More Than Half of Brits Live with Allergies and Reports Suggest Symptoms Are Starting Earlier This Year

• A fifth (20 percent) admit allergic reactions limit what they feel they can confidently do in everyday life

• Two in five (42 percent) say their seasonal allergies started earlier this year

 With the UK heatwave threatening to finally make an appearance and summer just around the corner, new research from LloydsPharmacy[1]reveals more than half of Brits (56 percent) experience allergies, with more than two in five (42 percent) saying their seasonal allergies started earlier than usual this year.

The poll of 2,000 UK adults found tree pollen, grass, and dust mites to be the most common components causing symptoms of seasonal allergies to flare up. More unusual causes of symptoms such as dry eyes and sneezing from wearing jewelry, getting a tattoo – and even wine was also reported.

Of those who do experience seasonal allergies, the warmer months of May to August are when they are worst hit and as many as one in four (26 percent) often experience severe reactions.

Living with symptoms

It emerged more than half (54 percent) of those with allergies have learnt to live with their symptoms and haven’t explored ways they can help to keep them at bay, and more than seven in 10 (71 percent) have even self-diagnosed themselves with an allergy. 

Itchiness, a runny nose, and watering eyes are the most severe and common impacts of seasonal allergies and nearly one in four (23 percent) claim allergies make them struggle for breath.

Impacting daily lives

The research highlights how allergies are impacting people’s lives, with as many as a fifth (20 percent) saying their allergic reactions to seasonal changes limit what they feel they can confidently do in everyday life.

Nearly two thirds (63 percent) have actively avoided doing something because they are concerned about the impact of an allergy; more than one in three (36 percent) dodged going outside at certain times of the day, while a quarter (25 percent) have ducked out of picnics.

It’s also having an impact on our dating lives with some (13 percent) admitting to declining a date because they were conscious about an outbreak of symptoms.

Seeking professional help

Three in five (61 percent) Brits who have seasonal allergies have consulted a professional about their problems because it’s been so bad.

Of these, nearly half visited their GP (46 percent), a quarter (26 percent) sought advice from a specialist, and a fifth (20 percent) paid a visit to a local pharmacist.  Despite this, more than a quarter (28 percent) said they find it hard to know who to speak with about allergies, and a third (33 percent) claim it is difficult to find out information about specific allergies.

Anshu Kaura, Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy, said: “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. LloydsPharmacy is here to offer advice – just drop into one of our stores where one of our pharmacists will be there to help.”

20 MOST COMMON ALLERGIES 

1. Tree pollen
2. Grass
3. Dust mites
4. Insect bites
5. Animal dander (hair, skin)
6. Insect stings
7. Mould
8. Penicillin
9. Jewelry
10. Laundry detergent
11. Shellfish
12. Cleaning chemicals
13. Sunlight
14. Cow’s milk
15. Fruit
16. Ibruprofen
17. Pollinated fruit
18. Hair dye
19. Aspirin
20. Sweat

LloydsPharmacy

[1] Research conducted by LloydsPharmacy and OnePoll with 2000 UK adults between 05/10/2022-05/12/2022

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