approximately 18 million people - will develop an allergy at some time in their lives.

Nasal allergic symptoms, that don’t seem to want to go away, like blocked or runny nose and sneezing are frequently misdiagnosed as a permanent cold. A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians states that up to 3 out of 4 sufferers of these year round symptoms may actually have an allergy.

In addition to the toll that allergic rhinitis/hayfever takes on sufferers by itself, many conditions are associated with allergic rhinitis/hayfever. These include onset or worsening of asthma, development of sinusitis and worsening of conjunctivitis. This is due to so called 'inflammation' that occurs in allergies.

In children, symptoms of allergic rhinitis can impair learning, memory and school performance. This can be further impaired by the use of sedating anti-histamines.

Scientific research into allergies is making progress, but is a long way from finding a once-and-for-all solution.

This website is designed to help answer questions and provide support for allergy sufferers in the UK.