Allergies have been on the rise for decades, affecting millions of people worldwide, with one in three UK adults currently experiencing allergic reactions at some point in their lives.

Rebecca Seal’s book Irritated explores what lies behind this epidemic – one reason being that there is a tiny field of allergy specialists – and provides practical strategies for managing symptoms and finding relief.

Nut allergies have jumped to one in 70 children now, as opposed to one in 250 in 1997, food allergy anaphylaxis increased by 5.7% between 1998 and 2018.

She has interviewed a range of clinical experts about recent developments in understanding and treatments, as well as talking to parents, young people and children about their experience living with allergies.

An author, journalist and broadcaster, Rebecca also explains the difference between allergies and intolerances, the role of gut health, and the different types of allergy such as food, skin, environmental and chemical.