What you need to know about managing your allergies at university

23rd August 2023

What you need to know about managing your allergies at university

Heading off to university is a huge leap. Whether it’s you yourself going or you’re a parent of a child who’s flying the nest in September, it’s a big moment. It’s time to leave your old life behind and head off into something new. You have to juggle classes, forge new friendships, and have a little fun as you go.

But if you have allergies – especially a food allergy – it’s going to change the experience. You can’t freely do what a lot of your peers can and it adds a whole host of fresh hurdles to avoid. What are some of the key lessons you’re going to have to learn? We have three of the biggest right here.

Note: if you’re a student heading out on your own for the first time, we hope these tips help you manage your allergies. And if you’re a parent, we hope they put your mind at ease – even if just a little bit.

You’re not going to be living alone

This one sounds obvious: in your first year, you’re likely in halls. In future years, you’ll have to share with friends. Either way, it means living with people who don’t have the same concerns as you and sharing an environment that could be rife for cross-contamination.

There’s going to have to be a certain amount of education. You’ll need to let them know what exactly you’re allergic to, how it can affect you, and what you would like from them. It would also be good to find someone in particular you can trust to talk to about your adrenaline auto-injector (AAI). Having someone who knows where it is and how to apply it is going to be critical.

Since you can’t guarantee they’ll always be the most vigilant (even if they’re trying their hardest), you’re going to have to learn to create a safe space where you can. Always thoroughly clean countertops before cooking, only use your kitchen wares, and clearly label all of your things.

You’ll have to take some personal responsibility

As you’ve been living with your allergy, you’ve likely had to grow up faster than your peers. So you’ll be used to taking care of yourself to a degree. But the odds are you’ll be on your own now – no parents to keep watch. And that comes with a level of responsibility.

You need to look after yourself, even though there will be times at university when you can’t. Yes, you might get a bit inebriated at some point. That’s going to impair your decision-making skills. Whenever you drink, just make sure you can still look after yourself. We all do dumb things when under the influence, but stay safe where you can.

Another aspect is looking after your health. What’s your plan if you need to refill a prescription? Are you regularly checking the expiration date on your AAI? Do you know who your doctor is if you have to talk about your allergy? It’s on you to be proactive now.

Look after your own space

Part of managing your allergy is going to be controlling the environment around you where you can. And there are plenty of steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Number one – and you might not like this truth – is getting good at cleaning. Cleaning your kitchen, your room, and your shared spaces. It’s necessary to remove any allergens before you use a surface.

Another step you could take is to invest in something like a mini fridge. It might seem like an overreaction, but it’s a simple way to separate your food and ensure there’s no cross-contamination. And take your food shopping seriously. You’re going to have to learn how to interrogate ingredient labels if you’re not experienced already.

University is a lot of fun. But so much of it is about learning to take care of yourself. You’ll be surprised how much education takes place outside the classroom. What’s important is looking after yourself, taking your condition seriously, and – most of all – having a great time.

Whether you’re a university student or a parent of a soon-to-be one, make sure you’re ready for what comes next. Talk to our allergy specialists for ongoing advice about how to best manage your allergies. Get in touch on 02031 433 449 or register as a patient with us here.

3 allergens that could be causing your bathroom woes

19th July 2023

3 allergens that could be causing your bathroom woes

While our homes are our place of comfort, they can also contribute to our allergies if we aren’t careful. Just ask anyone with hay fever in the summer. It becomes a tough choice between opening the windows and letting the pollen in or sitting in a stuffy box. When it comes to allergies, we have to be careful of how our homes can aggravate them.

One place this can happen is in the bathroom. You may not even realise it’s the cause of your reactions. But there’s plenty in there that could be causing issues. Let’s look at some strange allergy triggers in the bathroom and what they could mean for you.

Toothpaste

We know what you’re thinking: what could possibly be in toothpaste that triggers an allergy? It’s just a minty paste for brushing your teeth. But toothpaste is a collection of a lot of ingredients, and there’s a chance one of them could be an allergen.

It’s tricky to pin down which one it is without further investigation. But some of the most common triggers will be fluoride, essential oils, and even gluten, which is used to thicken the toothpaste. Symptoms can include inflammation or a rash around the mouth and lips. The best way to tackle it – at least in the short term – is to choose a different brand and see if that helps.

Shampoo

Similar to toothpaste, shampoos are made up of a wide range of ingredients, making diagnosis difficult. It might even be tough to trace it back to the shampoo in the first place. Since it can touch a lot of areas, you might not even realise that the rash around your ears comes from the shampoo.

And you’ll run into a similar issue in finding which specific ingredient is causing the problem. If you suspect your shampoo is causing an allergic reaction, stop using it and talk to your doctor. You could also research fragrance-free alternatives, as these may eliminate some of the more common triggers. But it isn’t a guarantee; medical advice will always be your best bet.

Water

Yes, it sounds stranger than fiction, but it is possible to be allergic to water. It’s incredibly rare, with only a handful of documented cases. Its medical name is “aquagenic urticaria” and happens when water comes into contact with the skin. This leads to red, itchy rashes – also known as hives.

Because it’s so rare, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly causes this reaction. The leading theories are that it’s either a certain chemical in the water or something on the skin that reacts badly with water. Either way, it makes bathing difficult. But the chances of you having the condition are incredibly slim.

The chances of there being allergy triggers in the bathroom are low. But there’s no harm in being cautious, looking out for changes in your body, and staying safe. If you ever notice an unusual reaction after using a bathroom product, talk to your doctor immediately.

Alternatively, talk to one of our allergy specialists. Our team is well-versed in getting to the bottom of your condition and suggesting changes to lead an easier and happier life. Get in touch with us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient today.

How to allergy-proof your home

21st December 2022

How to allergy-proof your home

If you’re a house-proud person, there’s probably no better feeling than having everything spick and span. The floor’s had a good mop or vacuum and everything’s in its rightful place. But what if we told you it might not be as clean as you think? To you, it’s perfect, but to people with allergies? There could be a stray hair or bit of dust that’s going to set them off.

Yes, something as simple as travelling to someone else’s home can be a chore for someone with an allergy. You go to your friend’s house only for the dog hair on the sofa to bring you out in a painful rash. 

With this being the festive season, you might be about to entertain some guests. So what can you do to allergy-proof your home and keep them feeling comfortable?

What to be aware of

Let’s start with the mystery allergens you should know about. There are some that are likely to be more common than others in a home, and while they might not bother you, they might be the bane of someone else’s existence.

First, there’s dust. It builds up in every crevice, and if you’re only cleaning where you can see it, you might have missed some. Then there’s mould, though this might be less prevalent. It’s still worth looking out for in rooms where it often appears, such as the bathroom.

If you have a pet, then pet dander could be an issue. This also has a habit of getting everywhere you don’t want it to be. Depending on the season, pollen might be lurking too, sticking to everything as it is wont to do. Lastly, food allergies. You may think someone has to eat something to have a reaction, but sometimes food particles are enough to set them off.

What will help with guests is knowing what their allergies are. This way, you can appropriately prepare. Now we’ve covered that, let’s look at our top 3 tips for allergy-proofing your home. 

Tip #1 – Clean, clean, and clean!

You might be the cleanest person in the world, but it still might not be enough. If you know you have guests coming over, up your cleaning routine. Do it more often to prevent a build-up of allergens.

You’ll also want to clean in places you might not usually. So make sure to get every shelf, every ornament, every skirting board – even your curtains! Allergens can stick to them like crazy.

Tip #2 – Dealing with your pets

If you have a pet, pay particular attention to areas where they spend time. If your dog is allowed on the sofa, that’s a prime candidate for a deep clean. Their dander will get everywhere, especially on the carpet. If you can afford the investment, a high-power vacuum designed for pet hair would be best.

Your cleaning routine also extends to your pet. Giving them regular baths ensures they don’t have allergens tangled in their fur. And regular brushing (done outside) gets rid of loose hair.

Tip #3 – Thinking about food

As we said earlier, a simple food particle is sometimes enough to trigger someone’s allergies. In these cases, their symptoms are likely to be respiratory. So they may suffer from breathing difficulties, and in worst-case scenarios, this can lead to potentially fatal outcomes.

Especially over this holiday period, think twice about the food you have. If you know you’re feeding your guests, ask about any allergens and take them seriously. But if you’re not, then keep food away from any guests and stay out of the kitchen just in case.

Being considerate about someone’s allergies doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. But the gesture will mean a lot if you allergy-proof your home. So whether it’s for the benefit of any guests over the holidays or you carry this advice into the new year, take our tips and become an even better allergy ally.

Having an allergy doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life. If you ever have any concerns about your potential allergies, feel free to reach out to us. You can register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

3 allergy hot spots around your home

25th May 2022

allergy hot spots

3 allergy hot spots around your home

Dodging your allergies can feel like a full-time job. For a large chunk of the year, you can’t even step outside without fearing the dreaded symptoms. But then you stay home, keep all your windows closed, and still find yourself suffering. What gives? 

Allergens are pesky. Especially dust and mould. They could be showing up around your home without you even realising. But fear not! By learning their favourite hiding places, you can show them the door and keep your home an allergy-free zone.

Knick-knacks

Knick-knacks are great for making a house feel like a home. They’re not so great for avoiding your allergy symptoms. Dust particles love to gather around books, photo frames, or anything else you have out in the open. 

The solution? Step up your cleaning routine. Rather than dusting around your knick-knacks, take everything down and give it a thorough clean. Also, rather than using a duster – which will just move it around – try using a damp microfiber cloth to trap the dust. The extra cleaning can feel tedious in the moment, but you’ll be grateful in the long-run.

Your bed

Your bed is somewhere you spend a large amount of time. Unfortunately, it’s also a hot spot for dust mites, pet hair, or sneaky pollen – all of which could be causing you grief.

If you suspect your bedsheets are adding to your symptoms, it’s as simple as changing them more often. And always wash them at a high temperature – ideally above 60 degrees. Your mattress, duvet, and pillows themselves can also be dust magnets. So it might be worth investing in dust covers, and vacuuming your mattress on a regular basis.

Again, this might mean a little extra housework. But look at the bright side – you get that dreamy fresh sheet feeling more often!

The shower

Those black spots in your shower aren’t just an eyesore and a pain to clean. They might also be causing that tickle in the back of your throat. Mould loves warm environments, such as your steamy bathroom post-shower. And when their spores are released into the air, you can breathe them in and experience all sorts of allergy symptoms. 

You want to do your best to prevent mould from forming in the first place. So keep your bathroom well ventilated by using the fan or opening a window or door. The less humid and damp it stays, the better. And if you do notice mould forming, opt for bleach and water to stop it in its tracks.

Allergies can be relentless. And it’s frustrating to feel like you’re not even safe in the comfort of your home. But by switching a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the amount of allergens lurking around.

If you need extra support identifying or managing your allergies, we’d love to help. To register as a new patient or book an appointment, call us 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.

Preventing allergic reactions in the kitchen

15th January 2020

Preventing allergic reactions in the kitchen

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, especially in children. There are around 2 million people who have been diagnosed with a food allergy in the UK, including 5-8% of children. It’s becoming increasingly likely that someone in your family will have an allergic reaction and more of us must take extra precautions in the home. 

Food allergies can produce anything from mild, irritating symptoms to anaphylaxis which can lead to death. For those with more severe allergies, it’s important to avoid allergen contamination. This is especially true in the kitchen where most food handling occurs. 

Safety strategies

Some people try to eliminate allergens from their home completely. This could be a great strategy for some, but for others, it might not be effective. For example, some people have multiple allergies to a wide range of foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, celery, and gluten. If all other members of the family are allergy-free, it would be difficult and impractical to enforce the elimination of all foods containing these ingredients. So there needs to be an alternative solution.

Making your kitchen safe

There are many things you can do to minimise the risk of allergens causing an allergic reaction in a family member. You should:

• Label foods as safe or not safe – This is useful for children who may not understand their allergies yet. Using green and red stickers to label food as safe or not safe can make knowing what they can touch and eat easy. 
• Avoid mix-ups – You might have both safe and unsafe versions of the same food. Just don’t store similar items near each other. 
• Avoid contaminating the food supply – If you have both safe and unsafe foods in your home, you need to prevent cross-contamination. Teaching everyone in the house to wash their hands before touching safe foods. Have separate sets of utensils for safe and unsafe foods. And teach everyone to clean all countertops before preparing food. 
• Confine food consumption to your kitchen – So people don’t take allergens to other areas of the house.

These are just a few simple tips to help you make sure your kitchen doesn’t become a dangerous place for people with allergies. Some families come up with their own unique systems which work to prevent allergic reactions in their home. As long as you’re taking effective steps to minimise the risks, it doesn’t matter how you do it. 

The London Allergy and Immunology Centre works to help people and children with allergies live their life free from anxiety and stress. We provide the right treatments and the information you need to stay safe and give you peace of mind. All you need to do is book an appointment 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.

Allergy do’s and don’ts for your home

16th February 2019

Allergy do’s and don’ts for your home

Aside from using everyday medications, there are many things you can do in your home to manage your allergies. This is true for both mild allergies and life-threatening ones, which can lead to anaphylaxis. Here are a few tips.

Have emergency kits on hand

Every second counts when it comes to treating someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction. You should keep an emergency kit in your home, preferably one on each floor, and make sure everyone in the household knows where to find it. This is especially useful if you know someone in the house has an easily triggerable allergy, such as a nut or bee sting allergy. That way, it’s within reach should something happen. The kit should contain all medications prescribed by your doctor for your allergies, like antihistamines and epinephrine. And it’s always good to make sure you have two doses of epinephrine as around 20% of people require a second dose.

Assign seats at the table

Food allergies are one of the most common causes of allergic reactions in the UK, with around two million diagnosed with the condition. If a family member has a food allergy, it’s crucial that they don’t come into contact with those foods. Having set places at the table avoids cross-contamination and reduces the risk of your family member coming into contact with allergens that other family members may not react to. Some would go as far as making sure certain types of food don’t enter the house. How strict you are will depend on the severity of their allergy.

Don’t rely on sanitizers

Whether used for your hands, kitchen counters or the dinner table, hand sanitisers are not a reliable way to remove allergens. A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that liquid soap, commercial wipes, and bar soap removed peanut allergens from hands. Plain water left detectable levels of peanut allergens. And, hand sanitizer left the most detectable levels of peanut allergens. Just stick to soap.

Dealing with allergies in the household becomes more straightforward with a little organisation. These are just a few tips out of many, but the most important one? Use some common sense, be aware of triggers, and stay safe.

If you want to book an appointment with one of our consultants for an allergy test, or to discuss your treatment, call us on 02031 433 449. We will be more than happy to help.