NEARLY half of people with an allergy have not been able to sleep and more than a third have not been able to concentrate at work, yet only 17 per cent always take medication to alleviate their symptoms, according to new research.

More people are suffering from allergies now than five years ago. In fact, the UK reports the highest level of allergies in Europe: it is estimated that almost 20 million people in the UK suffer from an allergy.

New Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) research shows that allergies are seriously affecting quality of life.

Researchers found that 43 per cent of people with an allergy had been unable to sleep and 37 per cent had not been able to concentrate because of their allergy.

Allergies had other effects

* One in five has cancelled a social engagement because of it (20 per cent)

* One in five avoids socialising outside in the summer months (22 per cent)

* More than a quarter have changed clothes to hide a skin allergy (26 per cent)

* Almost one in five has worn less eye makeup to avoid it running (19 per cent)

* 14 per cent have got rid of a pet due to their allergy.

But, despite such an impact on day-to-day life, many people are waiting too long to treat symptoms and one in five people (20 per cent) with an allergy never takes any medication for it at all.

* CHIC has produced a new guide to allergies which contains information on managing an allergy. To request a free copy of the guide, call the CHIC helpline on 020 7404 7842 or download a copy from the CHIC website at www.chic.org.uk.