THE NORTH West Ambulance Service has warned residents after seeing a seven per cent increase in the number of emergency callouts relating to allergies.

Last year the trust received 4,200 callouts relating to allergies – an increase of seven per cent on the previous year.

With 21 million allergy sufferers nationally, residents are being offered advice on what to do when an allergic reaction occurs as part of Allergy Awareness Week.

Most people do not require any care for their allergies but some can prompt anaphylactic shock, with severe cases occurring in just seconds of exposure and potentially fatal.

Duncan Robertson, consultant paramedic at the North West Ambulance Service, said: “Last year the trust received 4,200 emergency calls related to patients suffering with allergies – which increased by seven per cent on the previous year.

“Most allergic reactions are mild and patients should contact their GP or local pharmacist in the first instance to seek treatment.

“However if someone is experiencing the symptoms of anaphylaxis then do call 999 for an ambulance as this is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment.

“Anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction previously will likely know the signs to look out for and try to manage exposure and avoid wherever possible – they should make sure that they check regularly their epi-pens are in date and to see their GP for a new one if it has expired.”

Signs to look out for include swollen eyes, lips, hands or feet, itchy skin or rashes and feeling lightheaded.