When should you go to an allergy specialist?

22nd March 2023

When should you go to an allergy specialist?

We’re sure your GP is great. They’re fantastic as a person to talk to when you’re not sure if there’s something wrong with you. But a GP has to have a wide range of knowledge to be able to cover every possible ailment. They can’t be an expert on them all – that’s why they’ll refer you to a specialist if needed.

All of this to say that, when it comes to allergies, there’ll be a limit to what they can do for you. And that’s fine! It just means you might have to look for an allergy specialist to help you navigate your condition. You might wonder, though, at what point you need to go to one. So let’s figure that out.

Your symptoms aren’t improving

A good sign it’s time to take this to the next level is the prevalence of your symptoms. You might notice that you’ve been having repeat health problems that someone with allergies may have. This could include a blocked nose or sinus issues, constant rashes, or a lot of headaches. It’s especially worth visiting an allergist if these are causing you to lose sleep.

What an allergy specialist can do is help get to the bottom of where these symptoms are coming from. That’s going to be a crucial first step in stopping them. This can have the knock-on effect of preventing health issues that arise because of your other symptoms. For example, if you have regular sinus infections due to the blockages in your nose.

Over-the-counter drugs don’t work

Another sign you might want to see an allergy doctor is if the over-the-counter medicines don’t work. There are many you can get at your local chemist or supermarket – such as antihistamines popular with those with hay fever. But they might not always work.

If this is the case, it’s worth going to an allergist to talk about your next treatment options. By figuring out your symptoms and what your allergies are, they can prescribe more targeted or stronger medicines that should be more effective than those you can get yourself. If this is even the right option for you. They might have a solution you otherwise wouldn’t have considered.

You have other conditions

While an allergy isn’t always lethal (thankfully, something like anaphylaxis isn’t too common), they can have negative interactions with other health conditions. For example, someone who has an unknown allergy that causes breathing difficulties might want to see an allergist if they also have asthma. Those two conditions could make each other worse.

An allergy professional can help you manage your conditions and live a happier, healthier, and safer life. This might involve medication, as mentioned before, but it could also include a more structured treatment plan that takes all parts of your health into account.

Yes, a GP could help with all of these. But there will inevitably be niche questions about your allergies that they just can’t answer. We can’t expect them to know everything! An allergist is going to be much more capable at answering those queries and putting your mind at ease. You may find it’s the exact course of action you need.

If you’re looking for an allergy doctor to guide you through your concerns, then get in touch with us today. With a team of allergy experts ready to help you, we can help you live a freer life. Just call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient by clicking here.

Dos and don’ts for suspected allergies

17th February 2021

Dos and don’ts for suspected allergies

Do you get an itch in your throat after eating a particular food? Or do your hands get red, itchy, and flakey sometimes, but you aren’t sure why? Then you could have an allergy. 

Many people think if they ignore it, it’ll go away or they’ll get used to it. But this is a bad idea. Allergies can worsen and disrupt your life. Here are some dos and don’ts for if you suspect you have an allergy.

Don’t ignore it

It may be tempting to avoid symptoms, especially if they’re mild or only occur every so often, but allergies can worsen over time. Allergies to food, latex, and bee stings can get worse with exposure. A once harmless reaction could one day result in an anaphylactic reaction, so it’s best to take action as soon as possible.

Do get a test

The only way to know for certain that the symptoms you’re experiencing are caused by an allergy is to get tested. A test will tell you exactly what you’re allergic to so you can effectively avoid it and prevent flare-ups.

Don’t assume you’ll grow out of it

Allergies can sometimes pass or lessen in severity with time, but this isn’t always the case. While there are cases where children and babies have grown out of their allergies, it’s more likely that adults find they suddenly had allergies they didn’t have before.

Do learn about your allergy

You may be surprised to hear that allergens are in the least likely of places. For example, some vaccines contain egg, some marshmallows may contain selfish, and some sausages and processed meats may contain dairy. If your allergy is new to you, it’s worth being more cautious about what you put into your body.

Do take precautions 

In the case of allergies like pet dander or pollen, you can prepare for symptoms to make them more manageable. If hay fever season is creeping up, talk to your doctor about taking antihistamines. If you’re allergic to dust mites, it may help to use hypoallergenic bed sheets. It’s much more effective to stop an allergic reaction before it happens than to try to medicate it once it’s begun.

If you suspect you have an allergy, see an allergist. They’ll be able to give you expert advice on how to manage symptoms, improving your quality of life. Getting a test also puts your mind at ease and makes it easier for you to avoid triggering allergic reactions.

If you suspect you have an allergy, put your mind at ease. Book a test with Allergy Clinic London today on 02031 433 449.

Three simple things you can be doing to keep your allergies in check

20th January 2021

Three simple things you can be doing to keep your allergies in check

Allergies can have a significant impact on our lives. Sometimes, it feels like no matter what we do, we can’t control them. No matter how many antihistamines we take, or how many times a day we use our eye drops, it can feel like we’re stuck with our symptoms.

There are many treatments or preventative measures that are too expensive, too difficult, or that just don’t fit our lifestyle. So with that in mind, here are three simple things you can do to help you control your allergies.

Understand your allergies

Allergies can be complicated. It can look like you’re allergic to one thing, and then it turns out you’re allergic to something else. Understanding your allergies will put you on the right path to treating them properly. How can you treat an allergic reaction when you don’t know the cause?

The easiest way to know for sure what you’re allergic to is to get an allergy test. The skin prick test is the most common test. But there are several available. Knowing the cause of your symptoms makes your allergies easier to pretreat.

Getting off to a good start

It’s always best to fight your allergies before they begin. That’s why knowing what your allergies are and keeping your house clean are good first steps. It helps prevent you from having your allergies set off in the first place. The general rule is “the sooner the better”.

Pretreating is the idea that you medicate before symptoms occur, but consult your GP before you take any medication. They will be able to tell you which are right for you and how you should use them. In the meantime, do what you can around your house to keep you allergy free.

Allergy-proof your home

If you suffer from an allergy to pet dander, dust mites, or pollen, then some intensive spring cleaning could do the trick. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and – in the case of hay fever – keeping windows shut, can help tame your symptoms. Be sure to check the label of any products you use because heavily scented cleaners can make symptoms worse. 

If you have an allergy to mould, investing in a dehumidifier and opening doors and windows for air circulation will help. There are many things you can do around the home to control your symptoms and prevent the cause of it from getting worse; these are just a few.

These simple tips will help you prevent your allergies from spiralling this year. The sooner you begin to understand and treat your allergies, the better.

Take the first step to controlling your allergies this year. Book an allergy test with Allergy Clinic London now on 02031 433 449.

Two big reasons to stop putting off that allergy test

12th August 2020

Two big reasons to stop putting off that allergy test

Allergies are complicated. With so many allergies out there – over 20% of the UK population suffer from one or more allergic conditions – and their ability to appear and disappear as they please, it can be difficult to separate one-off reactions from a full-fledged allergy.

That is unless you get tested.

But we get it. Getting an allergy test means scheduling an appointment, taking time out of your day to go, and waiting for results. And if you’re only suffering from minor symptoms, is it really worth it? Well, we’re here to tell you that yes, it is!

Safety

You might think your allergy is just a mild inconvenience. Maybe it’s just a stuffy nose or itchy rash that disappears on its own in a few days. But there is still potential for an allergic reaction to become dangerous. And this can happen very quickly.

In the UK, there are about 20 anaphylaxis fatalities each year. And if you aren’t even aware you have an allergy and are continuing to come into regular contact with your allergen, it can be a dangerous game to play.

Getting tested for an allergy provides confirmation of what you need to avoid. And you can stay confident that you’re safe and healthy.

Knowledge is power

Getting allergy test results allows you to take back control of your life. By knowing what to avoid, you can develop your own personalised prevention plan – a way to minimise any contact with your allergen. 

Even if your symptoms were only mild, it can be a massive relief to no longer want to scratch your skin off or to breathe through both nostrils instead of one. Allergy-proofing your environment will keep you more comfortable. And with confirmation of your allergy, you can also educate those around you to minimise your risk of contact even further.

And finally, if you’ve been unsure about what you’re reacting to, you might have avoided a whole host of possible allergens ‘just in case’. When you know what particular allergens you’re susceptible to, you can get right back to enjoying everything else you might have been avoiding.

Allergy tests are the only way to confirm exactly what your body is reacting to. And it arms you with the insight you need to minimise risk, prevent unpleasant symptoms, and take control of your allergy once and for all.

At the London Allergy & Immunology Centre, we offer expert allergy testing to get you the answers you need. If you want to book a test or find out more, get in touch on 02031 433 449.

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.

Children and allergies: The dos and don’ts

11th December 2019

Children and allergies: The dos and don’ts

Childhood is supposed to be filled with fun, adventure, playtime, and discovery outdoors. But itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats get in the way! It’s not always possible for your child to have fun if their seasonal allergies are playing up. Hay fever is a particular problem in the summer. But autumn and winter bring their own issues. It’s the perfect time for other allergens like mould and dust to take their toll and yes, even hay fever can still rear its head. So here are some ways to deal with your child’s symptoms. 

A nice hot bath

We can’t control the outdoors, but we can control the amount of allergy exposure. If your child has been outside all day, when they come back in, they’ll bring allergens like pollen and mould in with them. 

You don’t have to stop them from playing outside, but when they come in at the end of the day, make sure they bathe from head to toe, including shampooing the hair. This prevents any allergens getting on their bed, clothes, and other furniture. It may also be a good idea for everyone to take off their shoes when they come into the house. 

Over-the-counter

Over-the-counter antihistamines provide effective relief from persistent allergy symptoms. However, some come with side effects. Try to avoid ones that cause drowsiness and sluggishness for children, like diphenhydramine, and instead opt for others like cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. Antihistamines which cause drowsiness could affect children’s listening, wakefulness, and school performance. 

Go to the doctor

If over-the-counter medicines don’t seem to be effective enough, you should think twice about turning to natural remedies. Some people believe, for example, that eating locally sourced honey can cure hay fever. However, many of these claims have been extrapolated from unfounded studies to form false promises. 

If your child is really struggling with their allergies, it’s best to visit an allergy doctor who knows what methods of treatment are safe and likely to be most effective for your child. You’ll be able to rely on a professional with years of experience to ensure you get regulated therapies. 

It’s hard enough dealing with allergies all summer, not to mention autumn and winter too. So if it starts to get a little overwhelming, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our consultants can effectively identify and treat allergies, providing long-lasting relief.

How accurate are skin prick tests?

9th October 2019

How accurate are skin prick tests?

There are two types of people in the world. Those who get things checked out immediately and those who take more of a wait-and-see approach. But for your health, the wait-and-see approach might not be the best. In all that time, your symptoms might become worse or cause more serious damage. 

If you think you may have an allergy – even if it’s mild – it’s always good to find out for sure so you can take the right course of action with your treatment. Doing so is simple as there are plenty of allergy tests available. However, if you’re going to invest your time and money into a skin prick allergy test, you’ll want to be sure you see some results.

Skin prick tests

Skin prick tests are a common way of discovering whether you suffer from an allergy. During the test, the allergist places a drop of solution containing the allergen on your arm. Sometimes they put actual fresh food on the arm. 

Using a small needle, the allergist gently pricks the skin to allow the allergen to enter. It is not painful and there’s rarely any bleeding. You can test for many allergies at the same time using this method.

If you’re allergic, results usually appear within 30 minutes. Positive results usually show as a raised white bump surrounded by a small circle or itchy red skin. 

Accuracy

This test rarely produces a false-negative result. Negative results almost always mean you’re not allergic to the food. Sometimes, in 50 to 60% of cases, there may be a false-positive result, meaning you seem to be allergic but actually aren’t. 

This high number of false positives isn’t anything to worry about. Allergists use other tests to help verify the results. These include blood tests like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), food elimination diets, and oral food challenges. 

A trained allergist is skilled in using the most effective tests for you in combination with a detailed understanding of your medical history to provide you with accurate results. After doing so, they’ll be able to give you the most effective treatments to manage your annoying symptoms and find the relief you need. 

The consultants at London Allergy and Immunology Centre are experts in their field and have years of experience in accurately testing children and adults for allergies. Book an appointment today via our website.