How does the environment affect our allergies?

25th January 2023

How does the environment affect our allergies?

We can definitely be allergic to triggers in our environment. Pet dander, dust, mites, pollen – these are all in our surrounding environments and can cause varying levels of discomfort and reactions. But outside of being the source of our allergies, can the world around us affect them in other ways?

That’s not an unpopular theory, and there are plenty of studies out there into the effects of the environment on our health. From pollution to climate change, there are people looking into how these changes impact our health. So let’s look at some of these ideas and see what their link with allergies might be.

Pollution

There is very little to suggest that air pollution leads to people developing allergies, but many studies have shown that it can exacerbate them. It makes sense; smoggy air is likely to impact respiratory allergies in particular. One study showed that particulates in the air increases asthma symptoms. Another found a link to NO2 levels and emergency room visits of children with asthma.

It has also been shown to affect allergic rhinitis, which is when your nose gets irritated by something you’re allergic to. Examples would include pollen, pet dander, and dust. Research found that living near major roads increased the odds of babies having runny noses and sneezing during their first year of life.

Climate change

How can climate change impact our allergies? Well, some believe it is leading to longer allergy seasons. Here’s how these typically work. Trees, grasses, and weeds will release their pollen at different times of the year, meaning people with sensitivities to these kinds of pollen will react to its presence in the air. It isn’t a huge deal, as it doesn’t last long.

Except climate change seems to be making these pollen-releasing periods longer. So people with allergies will experience symptoms both earlier than usual and longer than they used to. Not to mention that climate change has been linked with increased concentrations of air pollution.

Are we too clean?

Another popular hypothesis is that we aren’t helping ourselves by sanitising the environments around us. Now, this one isn’t as simple. There has long been a theory known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ that says by cleaning away a range of bacteria, pollen, and dander, we’re reducing the chances of children coming into contact with them and familiarising their immune systems.

So as they get older and they do come across these allergens, their body doesn’t know how to react and goes into overdrive. But some take issue with this since it tries to draw a link between cleanliness and allergies. These people say that focusing on hygiene is too broad, and that it’s more about specific microbes that might not get as much exposure. And by looking too closely at hygiene, we could be at risk of promoting good cleaning habits.

What can we do to help? All you can do is continue to do your part for the environment and protect yourself as much as possible. Keep your home clean and free of anything that might aggravate your symptoms. And if you ever need any advice, we’re always just a phone call away.

Get in touch with our specialists by calling 02031 433 449. If you haven’t already done so, you can register as a patient with us by clicking here.

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

22nd July 2020

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

Being the parent of a newborn baby can be a stressful time. Wrapped up in that bundle of joy is the worry about their health. One thing in particular that has gripped parents is the fear of a deadly food allergy or anything else they might be allergic to.

And it’s no surprise; it’s believed that 1 in 4 people in the UK have an allergy at some point in their lives. This is part of a wider trend of more and more people being diagnosed with allergies. It’s estimated that food allergy cases have risen by 50% in the past decade. But is there any way to prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

The mother’s diet

Some advice that you might see thrown about is to restrict what you eat while you’re pregnant. You would stop eating food that your child could be allergic to, such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy. This advice is false. There is no strong evidence that restricting what you eat will help your baby avoid allergies. This goes for after the birth when you’re breastfeeding – eat away!

Breastfeeding

Speaking of which, you should breastfeed your baby if you can, for at least the first six or so months, if not well beyond that. It isn’t likely to cause an allergic reaction in your infant and has great benefits to their immune system. It also has benefits for the mother and is a great way to build a strong bond with your new child. As for how it affects allergies, it’s not big enough to cause concern; you can’t pass your allergy down through the milk.

Introducing new foods

The right time to introduce solid foods to your child is at about six months old. If they can support their head, they should be fine with new foods. They shouldn’t be completely solid; try mushed-up food, pastes, or other popular baby food. Some say you shouldn’t introduce likely allergy triggers such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy, but research actually shows the opposite.

It recommends giving them to your child when they’re used to more solid food, trying one at a time. Delaying feeding them to your baby might actually increase the likelihood of them developing an allergy.

Asthma

It’s not a food allergy but is a common ailment in children, affecting 1 in 11 kids. To give your child the best chances of avoiding it, you should keep asthma triggers away from them if you can. This might mean taking the carpet out of their bedroom and using wooden or wood-effect floors to remove dust mites. Regularly wash their bedding and pillows (at least once a week). And this one goes without saying – don’t smoke around them.

If you’re scared about your child’s health, don’t be. By being sensible, you can make sure your baby has a normal life. If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with your doctor for their expert advice. Just give your child the best life and if they do ever develop allergies, you can follow the advice in some of our other blogs.

Your child can still live a normal life with an allergy. If you want to talk to an allergy specialist, reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Can having an allergy ever be a good thing?

22nd April 2020

Can having an allergy ever be a good thing?

Allergies are a nuisance that won’t go away. Some 20% of the UK population have an allergy of some kind – that’s over 13 million people. And the number of people with an allergy seems to keep growing.

We have to be careful about any allergic reactions as they can lead to anaphylaxis which can result in death. They’re serious business. But during this time, why don’t we look at the silver lining? Are there any positives to having an allergy?

Is having an allergy a good thing?

There are plenty of ideas about how allergies might be good for you – though we will say upfront, these are still just theories. One of the main theories is that allergies are a sign of a healthy immune system. So healthy, in fact, you could call it overactive!

It’s a sign of your body trying to fix you and keep you healthy. The idea is it is your body’s response to getting rid of something it doesn’t want. Some even say it’s an evolutionary benefit from centuries ago and was our body’s way of dealing with particularly harmful parasites.

At the end of the day, an allergic reaction is a sign your body is doing a good job. While you might find the symptoms uncomfortable and while anaphylaxis is deadly, they are warning signs to us to stay away from certain foods, materials, or animals. Take your body’s warning and listen to it!

Anything else?

There are also studies out there that show allergies can help with other illnesses. One says allergies put sufferers at lower risk of brain tumours. Why? That’s not 100% certain. But researchers say – again – it might be because their immune system is used to working harder.

Another study claimed hay fever and asthma sufferers were less likely to develop colorectal cancer. None of these studies and theories are entirely accurate, so take them all with a big pinch of salt. But they do go to show how it isn’t all bad for people with allergies.

Don’t take yours for granted. Always be safe with whatever you do and make sure your allergy gets the attention it deserves. Look out for any allergens and consider an allergy test if you think something is playing with your immune system.

We are dedicated to protecting people with allergies and helping them discover what allergens are holding them back. If you would like to talk to a professional about your allergy concerns, feel free to get in touch on 02031 433 449.

Coping with asthma in the winter

3rd October 2018

Coping with asthma in the winter

Some people love winter. Some hate it – and they have good reason to. For some individuals, illnesses can feel even more overwhelming due to the cold weather. Colds, coughs, and chest infections will plague us until spring, but for those who have asthma, these ailments can impact them differently. Breathing problems, tight chests, and even poor emotional health are all side effects of dealing with asthma in the winter.

What causes asthma?

The condition usually starts in childhood; the breathing tubes become inflamed which leads to them becoming temporarily narrow. This can cause several symptoms including:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest constriction
• Coughing
• Tiredness

There are many reasons why a person might suffer from the condition, such as:

• Genetics
• If they previously had bronchiolitis
• Exposure to smoke
• Hormonal changes in females

But, more often than not, it’s allergies that cause asthma attacks.

Triggers

One of the biggest triggers is allergens – especially in the winter months. Due to the cold air, we are likely to keep windows closed, which can lead to a build-up of household irritants such as dust. To combat this, keep your home clean and tidy, and try to let the air circulate when possible. It may also be worth investing in anti-allergen bedding.

As the cold air can affect the upper respiratory system, people with asthma are likely to pick up infections easier than others. It makes a common cold or chest infection more difficult to cope with and even affect day to day life, as it can make breathing difficult and leave sufferers feeling exhausted.

Other triggers include:

• Smoke
• Pollution
• Exercise

Aside from keeping your environment as free from allergens as possible, we recommend that you layer up to prevent the cold weather from affecting you too much. It’s also critical that you avoid spending too much time with people who have a common infection, as you are more vulnerable to illness.

Flu

If you have asthma, you may want to consider flu vaccination as the flu can cause the airways to become inflamed, which can trigger an attack. 8 out of 10 people say that the flu made their symptoms worse. Not getting the vaccination may lead to problems such as pneumonia.

It’s critical that you reduce your exposure to cold air, allergens, and the common cold and cough. Primary activities such as keeping you and your body clean, healthy eating, and plenty of sleep will help too. Investing in an inhaler is also essential.

Inhalers

Inhalers help sufferers to manage their asthma and can be prescribed in three types:

• Reliever: to relieve symptoms
• Preventer: to protect the airways so that symptoms aren’t as likely to occur
• Combination: a mix of the two types

Whether you or your child have asthma, stay protected this winter to avoid further health problems. Keep your distance from allergens, and cancel plans with family and friends who have a cough or cold.

If you have asthma but don’t know if you suffer from allergies that might make it worse, request an allergy test from us today so that you don’t have to worry this winter.

New report shows the benefits of immunotherapy for asthma

14th April 2018

New report shows the benefits of immunotherapy for asthma

A report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), published in March, revealed the benefits of using immunotherapy for asthma, specifically allergic asthma. The report is based on research into the benefits of both subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

You can use immunotherapy to treat allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is a reaction caused by exposure to an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, house dust mites, and animals. Allergens trigger an asthma attack which causes symptoms including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. It’s a health issue that’s becoming increasingly common. In Europe, three people die per day as a result of asthma. It can especially be an issue in the winter.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for asthma comes in the form of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Both methods seek to reduce sensitivity to allergens that cause allergic asthma, therefore reducing the symptoms. To do so, the patient is repeatedly administered with one or multiple allergens to increase their tolerance to them. SCIT does this by injecting a solution containing the allergens under the skin. With SLIT, allergen exposure comes via an aqueous solution or tablet placed under the tongue.

The report states that SCIT and SLIT reduce the need for long-term control medication. Both treatments improve asthma-specific quality of life, decrease the use of quick-relief medications, decrease the use of systemic corticosteroids, and improve forced expiratory volume. SLIT showed further evidence of improving asthma symptoms in patients.

What does this mean?

These results are important for the health of people living with allergic asthma. Although many with asthma rely on long-term medications and corticosteroids, their use can have negative side effects. These may include coughs, voice changes, and oral thrush.

Some quick-relief medications used for allergic asthma can cause increased heart rates, headaches, high blood sugar, mood alterations, weight gain, and hypokalemia. By replacing these treatments with immunotherapy, the long and short-term health of people with allergic asthma could improve.

This may be why immunotherapy was also shown to improve people’s well-being. As well as experiencing reduced symptoms of allergic asthma, people were also less reliant on drugs to stay in control of their allergies. This means less time spent worrying about if you have enough medication, if your child has taken theirs to school, if teachers know how to use it, or remembering to take it. This makes for a more relaxed management of allergic asthma. This improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety which comes as a result of the condition.

The report did show a need for further research into the effectiveness of immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic asthma. There is little evidence to provide any comparative understanding of how effective immunotherapy is among different age groups, for different allergens, and in different settings. But with medical advancements in allergy treatments every day, the prognosis is looking good.

5.4 million people in the UK are currently undergoing treatment for asthma. If you think you should be one of them and would like to understand your symptoms further, book an appointment with one of our consultants. We use simple tests to determine what allergens may be causing your symptoms and provide the best ways to deal with them. Book an appointment today.

The relationship between swimming pools, asthma, and allergic rhinitis

25th March 2018

The relationship between swimming pools, asthma, and allergic rhinitis

Swimming is one of the best activities to improve physical fitness. But studies show that doing it in chlorine pools can increase the risk of asthma, eczema, respiratory allergies, and allergic rhinitis, particularly in children.

One study found that for children who were already susceptible to allergies, the risk of hay fever was up to 7 times higher if they swam in chlorinated pools for more than 100 hours. The risk of allergic rhinitis was up to 3.5 times higher for children who spent more than 1,000 hours in chlorinated water, compared to children who did not.

The study showed the more time spent in chlorinated water, the more likely the children were to develop allergies. In comparison, children who swam in pools that were copper-silver sanitised did not show an increased risk for allergies.

Why?

The possible reason for these trends is related to the formation of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals that chlorinated pools produce. People are not usually allergic to chlorine, but rather they can be sensitive to the chemical. But chlorine can contribute to allergic reactions by irritating the respiratory tract and producing byproducts that aggravate symptoms.

These chemicals include nitrogen trichloride, which forms when chlorine reacts with urea from urine in pools. It also includes other disinfectant byproducts which form as chlorine reacts with organic matter like skin and hair. One toxicologist at the Catholic University of Louvain claimed that the impact of these chemicals on the respiratory health of children and adolescents is more than 5 times worse than those associated with second-hand smoking.

These chemicals hover at the water’s surface, right where you breathe while swimming. This increases the risk of asthma and respiratory issues in swimmers. Swimming pool workers have also shown an increase in susceptibility to asthma from breathing in these chemicals around the pool. So what can be done about this? Swimming is a great form of exercise, particularly for people who cannot do high impact exercises. But that shouldn’t mean swimmers have to endure increased risk to their health to do what they enjoy.

What else can you do?

There are alternatives to the chlorine pools that allow you to exercise without increasing the risk. Disinfectant methods that don’t involve chlorine are becoming more popular, such as copper-silver ionisation. Also, UV filtration and the use of ozone are two methods of killing bacteria in water. But, they can not kill bacteria that enter the pool as new bathers arrive. A small amount of chlorine is used with both these methods but the concentration is lower than traditional swimming pools. This may be a healthier alternative to purely chlorine disinfected pools.

If you want to avoid chlorine-based fumes altogether, the riskier alternative of swimming in natural bodies of water may be an exhilarating alternative. Remember these activities can be dangerous, particularly in the sea. They may not be suitable for children and you should always make sure you are fully capable of swimming in these areas before you do.

The findings from studies which investigate the relationship between allergies and swimming pools highlight a need for further research into how exactly these chemicals sensitise children and adults alike.

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms like asthma and rhinitis, book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants today. They will help you determine the cause and solutions to your symptoms to increase your quality of life.

Why are allergies on the rise in the UK?

5th March 2018

Why are allergies on the rise in the UK?

In the UK, the number of people with allergies grows by 5% every year, and half of these people are children. Research from 2007 indicated a 500% increase in food allergies since 1990. Hay fever, asthma, and eczema have been rising for 3 decades and continue to do so. These are only two of the statistics that highlight the trend in increasing allergies in the UK. There is much more research to support this. But what we don’t know is what the actual cause of allergies is. There are many theories about this, but scientists are finding it hard to settle on just one. The most popular theories include the hygiene hypothesis, the mother’s diet during pregnancy, allergen exposure and atmospheric pollution. Each theory has its own unique points on why allergies may be increasing in the UK.

The cause of allergies?

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that exposing a child to potentially harmful bacteria can aid immune system development. As a society, we focus on creating clean environments for our children. This creates a lack of exposure to dirt and bacteria and could impede immune system development. Research has shown that children have higher rates of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies when they live in very clean environments.

Other research suggests that the mother’s diet may influence a child’s likelihood of developing allergies. Researchers from Imperial College London recently found that when mothers took fish oil supplements during pregnancy, in combination with breastfeeding, their children were 30% less likely to be allergic to eggs and 22% less likely to develop eczema. This study focuses on very specific allergies. But, evidence exists to suggest linkages between prenatal diet and other allergies in children.

No smoke without fire?

One study found that mothers who ate more tree nuts during pregnancy were less likely to have a child with a nut allergy. Yet, the research into the relationship between a mother’s diet and allergies is inconclusive. It can only suggest a relationship between the two factors, rather than causality. You should always talk to your GP before taking supplements and changing your diet during pregnancy.

Some suggest that the increased prevalence of allergies in the UK is a result of increased exposure to allergens. This contradicts the idea that increased exposure to allergens could reduce sensitivity. However, it supports the idea that increased atmospheric pollution could cause more asthma. Two-thirds of people in the UK report that poor air quality worsens their asthma. Also, research shows that children living in more polluted areas have a higher chance of developing asthma.

Despite each having research to support them, these ideas surrounding the causes of allergies in the UK are still theoretical. The evidence that does exist remains inconclusive. There could be some truth to them all but what the evidence does highlight, is a need for further research.

If you think you are suffering from an allergy and would like to get tested, you can book an appointment with us online or by phone or request an allergy test.

Allergic rhinitis sex shift

2nd February 2018

Allergic rhinitis sex shift

It is well documented that certain medical conditions affect men and women differently. It even sometimes occurs more in one than the other depending on the issue. This is obvious in certain circumstances; such as breast cancer primarily affecting women even though there is a growing awareness of it in men too. As a whole, medical afflictions of all natures can have differing effects on both men and women. This includes asthma, allergic reactions, and potentially allergic rhinitis too.

Boys vs girls

Interestingly, not only can this manifest in different ways between men and women, but something curious happens in children. It affects those suffering from asthmas, allergies, and allergic rhinitis when they develop through puberty and into adulthood. A recent study investigated whether there was a sex shift between boys and girls maturing into adulthood. Previous studies have shown that allergic rhinitis and asthma affects more boys than girls in childhood. But this exhibited a marked switch into adulthood, as the conditions became more apparent in females.

The conclusive study examined over 93,400 participants over ten different studies. It did so in a fourteen-year period to ascertain how predominant this sex-shift was. In children who suffered from both allergic rhinitis and asthma, males outnumbered females by a ratio of 1.65. Or, for every three girls who suffered both together, there were effectively five boys with the same dual condition. However, as the children grew into adolescence, this practically reversed. The male-female ratio for those between 11-17 years of age is 0.6, or, more plainly, for every three males, there were five females with both allergic rhinitis and asthma. As the participants then came to be adults, this then exhibited near-parity, at a ratio of 1.03, with males showing an ever so slight bias towards both conditions.

What does it mean?

What’s interesting here is the swing back and forth between the two as children become adolescents and then back again in adulthood. Whilst the researchers do admit that this is still a relatively nascent field, and further research must be done to corroborate and extend upon their work, these initial findings do make intriguing reading.

So what does this all mean? Well, in one aspect, it shows the influential role puberty plays in the development of individuals’ immune systems, and how, particularly in girls, signs of allergic rhinitis and asthmas at an early age may well emphasise an increased likelihood for a greater development of the conditions into adolescence. For boys, the opposite appears to be true, but nevertheless, those who suffer from the conditions at a young age are likely to carry that through into adulthood, though the statistics do indicate that many will also simply ‘grow out’ of it.

Whatever the case, this new evidence adds more weight to the growing field of research in this area, and can hopefully continue to develop as we better understand one of the world’s most common afflictions.

If you’re concerned you might have allergic rhinitis, book an appointment with us or request a home allergy testing kit.

Are you going the right ‘weigh’ about improving your child’s asthma?

28th January 2018

Are you going the right ‘weigh’ about improving your child’s asthma?

Asthma is the leading contributor to chronic illness in infants. Specifically, most symptoms begin to show around age five. With roughly one in ten minors affected it’s vital that we look at the contributing factors. And these numbers are increasing. There are many possibilities as to why more and more children are developing asthma.

Many experts speculate that as children are becoming technology-obsessed they are spending an increasing amount of time indoors. It means they have more exposure to allergens around the house such as dust, air pollution, and second-hand smoke.

Weight and see

There’s another factor to consider that you can often overlook: a child’s weight. You can directly link obesity and asthma, as being overweight increases sensitivity to indoor pollutants. It has much more of an impact on children hospitalised with acute asthma exacerbation over children in the same situation with a smaller body type.

A recent study was conducted in Japan with almost 39,000 three to eight-year-olds diagnosed with asthma comparing a months worth of readmission by analysing three different categories: the need for intensive care, the mean total cost of hospitalisation, and the length of stay in the hospital.

To make a fair assessment, the identified patients separated into four groups based on their weight. Researchers split them into groups of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. They then split them according to their weight, height, and body mass index compared to their age, using WHO standards as a guideline.

Of the results, it was inherently apparent that the obese group showed significantly higher 30-day readmission results. They had a much longer length of stay than those children in the normal weight group. These findings clearly demonstrate that paediatric obesity is a risk factor for repeated admissions. This is due to the asthma symptoms found in children and should be a matter taken seriously indicating the importance for the prevention of pediatric obesity.

By being mindful of the weight category that your child falls into, you can start to take take the necessary steps towards improving your child’s respiratory health and also minimise their susceptibility to indoor pollutants.

To find out more, speak to our allergy and chest medicine consultants. We can inform you about allergic and non-allergic asthma and its symptoms or any other advice relating to allergies. You can book an appointment on our website.

Asthma Centre London

18th January 2018

Asthma Centre London

In our last article, we spoke about how not all wheezes require an asthma inhaler. Not to mention that allergic asthma makes up almost 60% of all asthma cases.

As allergic asthma is triggered by perennial or seasonal allergens it’s possible to fight back against the trigger. Common causes can be pets, house dust mites, pollen, or mould. The first step, of course, is to book an appointment with an allergy consultant. They can carry out a skin prick allergy test to establish what you are allergic to. Or you could have a specific IgE blood test (ISAC) done and screen for 112 allergens.

Once established, you can discuss with your consultant the immunotherapy options available to you. There are a number of asthma therapies readily available, but for the most part, these are merely coping mechanisms.

A recent study published in Allergy European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) was carried out with the intention of establishing the effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy. The review measured the effects of both subcutaneous (SCIT) or sublingual (SLIT) routes on both; a short short-term basis, during treatment; and long-term, after discontinuation of AIT, in comparison to other methods of treatment. The patients that were studied were a variety of ages, but all had one thing in common. Each patient had a physician-confirmed diagnosis of allergic asthma. They also had a history of asthma symptoms after allergen exposure determined by a skin prick test or specific IgE.

The results

Both adults and children had the tests for sensitisation to the allergens, including trees, moulds, grass, pets, latex and weeds. The results show that AIT is an excellent remedy for those suffering from mild/moderate allergic asthma, and is the only cure that benefits the patients and reduces the symptoms by influencing the cause of the disease.

What we can take away from this review is that in some forms of allergic asthma, in addition to inhalers that help to minimise the symptoms and control the ongoing inflammatory process, desensitisation treatment can be used to influence the cause of the disease. It’s like dealing with dandelions and other weeds in your garden. You can pull the leaves and the head of the plant, but until you take its roots out of the soil, it will keep coming back for more. It’s exactly the same principle with your allergic asthma. The underlying allergic inflammation and dysregulated immune response are your pesky roots, and you need to take your trowel to them. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment available that actually deals with the cause of allergic asthma.

To find out more about allergen immunotherapy and to speak to one of our allergy consultants, book an appointment with us to find out more and get to the root of your allergic asthma.