Is there a link between our allergies and iron deficiency?

15th June 2022

Is there a link between our allergies and iron deficiency?

Unfortunately, there is no ‘easy’ solution to solve allergies. There’s no magic pill to make them go away. Even antihistamines, which can be used for seasonal allergies, have their limits. But there’s a wealth of research going on to try to find the answer.

And one study coming out of Austria might just have one. Researchers across several institutes are looking into small dietary changes that could reduce the impacts of some allergic reactions. It all comes down to iron levels in the blood. Let’s take a look at what this study found and what it might mean for the future of allergies.

The study

Scientists at the Messerli Research Institute of MedUni Vienna, Vetmeduni Vienna, and the University of Vienna conducted a trial to see how targeted dietary measures could reduce symptoms. In a placebo-controlled study, they gave participants a specifically developed lozenge. This was based on the whey protein beta-lactoglobulin from cows, which acts as a carrier for numerous micronutrients.

But what about the iron? Well, it isn’t technically an iron supplement because there’s so little of it in the lozenge. Instead, what makes it effective is that the micronutrients are in a suitable form to be carried by the whey protein to the immune cells.

The researchers found that people who took the lozenge had significantly reduced symptoms in their birch and grass pollen allergies. And, after six months with it, there was a noticeable improvement in iron levels in monocytes and red blood cell parameters.

What does this mean?

It’s still early days for this research, so don’t expect to see the lozenges on store shelves just yet. And, as you might have already realised, it isn’t a ‘cure’ for allergies. Nor has it been tested with more severe reactions.

But it does represent a new way to treat allergies by simply changing parts of our diet. And using the lozenge could present a universal way of treating allergies. It’s a lively field of research, and isn’t the only study into the link between iron and allergies. Here’s one exploring the link and another with a similar purpose.

As long as people are suffering from allergies, there will be research trying to help them. But until the day comes that they find a solution, you’ll have to be careful with your reactions. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and talk with an allergy specialist if you ever have any concerns.

If you have any questions about your allergies, get in touch with one of our allergists today. 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.

Allergies are on the rise – but why?

25th March 2020

Allergies are on the rise – but why?

Allergies are on the rise. We can’t deny it. Take this recent news story, for example. The number of hospital admissions for people with allergies has doubled in just eight years. According to this BBC article, 7% of UK children have an allergy. And we’ve all heard the stories of just how dangerous this can be.

But is there an explanation? Well, it’s hard to pin down an exact reason as there are many theories. Let’s see what they say.

Are you we just more aware?

One explanation is we are more aware of what allergies are and what their symptoms can be. We know the telltale signs of a breakout of hives or the swelling of the throat. And with so many stories about people dying from allergy-induced anaphylactic shock, we might just be more on edge when we see these symptoms.

More people going for a diagnosis means more people will naturally be diagnosed. But while this theory is the simplest, it’s probably also not true. Studies show it could be environmental. When testing, they found allergy rates were higher in urban communities than in rural ones. And migrants coming to live in the west had higher rates than their peers back in their home country.

So when we compare, we can see how certain places have a higher frequency of allergies. So they’re definitely on the rise.

Are we just too cautious?

One popular theory for the increase in allergies is we’re too clean. We’re too cautious with our children and prevent them from coming across microbes, which help them build up a healthy immunity. Without these, they are more susceptible to allergies. Studies have shown children growing up on farms around dirt and animals have fewer cases of allergies.

Some people expose their young infants to certain allergens to build up a tolerance. They might include food like peanuts or wheat in their diet – common foodstuffs that cause lots of deaths. It isn’t recommended you do this without consulting with a professional first.

The good thing about more people being diagnosed with allergies is we can start to change how the world approaches allergies. Too many people still don’t take them seriously, putting people’s lives at risk. By raising awareness, we can hopefully make the world a safer place for allergy sufferers. If you think you might have an allergy, get in touch with an allergy specialist today.

At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we know all too well about the rise in allergies. If you want an allergy doctor to confide in, get in touch with our experts on 02031 433 449.