What you need to know about managing your allergies at university

23rd August 2023

What you need to know about managing your allergies at university

Heading off to university is a huge leap. Whether it’s you yourself going or you’re a parent of a child who’s flying the nest in September, it’s a big moment. It’s time to leave your old life behind and head off into something new. You have to juggle classes, forge new friendships, and have a little fun as you go.

But if you have allergies – especially a food allergy – it’s going to change the experience. You can’t freely do what a lot of your peers can and it adds a whole host of fresh hurdles to avoid. What are some of the key lessons you’re going to have to learn? We have three of the biggest right here.

Note: if you’re a student heading out on your own for the first time, we hope these tips help you manage your allergies. And if you’re a parent, we hope they put your mind at ease – even if just a little bit.

You’re not going to be living alone

This one sounds obvious: in your first year, you’re likely in halls. In future years, you’ll have to share with friends. Either way, it means living with people who don’t have the same concerns as you and sharing an environment that could be rife for cross-contamination.

There’s going to have to be a certain amount of education. You’ll need to let them know what exactly you’re allergic to, how it can affect you, and what you would like from them. It would also be good to find someone in particular you can trust to talk to about your adrenaline auto-injector (AAI). Having someone who knows where it is and how to apply it is going to be critical.

Since you can’t guarantee they’ll always be the most vigilant (even if they’re trying their hardest), you’re going to have to learn to create a safe space where you can. Always thoroughly clean countertops before cooking, only use your kitchen wares, and clearly label all of your things.

You’ll have to take some personal responsibility

As you’ve been living with your allergy, you’ve likely had to grow up faster than your peers. So you’ll be used to taking care of yourself to a degree. But the odds are you’ll be on your own now – no parents to keep watch. And that comes with a level of responsibility.

You need to look after yourself, even though there will be times at university when you can’t. Yes, you might get a bit inebriated at some point. That’s going to impair your decision-making skills. Whenever you drink, just make sure you can still look after yourself. We all do dumb things when under the influence, but stay safe where you can.

Another aspect is looking after your health. What’s your plan if you need to refill a prescription? Are you regularly checking the expiration date on your AAI? Do you know who your doctor is if you have to talk about your allergy? It’s on you to be proactive now.

Look after your own space

Part of managing your allergy is going to be controlling the environment around you where you can. And there are plenty of steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Number one – and you might not like this truth – is getting good at cleaning. Cleaning your kitchen, your room, and your shared spaces. It’s necessary to remove any allergens before you use a surface.

Another step you could take is to invest in something like a mini fridge. It might seem like an overreaction, but it’s a simple way to separate your food and ensure there’s no cross-contamination. And take your food shopping seriously. You’re going to have to learn how to interrogate ingredient labels if you’re not experienced already.

University is a lot of fun. But so much of it is about learning to take care of yourself. You’ll be surprised how much education takes place outside the classroom. What’s important is looking after yourself, taking your condition seriously, and – most of all – having a great time.

Whether you’re a university student or a parent of a soon-to-be one, make sure you’re ready for what comes next. Talk to our allergy specialists for ongoing advice about how to best manage your allergies. Get in touch on 02031 433 449 or register as a patient with us here.

Back to school with food allergies: how can you prepare?

16th August 2023

Back to school with food allergies: how can you prepare?

It’s a scary time in any parent’s life: when your child goes off to school. Whether they’re just starting primary or are moving up to secondary school, you can’t help but feel this anxiety. Will they be okay? Will they do well? And will they make friends? All completely understandable concerns.

But if your child has an allergy, that’s a whole new level of stress. Not only are you worrying about the above, but now you have to face the prospect of letting your child head into an environment you can’t control. It’s something you can’t avoid. There is a silver lining, though. You can be proactive. Here’s our advice for managing your child’s allergies as they head back to school.

Talk to the school ahead of time

Your best first move is to let the school know that your child has an allergy. Yes, even if they’ve been going there for a few years already, it’s still best to check in every September. The school will have a duty of care to look after your child. The Children and Families Act 2014 makes it a legal requirement for them to make arrangements for pupils with medical conditions – and that includes allergies.

Talking to them allows you to get on the same page. What are your concerns? How do they address them? Ask about their allergy policy and what their response is to an allergic reaction. This conversation may also involve school nurses and catering staff, especially if your child has a food allergy.

Talk to your child

Depending on their age, there’s a good chance your child already knows how to handle their allergy – at least partly. They’re going to have to be responsible for themselves, so the more you can equip them with knowledge, the better.

For younger kids, it’s about making sure they know which foods (or other allergens) make them sick and to avoid them. No trading snacks or accepting food they don’t know. It’s also important you explain why – you don’t have to go into all the worst details, but they should know that “X food = sick”.

Older kids are more likely to be aware of their allergies, but they’re also at that age where identity is important to them. What teenagers want is to feel in control of their lives, especially when they have an allergy that holds them back. So work with them to come up with a plan. Give them some control in how they manage their condition.

What happens to their adrenaline auto-injector (AAI)?

Each school will have its own policy in how it handles any AAI. In fact, they should have a tailored allergy plan for each child with the condition. And that will involve the question of what to do with AAIs.

There are two concerns for you here: location and staff training. Where are the AAIs stored? And how long will it take for them to reach your child in an emergency? Anything longer than 5 minutes is a no go, so make sure it’s closer than that. Older kids may be allowed to carry their own on their person. 

In regards to staff training, you’ll want to know who is capable of administering the AAI in case of an attack. If the school doesn’t have someone, make sure they work on getting a teacher or member of staff qualified before term starts.

Controlling food

It’s hard to talk about allergies without specifically mentioning food allergies. They’re common and can lead to some of the most fatal reactions. This is why you want to talk to the catering staff at the school. They should be required to make reasonable adjustments for certain pupils, so ask what their policy on food allergens is. How do they mitigate risk?

If their answers don’t fill you with confidence, consider packed lunches. It’s much easier to control. Talk to the school about potentially setting up a lunch buddy system so your child can eat at a table with students that have allergy-safe food.

Will this remove your anxiety? Likely not – nothing ever will. But will it at least make you feel more prepared? Absolutely. These are proactive steps you can take to make sure your child is as safe as can be. It’s a difficult time, but one you can get through together.

If you need more advice and strategies for managing your child’s allergies, get in touch with our experts today. You can register as a new patient or simply call us on 02031 433 449.

Food for thought: 4 foods with hidden allergens

9th August 2023

Food for thought: 4 foods with hidden allergens

Food allergies can feel like you’re navigating a minefield. When you have one, you realise just how common your allergen is, making food shopping, dining out, and even going to a friend’s a more complicated task than it needs to be. But even foods you would never expect to be hazardous can be a danger.

It’s why you should always read the ingredients label and find out what’s in your food. We wanted to do a bit of an experiment: what seemingly innocuous foods actually contain allergens? In our research, we found some surprising examples…

Sauces

There are certain sauces you might expect to contain allergens. Something described as a “creamy” sauce is likely to contain milk or eggs. That’s a given. But what about barbecue sauce? We found a couple of examples that had peanuts in them – including one popular jerk BBQ brand.

It didn’t end there. Many other sauces – be they for barbecue, burgers, or kebabs – frequently contained eggs and soya. Even your run-of-the-mill tomato ketchup can contain celery. So it’s not always the ingredients you expect in such a simple condiment.

Salad dressings

Dressings are similar. Again, you probably expect it from a Caesar dressing, but not necessarily from a vinaigrette. We found dressings that contained celery and mustard, and many vinaigrettes contained sulphur dioxide or sulphites. While these alone might now cause allergies, they have been shown to aggravate people’s asthma symptoms.

The main issue here is when you’re dining out. A simple salad at a restaurant might sound nice, but if you don’t know what dressing they’re using, you can’t be sure what you’re being exposed to.

Hot dogs

For this, we’re referring to the kind you find preserved with something like brine in a glass jar. Classic hot dogs that you can cook up in five minutes. We found one brand that contains celery, soya, and mustard all in one pork package. So it got us thinking about other processed meats.

Allergens can be quite prevalent in canned, tinned, or even sandwich meats. We found ham with wheat in it. Spam with milk. Even normal sausages use eggs as a binding agent. Saying that, we did find sandwich meats that were free from most common allergens, so there are safer options available.

Pet food

This is an odd one, we know. But something you might not consider is what your dog or cat eats and how that can affect you. For example, let’s say you give them a treat that contains peanut butter. If they come over to give you some affection – maybe even a lick – there could now be trace amounts of that peanut butter on your skin, causing a reaction.

We found examples that contained everything from wheat and dairy to more specific fruit and vegetable allergens. Is the amount so low that a reaction is unlikely? Probably. But it’s adding risk into your life that doesn’t need to be there.

There’s no doubt that, if you’re a seasoned pro with your allergies, that you’re used to looking at labels and picking out examples like these. But you still have to be vigilant. If you ever get complacent and don’t think twice about that hot dog you’re eating, it could cause unexpected (and unnecessary) discomfort. So keep these in mind – and keep your eyes open.

Navigating allergies is a constant battle, and we understand how that can beat you down over time. But you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our allergy specialists are experts in guiding you through your allergies and giving you the peace of mind to live your life without compromise. To register as a new patient, click here. Or call us on 02031 433 449.

4 animal allergy myths – and the truth behind them

26th July 2023

4 animal allergy myths – and the truth behind them

We’re a nation of animal lovers, with 57% of UK households taking care of 38 million pets. And is it any surprise? They’re adorable, faithful companions, and endless entertainment. So it’s such a shame when someone has an allergy to an animal. As much as they love dogs or cats, they can’t help but have watery eyes or break out in hives the moment they come into contact.

Enter hypoallergenic pets. These are supposedly more allergy-friendly breeds that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. But it isn’t that simple. There are a lot of myths around them. And today, we want to address some of those and answer whether hypoallergenic animals really are the perfect choice.

#1 – Hypoallergenic pets prevent allergies

The biggest myth is that “hypoallergenic” means they won’t ever trigger your allergy. This isn’t true. Pet allergies are triggered by certain proteins that each animal will produce, and hypoallergenic breeds still create these proteins.

This myth may come from the fact that certain breeds are okay with some people with allergies. They might react to a Pomeranian but not a Poodle. Or these differences may vary from person to person. In these cases, it may come down to the specific protein someone is allergic to. So a hypoallergenic breed might be good for one person but not another.

#2 – It’s animal fur that triggers allergies

Even though there’s a lot of talk about fur when it comes to hypoallergenic pets, it’s not actually the fur that’s causing the problem. Pet allergies are usually triggered by animal “dander”. This is the equivalent of dandruff – it’s flakes of their dead skin.

Pets going about their business are going to shed dander in the same way we shed our skin. So when they’re living in the same space as you, that dander can aggravate you. Animal saliva and even urine can also trigger our allergies – but not typically the fur.

#3 – Hairless pets are a great alternative

There are some breeds – namely the Sphynx cat and Chinese Crested dog – that are practically hairless. And some people believe these breeds are perfect for people with animal allergies.

But as we just said, the fur isn’t a factor. A hairless cat or dog is still going to produce saliva and dander. If you stroke them, you’re still coming into contact with the proteins that trigger your allergies.

#4 – Animals with no fur are fine

Again, it’s not that simple. Yes, if you’re allergic to dogs you may not be allergic to birds. But that doesn’t make them hypoallergenic. There’s still the potential that someone is allergic to them. It just might make it a better pet for you in particular.

They’re just as capable of producing feather dander, and their unique proteins can easily be someone’s allergy. Airborne faecal particles can also be bad for someones allergies.

You should be able to enjoy the companionship of a pet if you want. But don’t misunderstand how animal allergies work. Make the choice that is right for you (or your family members). There are ways to have pets in the same home as someone with allergies, but you need to be aware of those repercussions. The more information you have, the better a decision you can make.

If you ever have any allergy concerns or want to diagnose an animal allergy once and for all, get in touch. Our allergy experts can guide you through the process and provide the advice you need to live a comfortable life. Simply register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

What you need to know about weed pollen season

12th July 2023

What you need to know about weed pollen season

Summer is often the time most associated with hay fever. In fact, we’ve covered the topic before. Extensively. But did you know that pollen season can start in early spring and go all the way through to late autumn – if not longer?

This is because there are three different “pollen” timeframes. You have tree pollen season in spring, grass pollen in summer, and weed pollen in autumn. A person may be allergic to just one or a mix of all three. So it means that, for some people, the annoyance of hay fever won’t be over for a while yet.

To help, we want to talk more about weed pollen, its symptoms, and which weeds are the biggest culprits. Let’s dive in!

When and what is weed pollen season?

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when weed pollen season starts. It largely depends on the weather and issues like climate change are shifting the window. But, typically, it can start as early as June and runs through to September. This is usually the season where weeds release their pollen as part of their reproductive process.

You’re more likely to feel the effects of your hay fever on warmer, drier days as there’s nothing in the air to get in the way of the pollen particles, so to speak. Wetter weather tends to suppress it, but the increase in rainfall might nourish weeds enough to release more pollen.

Symptoms of weed pollen allergy

The symptoms are pretty standard fare for hay fever. You’re going to experience the usual mix of a runny or blocked nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and potentially even difficulty breathing.

It’s important not to confuse an allergic reaction to a normal reaction to coming into contact with a weed. Nettles are the prime example. Brushing past one tends to bring you out in a bumpy rash, but this isn’t because of an allergy. They have small hairs on their leaves which leave irritants on your skin, causing the breakout. Hogweed does something similar.

What weeds to look out for

If you want to reduce your symptoms, it’s a good idea to get rid of any weeds in close proximity. Say, those in your garden. But what should you look out for? There are plenty of varieties, but here are some common examples:

• Nettles
• Ragweed
• Hogweed
• Mugwort
• Dock plants
• Plantain weeds

It’s unfortunate that weeds are so abundant as it makes avoiding its pollen a challenge. But if you take the necessary precautions and make sure you have any medication you need, you can reduce the toll it takes on you. Talk to your GP about the right treatment for you – or better yet, find an allergist to give you tailored advice.

Our team of allergy specialists know how difficult living with hay fever can be. Get in touch to talk to us about how you can live a happier and healthier life. Call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient today.

It’s not always fun in the sun: watch out for allergies at the beach

5th July 2023

It’s not always fun in the sun: watch out for allergies at the beach

In the UK, we have to make the most of summer while we have it. And we’ve been fortunate this year to see a lot of sun – with hopefully plenty more to come. That sunshine has kicked many of us into gear, inspiring us to get outside and enjoy the good weather. The first place plenty of people will head to? The beach.

Whether it’s sunnier shores in another country or right here on our lovely British coasts, the beach is always a great place to go. Even with all the sand getting everywhere. But what does this mean for your allergies? Here are some you need to be mindful of this summer.

The sun

As strange as it sounds, people can be “allergic” to the sun. There are a couple of ways this could come about, but we want to highlight one in particular: polymorphic light eruption. This is a scientific way of describing a rash on your skin after being exposed to the sun, very similar to an allergy.

Symptoms include an itchy or burning rash which can happen in mere hours, but can also take up to 2 to 3 days to turn up. And this can last for up to 2 weeks. It happens when the UV light touches our skin. The thought is that it alters something on the surface, which our immune system then reacts to. To combat it, stay in the shade when you can.

Sun cream

You could also protect yourself with sun cream, but this may cause issues itself. This will be a form of dermatitis – when your skin reacts to something it doesn’t agree with. It can be caused by an allergy. You might be allergic to something in the sun cream, causing your skin to break out in a rash or aggressive red patches.

Alternatively, it could be irritant contact dermatitis, which is more common in people with a history of eczema or sensitive skin. Symptoms will be similar and are more of a reaction to the sun cream as a whole rather than any one ingredient.

Pollen

Yes, pollen can still affect you at the beach. Many people assume that the coast is pollen-free. It is true that the sea breeze is more likely to blow it away, and the moisture in the air is going to give it less room to travel. But that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good.

Ragweed pollen has been found 400 miles out to sea. And up to two miles up in the air! It’s impossible to escape it forever. So don’t think you can skip out on your antihistamine this time.

Insects

We talked about insects not too long ago, and they’re just as likely to turn up at the beach. You also have beach-specific insects that live in the sand. If you’re lying on a towel on the ground, you may come into contact with them, and their bites might trigger your symptoms.

Not to mention the fact that people love to bring packed lunches with them to the beach, attracting wasps and bees who want a taste. If you know you have an insect allergy, don’t drop your guard and be as vigilant as you would usually be.

With all this said, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your day at the beach. Have fun, get some sun, and eat an ice cream for us. Just make sure you’re doing it in the safest way possible.

If you ever have any allergy concerns, you can always talk to one of our allergy specialists. We can help you navigate the ins and outs of your condition and allow you to live the best life possible. Just call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

What NOT to say to people with food allergies

28th June 2023

What NOT to say to people with food allergies

Navigating a food allergy is difficult. For anyone that doesn’t have one, you might not be familiar with the constant anxiety involved with checking every single ingredient in your food. The feeling that something might cause an allergic reaction. And the unending conversations where you have to explain your condition to people who don’t (or simply don’t want to) understand.

Unless you’re living with that constantly over your head, it’s hard to see how deeply it can affect a person. The last thing they need is someone making careless remarks that undermine their condition. And you might be contributing without even realising. So here are some phrases people with food allergies often hear – and how you can be a bit kinder with your words.

“Is it really that bad?”

Sometimes, people can see food allergies as something akin to food preferences. That any reaction can’t be that bad and that some foods are just worth it. But this downplays their condition. Even if it isn’t a life-threatening allergy (which it can be), it still takes a mental and physical toll on a person.

Instead, be more empathetic. Ask them how their allergy affects them. Hearing the struggle they go through will give you some perspective and show you that, yes, it really is that bad.

“Can’t you just eat something normal?”

Questions like this often get asked when the topic of dining out comes up. Not every restaurant will put the effort in to accommodate people with food allergies, but that doesn’t matter, right? They can just have the regular spaghetti bolognese and be fine. But that’s not how it works. And they can’t simply eat the vegan option either.

This type of question is rude because there is no “normal”. A person with allergies has every right to feel comfortable no matter where they go. So, as an alternative, ask for their restaurant recommendations. Where do they like? After all, it’s probably easier for you to adjust than them.

“I could never stop eating that!”

Okay, thanks for the input. While you might find the idea of a hypothetical life free from bread or cheese to be ghastly, that’s their actual reality. They’re living it, and they’re probably not happy either. Especially if it’s a condition that came later in life so they know what they’re missing out on.

And they’ll have heard it all before. There’s nothing worse than hearing the same joke over and over. Instead, be supportive. Don’t say something like this and make an effort to match their dietary needs. Eat their food. Make them an allergy-free version they can eat. Something to show you care.

Most of all, never accuse someone with a food allergy of complaining. They’re a challenge to work around and make life harder than it needs to be. No one would do that on purpose. So be more empathetic to people with allergies in your life and ask yourself if there’s anything you could be doing to help them.

If you have allergy concerns of your own, don’t feel like you have to suffer in silence. Get in touch with us to talk to an allergy specialist who can help you diagnose any unknown conditions. Simply reach us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

4 rare food allergies that you should know about

14th June 2023

4 rare food allergies that you should know about

It’s easy to see why some people are foodies. There’s such a rich variety of foods out there to enjoy. A bounty of fruit, vegetables, meats, different cuisines from around the world – we hope we’re not making you too hungry!

But not everyone can enjoy every food. Food allergies prevent people from eating some very common ingredients, making it hard to navigate simple meals. We all know about nut allergies, or something like gluten intolerance. But what are some lesser-known food allergies? Let’s take a look at some of the rarer and more bizarre ones out there.

Meat allergies

A staple in many people’s diets, meat allergies can be incredibly strange. Take red meat allergies, for instance – otherwise known as alpha-gal syndrome. It can suddenly appear in people after a tick bite. It’s a strange reaction that isn’t fully understood. But we do know that the allergy isn’t directly to the meat. It’s actually a reaction to a molecule found in various red meats called alpha-gal.

Another odd allergy is a pork allergy. Through something called “pork-cat syndrome”, people who are allergic to cats may also be allergic to pork. This is because there is a similarity in the structure of cat and pork albumin (a type of protein).

Honey allergy

While a honey allergy might sound a bit strange, it makes sense. Because of how honey is made – by bees taking pollen from plants and trees – it can potentially affect people with pollen sensitivities.

It is considered incredibly rare – estimates put it at 0.001% occurrence rate. But this can change depending on allergies people have. For example, in one study, they found that 65% of participants were sensitive to honey made with dandelion pollen. So, theoretically, a person could be allergic to some honey but not others, depending on the source of the pollen.

Nickel allergy

We know what you’re thinking. This is a blog about food allergies, so why is nickel – a metal – on here? That’s because some foods contain nickel. Usually nickel allergies come up when talking about jewellery, but it’s just as relevant here.

Some flours and grains have been shown to have nickel in them. This includes oats, wheat, multi-grain bread, and brown rice. You can also find it in seafood, legumes like peanuts and lentils, certain vegetables (such as leeks or cabbages), and even chocolate.

Wine allergy

With wine, there are a few components that could be causing the reaction. Chief amongst them is grapes. But then you also have ethanol – which is the type of alcohol present in wine – yeast, sulfites, and firming agents, which can include proteins taken from milk, eggs, and fish.

And though this could technically happen with any wine, the research seems to show that red wine is the more common trigger. 83% of participants developed symptoms after drinking red wine, compared to the second most likely, white wine, at 31%.

All of these allergies are rare, but it just goes to show that anything can cause a reaction. What’s important is that you stay aware of your body and notice any changes after consuming something. That’s the only way you’re going to catch potential conditions before they do any real damage.

If you ever have any allergy concerns and want to talk to someone about them, feel free to reach out to our allergy specialists. They’re always happy to help. You can call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

How you can stop your allergies getting in the way of your exercise routine

7th June 2023

How you can stop your allergies getting in the way of your exercise routine

Exercise: we all have our own complicated relationship with it. Some of us love it – 58% of people exercise at least once a week. While others can’t stand the idea, which is why 64% of people say they don’t look after their health as much as they know they should. But this is changing; over the period between 2011 and 2019, gym membership numbers increased from 4.5 million to 7 million.

All of this to say that when it comes to the UK public and working out, there are challenges. To add to that, some people struggle even more because of their allergies. Especially at this time of year when seasonal allergies can disrupt something that doesn’t usually present problems. So how can you ensure your allergies don’t get in the way of your exercise routine?

Change up your exercise

If your allergies are getting in the way of your workout, you can always try switching it up. There are a couple of ways this could happen.

One is to change up where you exercise. If, for example, you’re finding the pollen in the air is causing symptoms or the summer heat is triggering your asthma, you might consider moving indoors. Either your home or a gym would suffice.

Alternatively, you could try a different exercise. Running outdoors might be affecting you because of the reasons above, so you can try swimming instead. Time is another factor. Pollen is usually released early in the day, allowing it to spread across the late morning and evening. So try an earlier exercise – or later in the evening works too, once the pollen has settled.

Change your clothes

For seasonal allergy sufferers, you might think the symptoms aren’t enough of a nuisance to change your routine. That’s fair enough. But get into the habit of changing (and washing) your clothes as soon as you return. Pollen can stick to your clothes, meaning you risk bringing it into your home and aggravating your hay fever constantly. There’ll be no reprieve.

Similarly, you might consider washing yourself as soon as you get back. Jump in the shower quickly when you return and focus on your hair. That’s something pollen can cling on to. Plus, a post-workout shower always feels good, right? It’s two birds with one stone!

Think about your medication

Depending on your allergy, you may have a prescribed or over-the-counter medication to combat it. People with seasonal allergies can buy antihistamines at any good supermarket, for example. The important point here is to use it as recommended. If it’s a prescribed medication, follow your doctor’s advice.

For antihistamines, they’re best used as a preventative measure. Meaning they aren’t as effective if you take them once your symptoms start. You’ll have a much better time if you get in the habit of taking them at the same time every day while allergy season is ongoing. The only caveat to this is do consult your GP first. They might have advice that’s better suited to your unique needs.

In fact, that’s ultimately our last piece of advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your allergies, your best bet is to ask a professional. Be it your GP or an allergy specialist. They will be able to guide you through your ideal steps for dealing with your particular allergy. And how you can exercise in peace without it bothering you too much.

If you want any allergy advice, our team of allergy specialists is always happy to help. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient.

How to conquer your allergy anxieties before you go on holiday

24th May 2023

How to conquer your allergy anxieties before you go on holiday

It’s around that time of year when many of us are thinking about the summer. In particular, escaping the often dreary British Isles for somewhere much sunnier. Over the coming months, we’re sure many of you will be dusting off the suitcases and getting ready to head abroad. Have an ice cream for us.

But while travelling is stressful for practically everyone, there is a certain group for whom it is anxiety-inducing. You may be one of them. Yes, you might have an allergy, and stepping outside of your comfort zone means having to navigate any potential reactions. It can be scary – especially with life-threatening food allergies – but we don’t want you to worry. Here’s how you can handle your holiday allergy anxieties every step of the way.

Before your flight

The more prepared you are, the more you can put your mind at ease. You can always look up allergy information before you leave. There are two main places to look for this: on the airport website and on your airline’s website. Both may have different policies.

If you have any questions, you could even reach out to them ahead of time to make them aware of your allergies and ask how best to navigate them. The airline in particular might be one to look into more, as you will be stuck in the air for hours and you don’t want an allergic reaction thousands of feet in the sky.

Other than that, prepare yourself in any way you can. Make sure you have all the medication you need and the appropriate paperwork to get it through customs. Build up an allergy kit if you don’t already have one. When you have it all ready in front of you, it can help calm you down.

At the airport

This is where you can put some of your pre-flight research into action. You should know how the airport handles allergies and navigate them as you can. For example, by looking at their website ahead of time, you can see what food options are available while you wait for your flight. Choose something you know you’ll be okay with. Preferably from a chain because they should have similar food preparation procedures.

While you’re at the airport, let staff know about your allergies. Key people to tell would be the airline representative at check-in and the person checking your boarding pass as you board the plane. These will be as close to direct contact as you can get before you set off. If you can prepare them, they can hopefully prepare themselves.

In the air

You should also let cabin crew know when you’re in the air so they can retrieve any allergy advice, if they have any. To avoid any mistakes, bring your own snacks on the plane. You likely won’t be able to get them through customs, so buy them while you’re at the airport. There should be plenty of time to do your due diligence and check ingredients before you set off.

In the case of emergencies, have someone familiar with the medication. If you have an anaphylactic shock, you want someone who can administer your epinephrine shot in the case you can’t do it yourself. If you’re flying with someone you know, it can be them. But if you’re flying solo, ask the cabin crew if they have anyone trained to do it. In the event they don’t, you can always teach them.

None of this should be a burden on your shoulder, but it’s part of living with a food allergy. But that doesn’t mean your allergy anxieties have to control you and stop you from having a holiday. Be prepared, do your research, and go enjoy the sun for a week or two!

For all of your allergy concerns – including advice on how to handle your allergies abroad – reach out to our team. Our allergists are always more than happy to help. Register as a new patient today or call us on 02031 433 449.