Nearly half of people with an allergy (43%) have not been able to sleep and more than a third (37%) have not been able to concentrate at work because of their allergy, yet only 17% always take medication to alleviate their symptoms according to new research[1] from the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC).

More people are suffering from allergies now than we were 5 years ago. In fact, the UK reports the highest level of allergies in Europe: it is estimated that almost 20 million people in the UK suffer from an allergy. New CHIC research shows that allergies are seriously affecting quality of life for UK sufferers in a range of ways:

• One in five have cancelled a social engagement because of it (20%)
• One in five avoid socialising outside in the summer months (22%)
• More than a quarter have changed clothes to hide a skin allergy (26%)
• Almost one in five have worn less eye makeup to avoid it running (19%)
• 14% have got rid of a pet due to their allergy.

But, despite such an impact on day-to-day life, many people are waiting too long to treat symptoms and one in five people (20%) with an allergy never take any medication for it at all.

Dr Paul Stillman, CHIC advisor, comments: “Allergies are so prevalent now and there are a range of good treatments that can alleviate the misery that many people experience – there is no need to suffer in silence. The impact that allergy symptoms have on people’s sleep, concentration at work and even their social life is huge and we must ensure that people with allergies have the best information and advice on how to manage their symptoms.

“The CHIC research showed that people consider colds and flu to have more of an impact on day-to-day life, but remember that an adult will spend on average 4 weeks a year with a cold, but symptoms for a hayfever sufferer can last several months! With more and more people developing an allergy it is vital that the support is available to help people limit the impact on their every-day life.”

The key to managing an allergy is knowing what triggers it and what helps to calm the symptoms when they occur. Knowing the allergen that brings on symptoms means that people can take steps to avoid it where possible. Also being aware of the treatment that works will help keep the pain and discomfort to a minimum.

CHIC has produced a new Guide to Allergies for information and advice on identifying and managing an allergy. To request a free copy of the guide, consumers can call the CHIC helpline on 020 7404 7842 or download a copy from the CHIC website at www.chic.org.uk

For further information please contact:
Sophie Taylor-Roberts 020 7808 9754
Cait Woodward 020 7808 9756

Notes to Editors:
CHIC is an information service run by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) to help people understand and treat everyday healthcare problems.

[1] Access Telephone Omnibus Survey, 28th – 30th January 2005.