DORSET County Hospital saw its highest number of A&E attendances of children and teenagers with an allergic reaction last year since 2010, figures have revealed.

According to statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSIC), Dorset County Hospital saw 47 A&E attendances by children aged up to 17 years of age in 2010.

Of these, seven were admitted to hospital or transferred to another healthcare provider and 40 were discharged.

In 2011 the hospital saw 61 A&E attendances, with eight patients discharged and 53 admitted or transferred.

This figure of A&E attendances reduced to 57 in 2012 and 52 in 2013, but then a rise to 63 attendances last year.

According to Allergy UK, one in four people in the UK suffers from an allergy at some point in their lives.

The numbers are increase ing every year and up to half of those affected are children.

Allergy sufferers in Dorset of any age are now being urged to follow this NHS advice.

The NHS website states: “If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction, make sure you carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with you everywhere.

“Wear a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag medallion or bracelet so that people are aware of your allergy in an emergency.

“Consider telling your teachers, work colleagues and friends, so they can give you your adrenaline injection in an emergency, while waiting for an ambulance.

“Following this advice could save your life.”

Some of the most common allergens are hay fever, dust mites, animal skin or hair, and food such as shellfish and nuts.

Symptoms of an allergy can include sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes and swelling.

For allergy advice visit nhs.uk/conditions/Allergies