allergy

Everyday

1. An allergy is when your body reacts badly to something that is harmless for most people, such as nuts, pollen, cats or bee stings. tree →
2. The reaction can be sneezing, itching, a rash, swelling or, sometimes, serious trouble breathing. tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons, allergies matter because a serious reaction (anaphylaxis) can be dangerous and needs an adrenaline pen and emergency help. Schools often have nut-free rules and lists of pupils' allergies. In everyday life people with allergies read food labels and tell others what they cannot eat. Phrases: be allergic to, a nut allergy, hay fever (an allergy to pollen), allergic reaction.

Examples

• My friend has a nut allergy, so we don't share snacks with nuts. tree →
• I'm allergic to cats; they make me sneeze. tree →
• Hay fever is an allergy to pollen in spring and summer. tree →
• Always tell the teacher if you have an allergy. tree →
• Her lips swelled because of an allergic reaction. tree →
• Some people carry a special pen in case of a serious allergy. tree →
• Read the label to check for things you are allergic to. tree →
• Bee stings can cause an allergy in some people. tree →

Note

Plural: allergies. Adjective: allergic («allergic to peanuts», with «to»). An allergy is not catching: you cannot give it to someone else. Never offer food to someone with an allergy without checking with an adult. If someone's face swells or they cannot breathe, call emergency services (999 in the UK and Ireland, 911 in the USA and Canada, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand).