Why are allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise in the UK? 

16th November 2023

Why are allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise in the UK? 

This year alone, the number of hospital-reported allergic reactions has doubled compared to two decades ago. In 1993, there were 12,361 admissions to English hospitals for allergies and anaphylaxis; this year alone, we’ve witnessed over 25,700 cases.

Cultural diversity 

The reason? Put simply, we’re more culturally diverse than ever. 

With a wider availability of foods worldwide, we’re increasingly exposed to allergens uncommon in the British diet. 

Specifically, legume and kiwifruit allergies are on the rise. A recent UK study testing reactions to lentils, beans, chickpeas, and green beans showed that 72% of children had an allergy to at least one. The prevalence of a kiwifruit allergy across England is as high as 60.0%, with direct skin contact being enough to trigger reactions.

Challenges in eating out

Eating and drinking out can be where the main issue lies. Despite the cost of living crisis, two in five (40%) Britons go out to eat and drink at least weekly in 2023. 

Trying new foods and flavours poses risks, especially in sauces and ingredients you’ve never encountered. Alcohol also poses a significant risk, as highlighted by a recent case involving a partygoer and pink peppercorns. The peppercorns had cross-reacted with cashew nuts, triggering her nut allergy.

The rise of artisanal-infused spirits

As artisanal-infused spirits gain popularity, botanicals, fruits, vegetables, and spices are fused into the base alcohol. Once drinks are flowing, knowing precisely what you’re consuming becomes impossible.

It’s this exposure that is contributing to the rise in allergies in England.

Preparation is key

Greater exposure means greater risk, but it doesn’t mean you must become a hermit. The best thing you can do is be prepared.

Recognising symptoms

Know what an allergy looks like. Understand the symptoms of anaphylaxis so you know what steps to take if you react to an unfamiliar allergen.

Anaphylactic shock symptoms include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing, difficulty swallowing, confusion, dizziness, fainting, and a swollen, raised, or itchy rash. If you have an EpiPen, use it immediately and call 999 for medical attention. Say “anaphylaxis” for speed, lay flat, raise your legs, and wait for medical attention. If you are pregnant, lay on your left side. 

Not all reactions are severe but don’t downplay them if you face a reaction. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Be prepared, know your triggers

Rather than leaving it to chance and reacting to anaphylaxis, it’s better to know your triggers. All restaurants are obligated to disclose ingredients, allowing you to enjoy your social life confidently.

Put your health first

The rising numbers in England underscore the severe consequences of allergies. Being prepared with knowledge about your triggers and having an Epipen dramatically reduces the potential for exposure to harm. Consider taking an allergy test to gain peace of mind.

Our allergy experts are here to guide you through the testing process and provide the support and advice you need to enjoy your life without stress. Don’t let allergies hold you back—take action now and invest in your well-being. Register as a new patient or call us at 02031 433 449 to gain confidence when enjoying your social life.

What exactly is an allergist and what do they do?

12th January 2022

What exactly is an allergist and what do they do?

Whenever we have a medical problem, the advice is always the same: go to the doctor. Us Brits certainly love putting it off if we can, but it’s vital that we look after ourselves. Especially in the time of COVID, it never hurts to get the advice you need – even if it’s over a phone call.

So those strange symptoms you’re having that feel like an allergy? Don’t put them off. Get them seen by a medical professional. This could be your GP, or you might look for more specific help. That’s where allergists come into the picture.

But what exactly is an allergist and how can they help? Let’s take a look…

What is an allergist?

GP’s are fantastic and you should see them when you need to. But they have to know about hundreds of possible ailments. It might be that they don’t see a symptom for what it is.

An allergist is effectively an allergy specialist. They’ll have the specific experience needed to hone in on an allergy diagnosis. With allergies on the rise, we definitely need more medical professionals dedicated to them.

They’ll also be more well-versed in the appropriate treatments. Again, a GP can easily do this, but going straight to an allergist can make the whole process quicker.

What does an allergist do?

Well they’ll get to work on figuring out what exactly your allergy is! It could be a food allergy or intolerance, skin condition such as eczema, or something respiratory like asthma.

Part of their treatment might involve getting you tested. This will help them find what triggers your allergies, shaping their recommendations to you. They’ll decide which test is best for you, whether it be a blood, patch, or skin test.

From there, they can help with not just treatment, but also avoiding your triggers. Their advice can help you prevent your allergies bothering you in the first place.

When should you see an allergist? If you ever have allergy-like symptoms with seemingly no cause – such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, or skin irritation – it might be a sign to find an allergy specialist.

There’s no reason you have to live with the difficulties. The sooner you get it diagnosed, the sooner you can go back to having a normal life. So don’t leave it until it’s too late! Talk to an expert today.

If you ever have any allergy concerns and are looking for an allergist, get in touch with the professionals at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre. You can register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

Three questions to ask yourself when choosing an allergy doctor

3rd February 2021

Three questions to ask yourself when choosing an allergy doctor

Allergies can have a serious impact on our lives. They can feel invasive and leave us feeling out of control. That’s the reality for 20% of the UK’s population – more people suffer with an allergy in the UK than live in Greece.

If you’re one of the millions of people with an allergy, you might have decided to regain some control by finding an allergy doctor. Your allergy doctor will have an important role in your life, so it’s important you find one that suits you and your needs. Here are three important questions you should ask when choosing your allergy specialist.

What’s their experience?

Many feel more comfortable choosing health professionals with years of experience. Especially if you have a serious allergy or health conditions alongside your allergies. It’s important you research allergy doctors and practices online to look for the credentials and experience they have. Reviews from past or current patients can be helpful, too.

If you’re struggling to research allergy doctors, you can always ask for recommendations. Your GP, friends, or family may have some experience and know who best to recommend.

Are you comfortable with them?

Your comfort and health always come first. Ensure you feel comfortable talking to them. Pay attention to how they answer your questions. Did they welcome the question and respond in a way you understood? Or did they seem irritated and rushed through the answer?

Ask yourself if you’re comfortable with a doctor of any gender. You’ll be discussing personal information with them. If having a doctor of the same gender would put you at ease, it’s definitely something worth factoring into your search.

Are they accessible?

As times change and with the impact of the coronavirus, many are noticing the benefits of online consultations. A quick phone call may save you from making a long trip to the surgery just for a routine check-up.

You should see if the allergy doctor offers over-the-phone or video consultations. On the other hand, maybe you’d much rather speak to someone in person. It’s important to choose a doctor that accommodates your needs where possible.

When choosing an allergy doctor, you should always put yourself first. Make sure you feel comfortable with them by making note of what you would like in your allergist and having an interview or consultation with them before deciding.

If you’re looking to take back control of your life, Allergy Clinic London can help. Call us now on 02031 433 449 to speak to an allergist.

When is the right time to see an allergy doctor?

3rd June 2020

When is the right time to see an allergy doctor?

Allergies can be scary. The symptoms range from annoying to life-threatening. They make you think twice before you do or eat anything. With such a big question mark hanging over your head, it can be tough knowing when it gets serious enough to ask someone for help.

There are specialists out there whose job it is to treat allergies. But when is the right time to go to one? Maybe you think your allergy isn’t serious enough? Here’s what we think you should consider next time you ask yourself that question.

How does it affect you?

As we said above, allergies can be little more than an annoyance. Many people who suffer from mild hay fever will know what that means. Sniffly noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats aren’t life-threatening and an over-the-counter medicine will usually do the job.

But if you find your allergy is affecting your daily life, then it’s time to visit an allergy doctor. In the case of hay fever, it might be preventing you from sleeping at night or over-the-counter medicine is having no effect.

For other allergies, they might be having a similar effect. If they stop you from sleeping, eating, or working, then there’s a problem that needs addressing. Also, pay attention to if they affect other parts of your health. This may be something like problems with your breathing or a past incident landing you in the hospital.

And if you have a food allergy, it might be worth visiting an allergy specialist just in case. Food allergies lead to anaphylaxis which can lead to death. An expert will give you the advice you need to stay safe and avoid the food that’s harmful to you.

The benefits of an allergy doctor

So why would you visit an allergy doctor instead of your usual GP? Simply, it’s because they are a specialist in this particular area and will be better equipped to answer your nitty-gritty questions.

They can carry out an allergy test if you’re unsure what you have, identify your triggers, and give you a treatment plan that works for you. They will also have access to more specialist drugs that should be capable of treating severe allergic reactions.

If you have an allergy, just know you aren’t alone. 20% of the UK population has some sort of allergy. You should always take your health seriously and if you ever think your allergies are causing you harm, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Our allergy specialists are well-equipped to answer any burning allergy questions you may have. Don’t suffer in silence; get in touch with our experts today on 02031 433 449 and take control of your allergies.

Your simple guide to allergy tests

4th March 2020

Your simple guide to allergy tests

Allergies are a nuisance – just ask 44% of the UK population. We are more aware of the negative effects allergies can have on us, such as deadly anaphylactic shocks. This means we’re more cautious of how our body responds to certain foods, products, or animals.

But sometimes your allergy can be a big question mark. You have allergic reactions from time to time but have no idea why. That’s where an allergy test can come in handy. But with so many different types of tests, how do you know which one to go for? Let’s break down some of the common allergy tests you might come across.

Blood test

We’ll start with one of the oldest and maybe one that isn’t for the squeamish amongst you. A blood test is exactly what it sounds like. A sample of your blood is taken and analysed for specific antibodies in your system.

If you are squeamish, then good news! Modern blood tests can analyse for hundreds of allergies with the same sample. So you don’t have to go through multiple tests to get your results. The downside? Blood tests are hard to analyse on their own and are best done along with another type of test…

Skin prick test

This might be the most common test. In this, a sample of an allergen is put on your skin and a small prick made to break your skin. This lets the allergen soak in. If you’re allergic to it, you will see a small, red, bite-like bump form. It won’t take more than 15 minutes.

Usually, multiple allergens are tested at once, making your skin look a bit like a bingo card. But don’t worry, it’s a safe and relatively painless procedure. This type of test pairs well with blood tests to get a complete picture.

Patch test

This is more commonly used to test for contact dermatitis, a type of eczema. It’s similar to the skin prick test in that some of the allergen is placed on your skin. This time, there’s no skin prick and it’s left on you for 48 hours. After that, a doctor will be able to see how your skin has reacted and if you have an allergy.

Elimination diet

This is mainly used for food allergies. If you suspect something in particular is causing a reaction, you can eliminate it from your diet and see if things improve. Feel bloated after a pizza? Cut out dairy and see how you feel. Don’t try this on your own though – always consult a professional.

The same advice can be said for every test. Don’t play with your health; let an expert allergist decide on the test. No matter which type of test you go for, always trust the opinion of your doctors. They can get you back to your healthy self in no time again.

At the London Allergy & Immunology Centre, we specialise in state-of-the-art allergy testing and can even assist with at-home testing. If you have an allergy that’s bothering you, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 02031 433 449.

Choosing an allergist: When, where, and how?

25th December 2019

Choosing an allergist: When, where, and how?

If you’re one of the many people with an allergy, it can sometimes feel like a lonely struggle. Annoying symptoms, potentially on the cusp of an anaphylactic shock at the slightest mistake, can bring you down. But there are specialists out there whose job it is to help you with your allergies: allergists.

Choosing an allergist might seem confusing at first. But it doesn’t need to be. Let’s walk through it so you can get the best treatment and relief from your symptoms. 

When you need to see an allergist

The first thing to consider is if you need to see an allergist at all. Allergies aren’t curable, but there are treatments available to help you with your symptoms. If you have very mild symptoms that go away with the use of over-the-counter drugs, it could mean you’re already using the most effective treatment. But sometimes people struggle to get their allergies under control. 

Your allergies might be out of control if:

• Your symptoms interfere with daily activities, keep you awake at night, or cause you to miss work or school
• You cough or wheeze during exercise and other physical activities, or can’t exercise period
• You have needed emergency allergy or asthma treatment in the past

These are all signs you should seek out an allergist who can help you live more at ease with your allergies. 

It might also be a good idea to see an allergist if you’re not sure if you’re allergic to something or unsure about what is causing your allergy. Allergy doctors run accurate and simple tests to find out what is causing your symptoms so you can receive the most effective treatments. 

How it works

If you think you have an allergy, you can tell your GP who will decide if you need to be referred to an allergist. However, if you seek out a private allergy doctor, you avoid lengthy waiting times and can get the most effective treatment must faster. 

A common allergy test is the skin prick test. In this, a small amount of an allergen is put on your skin. If you’re allergic, you’ll see a small, red bump appear. This test is completely safe and is, at worst, mildly irritating. A similar test is the patch test which sticks patches of allergens to your skin for 48 hours. These are used to diagnose eczema and other similar allergies.

If you’re unsure of what you’re allergic to, you can even request at-home testing kits which come through the post so you don’t have to go out of your way to get your allergies under control. This also allows you to pick the best allergist regardless of geography.

The most important thing to remember is if your allergies or symptoms are causing you pain, anxiety, or affecting your daily life, never leave them unattended. Always seek medical advice.

If you’re looking for an allergies, consider the experts at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. We provide the best allergy testing methods and treatments available. If you want to book an appointment, just call us on 020 3143 3449.

What to consider when choosing an allergy doctor

21st February 2019

What to consider when choosing an allergy doctor

Allergies can really get in the way of life. Whether you suffer from irritating seasonal allergies or life-threatening anaphylaxis to certain foods, it’s important to see an allergy doctor that is right for you.

By being proactive and seeing a professional, you start to take control of your allergy situation. Your symptoms will be evaluated thoroughly and, with this information, an allergy doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your unique requirements. But how do you know if a particular allergy doctor is the right fit for you?

Correct accreditation

Sadly, there are misleading physicians out there who claim to be something they’re not. To be sure you’re dealing with a professional, they need to have a medical degree and license to practice immunology. An experienced allergist will be able to guide you through the diagnosis process and give you advice based on your individual circumstances.

There is also no harm in asking your doctor about their approach to patient care. For many people, visiting a health professional can be unnerving. You should feel like you’re in good hands and that they genuinely care about the well-being of their patients. Recognising that your allergy doctor upholds a dedication to a high standard of care will help you feel at ease in every step of the process.

Convenience

Most of us live hectic lives. We work long hours and have to look after ourselves and our families. So you want an allergy doctor that is convenient to visit, whatever that means to you. It might literally be a visit, in person, in which case you want someone with a central location.

But that isn’t always viable. The best allergy doctor for you might be half-way across the country. If they have services you can benefit from remotely, such as an at-home allergy test, then they might be better than whatever is available locally.

You will undoubtedly have questions about the diagnosis process and how to manage any newly discovered allergies. Your doctor should recognise the need to address your questions to the best of their ability, so you feel satisfied and equipped to create prevention strategies and manage any symptoms you might have.

At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, our consultants take you through your options step by step, making sure you get the best possible solution to your allergy problems. So, get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449, or book an appointment here.