Do you have a cat allergy? This new vaccine could get rid of your symptoms

23rd October 2019

Do you have a cat allergy? This new vaccine could get rid of your symptoms

Pet allergies are common in the UK. It’s common in those who also have allergic asthma or hay fever. But new research is giving hope to people with a cat allergy. Scientists claim they have developed a vaccine which could get rid of your symptoms altogether. What’s interesting about the vaccine is that it isn’t for people – it’s for the cat.

How does the vaccine work?

The reason some people have allergic reactions to cats is their body is sensitive to a certain protein cats produce naturally. This protein is called Fel d 1. The scientists who developed the vaccine claim it works by encouraging the cat’s immune system to go after this protein – the allergen – to stop it being so prevalent and causing allergic reactions in people. 

This is a clever feat of modern science, where scientists attach a genetically modified version of the protein to a virus-like particle taken from a plant virus. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean it will infect your cat. It’s a plant virus, so it can’t, and it’s just a virus particle as opposed to a full, live virus. 

No more symptoms

If the vaccine is successful, it would essentially create hypoallergenic cats. This is excellent news for those who have missed out on the companionship of a pet due to their allergies. A cat allergy commonly presents symptoms including itchy eyes, swollen eyes, blotchy skin, sneezing, coughing and wheezing, hives and rashes, or a runny and stuffy nose. If the vaccine works, people with allergies can say goodbye to these symptoms and also reduce their risk of developing chronic illnesses like asthma.  

When can you get the vaccine?

However, the vaccine isn’t available just yet. Researchers are still going ahead with registration studies and discussions with European and US regulators before they can bring the vaccine to market. They say it aims to help both people and cats. 

Cat owners could reduce their symptoms while there could also be a drop in the number of cats ending up in shelters or on the streets from owners who didn’t realise they had a cat allergy. Still, the team hopes the vaccine might be available within the next three months. 

If you’re suffering from a pet allergy, or if you’re not quite sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s time to get in touch with our consultants. At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we can find out what’s causing your symptoms with a simple test and give you the right treatments to solve your problems. Book an appointment today.

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

16th October 2019

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

Sometimes it can feel as if allergies are a constant source of stress. Most people think of hay fever as the only seasonal allergy. But sometimes one season rolls into another and there’s no relief from the sneezing or itching. Why is this? It’s because different seasons bring different allergens. 

It’s tough to keep up, we know. So here’s a quick breakdown of which allergies are typical of each season.

Autumn

The damp conditions of autumn cause mould spores to thrive, especially if it’s still a little humid outside. Whether it’s in piles of leaves, grass, or compost piles, mould might extend your spring and summer suffering. It also tends to be windier in autumn, meaning any leftover pollen can wreak havoc while mould spores get blown around and are more likely to intrude on your personal space.

Winter

During the cold, frosty weather we get some much-needed relief from pollen and hay fever. But we’re often met with a new nemesis. As you power up your heating, it can kick up a lot of dust. Dust allergy symptoms look a lot like hay fever, often making it a year-round struggle.

You can limit your suffering by keeping your home’s humidity below 55%, using a HEPA filter in your vacuum, and keeping up with cleaning around the house. No one wants to get sneezing, wheezing, and itching for Christmas!  

Some keen varieties of tree pollen may also make an early appearance towards the end of winter.

Spring

April showers bring beautiful flowers. But these beautiful flowers also bring hay fever. This is one of the most common allergies out there; somewhere between 10 and 30% of adults are said to suffer. 

From March onwards, tree and plant pollen will be in full swing. And as the weather starts to get nicer, you’ll probably start spending more time outside, increasing your chance of symptoms. 

Summer 

As tree and plant pollen make their way out, we get treated to grass and weed pollen instead! It’s the time of barbeques and picnics, meaning we like to keep our grass nice and trimmed – do you see where we’re going with this?

We’re outside more meaning we can get irritated by smog in the atmosphere. And also run an increased risk of any insect sting or bite allergies.

The moral of this story is that every season brings with it new reasons to sneeze. While an entire year of runny noses and streaming eyes sounds less than ideal, a bit of caution can easily reduce your suffering. Pay attention to the weather, keep an eye on pollen counts, and try to keep allergens out of your home.

If you want to find out more about seasonal allergies or book an allergy test to identify your triggers, give us a call on 02031 433 499.

Why sleeping with a fan on can be dangerous for allergy sufferers

21st August 2019

Why sleeping with a fan on can be dangerous for allergy sufferers

It’s not often we get to bring out the fan, but when the temperature is reaching 30 degrees like it has this year, there’s no better excuse. For the past few years, summer temperatures and the number of heatwaves have been creeping up. In 1976, the UK experienced a heatwave unlike any other with scorching temperatures into the mid-30 degrees. It wasn’t until 2003 another heatwave rivalled its severity, then again in 2006, then 2018, and now 2019. 

Heatwaves like this will only become more frequent and more intense as our climate changes. More people are looking for solutions to the heat in a country where A/C isn’t standard in homes. So they turn to fans, even to sleep. But this can have negative effects, particularly for those with asthma and other allergies.

Why sleeping with the fan on might not be a good idea

As fans blow air around our room, creating a cool breeze, they also spread dust and allergens. This can trigger reactions and cause irritation while you sleep and, as a result, you could lose sleep, which can lead to other health complications, and it may prolong your symptoms. 

To minimise this risk, you could try dusting the fan blades and cleaning your home to remove as much dust and potential allergens as possible. But for those sensitive to allergens in the dust, it may be worth turning the fan off at night, ensuring a good night of rest. 

Fans may cause other problems, including dry skin, so using enough moisturiser is important. Also, you might experience tight, sore muscles from the cold air. 

Despite this, for most people, using a fan is a very, very small health risk and the benefits of being able to stay cool greatly outweigh any threats. However, for those with sensitive asthma and allergies, it might be best to find other options to stay cool at night. 

If your allergies are getting out of control, and you’re struggling to find a way to manage them, get in touch with one of the consultants at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. We use state-of-the-art treatments to help people get their quality of life back. Call us on 0203 143 3449 to discuss your allergy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Allergies in babies

14th August 2019

Frequently Asked Questions: Allergies in babies

Allergies are extremely common worldwide, with figures rising consistently over the past fifty years. As adults, we can tell when something’s not right and get the help we need, but babies can’t do this. Rates of sensitivity in children are approaching around 40% worldwide. 

Babies can’t tell you how they’re feeling. So it’s important you’re aware of all potential allergens and note any changes to your baby.

Could my baby have hay fever?

While you can get hay fever at any age, the likelihood of developing it so young is slim. It tends to begin in childhood or in the teenage years.They haven’t lived long enough to come into contact with pollen year after year, so it’s hard to gauge whether or not it’s hay fever. After all, the symptoms are similar to a cold.

Is it a cold or an allergy?

Allergy symptoms can be similar to a common cold, making them difficult to identify. If your baby has cold-like symptoms, it’s important to pay attention to their duration and what is or isn’t accompanying them.

A common cold will stick around for two weeks or so, whereas allergy symptoms will likely last a bit longer. A fever doesn’t accompany an allergic reaction, so if your baby has one you’ll know it’s a cold. If you suspect they’re experiencing aches and pains, it’ll also be a cold rather than an allergic reaction.

Can I prevent my child from developing a food allergy?

It’s easy to assume that you should avoid feeding your baby common allergens. But, believe it or not, doing this can actually increase your baby’s chance of developing an allergy. 

A 2015 study found that early introduction of peanuts decreased the prevalence of peanut allergies amongst children. Research suggests that – even with children who are at high risk for allergies – you should introduce common allergy-producing foods to your child between 6 and 12 months.

However, it’s not enough to give them peanut paste once and then never again; this is even more likely to encourage an intolerance. Try and give your child these foods regularly. When introducing top allergy-producing foods to your child, always be extra cautious of any changes or symptoms. Find more information here.

It can be difficult to identify allergies in babies because they’re unable to express how they’re feeling. It’s important you keep a note of any contact with potential allergens and watch your baby closely. If you come across anything that looks like cause for concern, go to your doctor, even if it seems minor.

If you want more guidance on allergies in babies, or want to book an allergy test for yourself or your little one, give us a call on 02031 433 499.

The survivor’s guide to hay fever this summer

3rd July 2019

The survivor’s guide to hay fever this summer

We’ve all been there: it’s a lovely summer’s day and you’re outside enjoying the sunshine with friends. What starts as a single tear becomes streaming eyes and before you know it, you can’t even keep them open. Not to mention the running nose and constant sneezing. Summer barbeque ruined.

Hay fever – or allergic rhinitis if we’re getting technical – affects between ten and thirty per cent of the world’s population. While it’s unrealistic to avoid the triggers altogether, here are some tips to help you survive the summer suffering!  

Tip one: put Vaseline around your nose

This little hack can be a lifesaver. You may be familiar with using Vaseline to soothe a sore nose during a cold, but did you know it also works to help with hay fever? Think of it like a barrier. Apply a generous amount and it’ll trap bits of pollen that make a beeline for your nose.

Tip two: don’t drink too much alcohol

We know it’s unrealistic to expect you to avoid Pimm’s all summer long, but it may be worth lowering how much you drink. You may be familiar with antihistamines, a medicine used to treat hay fever symptoms. Well, most alcohols contain histamines, making it counterproductive. Red wine is especially bad for this, so maybe that can be the first to go.

Tip three: remove traces of pollen wherever possible

After being outside, your clothes and body are likely to have some pollen that sticks around. Make a habit of rinsing off and changing clothes after a day out. This way, you can keep your home a pollen-free haven. Similarly, keep windows and doors shut, especially on windy days.

Tip four: don’t buy fresh flowers

We know, they’re beautiful and can brighten up your living space, but don’t bring the enemy inside. If you were allergic to peanuts, you wouldn’t use peanuts as home decor, so you should avoid buying fresh flowers if you’re a hay fever sufferer.

While it’s not usually a severe allergy and brings inconvenience more than fatal danger, hay fever is an unpleasant experience. These are a few things you can do to make the summer months slightly more bearable. It’s about striking a balance between preventative measures and still enjoying this time of year.

If you want more guidance on allergies, or want to book an allergy test to identify new ones, give us a call on 02031 433 499.

The do’s and don’ts of a pollen allergy

26th June 2019

The do’s and don’ts of a pollen allergy

Seasonal allergies can be a complete misery for those of us that suffer from them. But fear not! As the pollen count starts to get higher, there are things you can do to keep symptoms at bay, along with things you should definitely avoid doing that make them worse.

What to do

If you want to keep the blocked nose, watery eyes, and scratchy throat at bay, follow these tips:

• Do try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high. Windy days are also best avoided as dust and pollen are blown about much more than usual. A great way to keep track of this is by downloading a pollen counter or allergy app for your phone or tablet.
• Do stick with the medications prescribed by your allergist.
• Do wear sunglasses when you leave the house to stop pollen from making contact with your eyes and causing nasty itching.
• Do change your air filter in your air conditioning unit before each new season to remove pollen, dust, and mould stuck in the filter.
• Do work out in a gym while pollen levels are at their highest. If you must workout outside, the best time is in the afternoon when pollen levels are at their lowest.

What to not do

While we all want to enjoy summer, when you have a pollen allergy there are extra steps you need to take to make the most of the weather:

• Don’t open the windows of your house and car during peak pollen times. Stick with air conditioning where possible, as it cleans, cools, and dries the air.
• Don’t go over the recommended dosage to reduce your symptoms even more.
• Don’t over-water indoor plants. Other than potentially killing them, it also encourages mould growth you may be allergic to.
• Don’t stress. Well, at least try your best not to. Stress causes your cytokine (the protein we produce as part of the allergic response) levels to rise, which makes your allergy symptoms worse.
• Don’t let your pets in your room or on your bed. As much as we love our animal friends, they can carry pollen in their fur and make your symptoms worse.

There we have it. A few fantastic tips to help you control your symptoms as best as possible so you can enjoy your summer!

If you need help understanding your allergies, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our specialist consultants can help you find the best treatments to make sure your allergies don’t take their toll on your daily life. Give us a call on 02 031 433 449 today.

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

6th April 2019

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

With many of us affected by allergies, having straightforward ways to keep them at bay is important. There are plenty of easy habits you can be doing to stop allergic reactions in their tracks.

Keep pollen outside

As hay fever figures continue to rise – 31% of adults reported suffering in 2017 – it’s important to reduce the pollen getting into your home. It can be as simple as ensuring you’re washing your clothing and bedding often. Vacuuming floors and curtains, which can both hold onto pollen, also helps with this. You want to keep outside allergens out of the house, so keep your windows closed on a breezy day. If you have a pet that’s been outside, make sure to give them a wash.

Preventative measures

With seasonal allergies, the best thing you can do is be prepared. You can plan the time you spend outside based on pollen counts, and start taking hay fever and allergy-specific medications at the start of the season. This way, you can treat symptoms before they show, and ideally prevent them from occurring at all. It’s also important to recognise when your symptoms have gotten out of control and when to go to a doctor for advice on treatment.

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it

The uncomfortable realisation that you’re allergic to a new product is familiar to many of us. If this often happens to you, you’ll be better off sticking to what you know in terms of household products.  

If you get on well with a particular detergent, soap, or shampoo you’ve used for years, avoid changing it up. It’s not worth the risk of reacting to a new formula or scent. If you’re feeling adventurous and can’t resist trying something new, find out what specific ingredients you keep reacting to. This way, at least you can lessen the chance that the new product will lead to an uncomfortable rash.

Just because you have an allergy doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Hopefully, these tips will help keep your day-to-day life as simple as possible. And remember, always check with an allergy specialist before you make any significant changes.

For more guidance on how to keep your allergies in check, or to book an allergy test, feel free to call us on 02031 433 449.

Four steps to improving allergy symptoms

10th March 2019

Four steps to improving allergy symptoms

Whether it’s an allergy to food, dust, or pollen, allergies can make life miserable for so many of us. They can vary wildly from mild skin reactions and stomach problems to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Before these symptoms take over your life, coping strategies are there to help you get on with your day and get the most out of life. Here are just a small handful of useful tips to help you cope.

Check the pollen count in your area

This tip is particularly important for those with dust and pollen allergies. Use apps or websites to keep an eye on the pollen count in your area every day. Even if it’s a beautiful day, when the pollen count is high, make sure you keep windows and doors closed to protect your indoor air. Your body will thank you for it.

Know your indoor triggers

There are plenty of triggers other than pollen and dust that can mess with your allergies and cause symptoms. Factors like dust mites, pet dander, and mould can make allergies worse.

Regularly cleaning can help minimise these potential triggers in your home. If your home has a damp problem, investing in a dehumidifier will help keep symptoms and breathing difficulties under control.

Give your diet a health kick

It should come as no surprise that a healthy diet leaves your body running much more efficiently. A high intake of antioxidant nutrients, from fresh fruit and vegetables, is associated with a reduction in seasonal allergies in both children and adults. Even then, it’s a good habit to get into, allergies or not!

The importance of consulting an allergist

Depending on your situation, it can be very easy to misdiagnose your symptoms and cover them up with over-the counter-solutions. The problem with this is it fails to address the cause of the symptoms and, if left untreated, may get worse or cause other problems.

There are potentially many reasons why these symptoms have suddenly turned up. A professional diagnosis can give you the peace of mind and direction to make sure you’re doing everything you can to minimise and prevent these symptoms.

We know how hard juggling allergies with your daily life can be. No one wants that inconvenience. But hopefully our tips help you make things that little bit easier.

If you want to find more ways to improve your daily life, you could consider getting in touch with one of our consultants who can provide the most effective treatments for your allergies. All you need to do is call 02031 433 449 to book an appointment.

Allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia – what is the link?

16th January 2019

Allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia – what is the link?

Over the years, studies have shown that there may be a link between allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia. While there is yet to be any conclusive evidence that proves this, allergic rhinitis and problems such as fibromyalgia both affect the body’s defence mechanisms. But what are both of these conditions, what are the symptoms, and what is the link?

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is your body’s response to allergens. You experience symptoms that can range from mild side effects like sneezing to more critical symptoms like anaphylaxis. As the word rhinitis suggests, it is all about the impact on your nose.

With pollen allergies specifically, it can feel similar to the symptoms of a cold. Common allergic rhinitis triggers include food, dust, and pet dander. The most common culprit is pollen – also known as hay fever.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term disorder that causes pain all over the body. The condition is thought to affect as many as 1 in 20 people in the UK, and symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Lack of concentration

There is no direct cause of fibromyalgia, but links exist between the disorder and genetics, prior infections, and stress.

Research

It may be a possibility that fibromyalgia causes muscle tightness and, as a result, puts pressure on the body. This pressure may include the nasal passages and lead to sinus pain. From this, the posture of sufferers may seem as if they are bracing their body against pain.

The sinuses being affected can make it difficult to distinguish between fibromyalgia and allergies – both of which are still misunderstood with little knowledge as to what causes either disorder. Pain in the nose without exposure to allergens may also be a sign of non-allergic rhinitis.

While there isn’t a clear link between the conditions, the symptoms do overlap. If you do experience any of the symptoms listed, then we highly recommend being allergy tested to find out whether allergic rhinitis is the cause.

For a simple home allergy test, why not come to us? Request an allergy test from us or visit our website.

Plant allergies: causes, symptoms, and solutions

10th December 2018

Plant allergies: causes, symptoms, and solutions

Plant allergies are extremely common and affect 13 million people in the UK. It’s also referred to as allergic rhinitis – more commonly known as hay fever. You might think because we’re in winter you can escape the effects of hay fever. But you’d be surprised by how plant allergies affect your day to day life.

Causes

The cause of hay fever is pollen, which can create havoc for sufferers all year round. It typically hits hardest during the spring and summer months due to the higher pollen count. As flowers start to bloom and grass starts to thrive, some people have to live with teary eyes!

With plant allergies, the body perceives some substances as dangerous, and in response overproduces allergic antibodies (IgE). This leads to symptoms such as:

• Itchy and watery eyes
• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Coughing
• Blocked sinuses
• Fatigue

Similar symptoms are also caused by other allergies such as dust, pet dander, and mould.

Common triggers of hayfever often include grass, trees, and weeds, with grass pollen being a common allergen between May to July, trees February to June, and weeds June to September. You might not even be able to escape it around Christmas time!

Treatment

Although there isn’t a cure for hay fever, there are several precautions you can take to reduce your symptoms. The easiest is to avoid contact with plants high in pollen. If this isn’t doable then taking precautions such as covering up and going outside during the hours when there is a reduced pollen count can help. Weather reports will usually have an accompanying pollen count so you can check.

It’s also recommended that you take antihistamines and apply eye drops and avoid having flowers in your house. If you’re a pet owner, be wary of letting them back in the house after being outdoors. If it’s the summer and you’re at a BBQ, avoid the smoke as it can heighten the side effects of hay fever. It might also be a tip to keep in your back pocket around fireworks this New Year’s.

If you find that you experience any of the symptoms listed but haven’t been allergy tested, we highly recommend doing so. If you have a family member with allergies like asthma or eczema, you’re even more at risk of suffering from hay fever or other plant-based allergies. Finding out whether or not you have hay fever is a step in the right direction on your journey to living as allergy free as possible.

Request an allergy test from us today to find out once and for all whether you have an allergy you didn’t know about. Say no to itchy eyes and a runny nose and begin your pollen free life today. Contact us today for more information.