text: Britain is in the grip of an allergy epidemic, a report claims today. The number of allergy sufferers is soaring and almost half of those with severe allergies live in daily fear of suffering a potentially fatal reaction. Yet many Britons are unaware of the seriousness of the condition, says the study by charity Allergy UK. Scroll down for video . The number of allergy sufferers is soaring and almost half of those with severe allergies live in daily fear of suffering a potentially fatal reaction . A poll of more than 2,000 adults to mark Allergy Awareness Week reveals that over two thirds would not know how to help if they saw someone suffering an allergic reaction. Two-thirds also don't know how to use an adrenaline pen which can save the lives of those suffering a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The warning comes as latest figures show hospital admissions for allergies increased by 8 per cent between 2013 and 2014. More than 20,000 people a year are admitted to hospital in England for allergic reactions. A poll of more than 2,000 adults for the charity to mark the start of Allergy Awareness Week reveals that over two thirds of adults (68 per cent) would not know how to help if they saw someone suffering an allergic reaction . Around 21million Britons have some kind of allergy, ranging from hayfever to reactions to food, medication and wasp stings. Nearly all of those living with a severe allergy say their daily life is affected by the condition. There is no consensus on the reasons for the increase in allergies but explanations put forward include a combination of changing diet, genetics and improved hygiene. For example, we now live in a cleaner world, so children are no longer coming into contact with the bacteria that is needed to develop the immune system.
target: Hospital admissions for allergies rose by 8 per cent between 2013 and 2014 .
  Around 21million Britons have some kind of allergy, such as hayfever .
  But more than two thirds would not know what to do if they saw someone having an allergic reaction .