Posted 8 hours ago,
Reading 3 mins.
An English study shows that the impact of allergies is often minimized by the general public. A lack of consideration that has an impact on the mental health of people with allergies.
Today, more than a billion people in the world suffer from allergies, according to the biopharmaceutical laboratory Stallergenes Greer.
Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to substances such as food, mold, pollen or dust. While most people may experience mild to moderate allergic symptoms, some may experience severe and life-threatening reactions. Besides the physical symptoms, allergies can also impact a person’s emotional well-being.
On April 25, 2022, an investigation by Allergy UKa non-profit organization from the UK, found that negative perceptions of allergies impacted the mental health of allergy sufferers and their carers.
4 worrying results on the perception of allergies
The study was conducted among 2,937 allergic people and 1,085 non-allergic people. Researchers found that 60% of respondents said they had allergies and 79% knew someone with an allergy.
4 worrying results in terms of mental health emerged from the study:
- 53% of people with allergies regularly avoid certain social situations because of their allergy;
- 52% regularly feel like they have to play down their allergies for fear of judgment from family, friends or employers. This attitude leads to feelings of fear, isolation and depression;
- Two in five parents said their child had been teased or bullied because of their allergy, leading to feelings of isolation. 40% of them associated the word “isolation” their child’s allergy;
- 54% of parents admitted that they felt very or extremely anxious at the thought of their child having an allergic reaction during a catin meal.
Neglect of people with allergies
More than a third of respondents said that people with allergies exaggerate the severity of their allergies and lie about them to avoid foods. For many, allergy, like hay fever, is a minor, seasonal problem.
The study thus highlighted the minimization of the psychological consequences of allergies by the general public.
This survey underlined the importance of raising public awareness of the impact of allergies on mental health. AllergyUK wants to give allergies the place it deserves, which is simply reflected in its new campaign: “It’s time for the UK to take allergy seriously”.
Natasha Coates, disabled gymnast and winner of 22 British titles, is also trying to raise awareness about the psychological impact of allergies. She herself has suffered from several allergies since birth, says: “It’s hard to imagine the sense of fear and isolation one can feel when living with a severe or life-threatening allergy. Misunderstanding and underestimating allergies can make day-to-day activities deeply stressful ( whether it’s dining out, spending time with friends or even shopping), and can often lead to feelings of loneliness”.
Consult an allergist online
Towards an allergic world?
“An allergy-free life is now the exception, not the rule”explained Carla Jones, CEO ofAllergyUK. The association offers help for allergy sufferers as well as educational resources for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. She also lobbies politicians and policy makers to improve care for people with allergies.
According to Stallergenes Greer, the number of allergies has been constantly increasing for 60 years, with a higher incidence rate in children. By 2050, one in two people in the world will suffer from allergies.