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.

How to know if it’s a mould allergy – and how to fight it

31st May 2023

How to know if it’s a mould allergy – and how to fight it

Our home is our castle. It’s a sanctuary; somewhere we know we can retreat to at the end of the day and relax. And many of us will be proud of the homes we’ve created. Sure, they might not be as clean as others, or as organised, but it’s ours. So when something upsets that balance, it can feel like an attack. And one attack we all hate to see is mould.

Mould isn’t nice at the best of times, but in some people, it can be that much worse. There are those who have an allergy to mould, making it all the more pressing to get out of your house. If only it wasn’t so stubborn. But what are the ins and outs of a mould allergy? And how can you deal with it? Let’s take a look…

What is mould?

This seems rather obvious, but let’s start with what mould actually is. At least how it affects all of us – not just people with a mould allergy. Mould thrives on moisture. It’s why you’re most likely to see it in your home in your bathroom or kitchen. You may also find it outside, especially on plant of animal matter, which it decomposes.

Now there is some confusion about how mould and damp environments affect all of us. Dampness has been linked to long-term health issues, particularly respiratory (i.e. breathing) problems. This is sometimes attributed to mould, but the link is uncertain as it’s hard to monitor exactly how much mould someone is exposed to. But since they usually go hand in hand, it’s fair to be wary of both.

Again, this can affect anyone. Especially if it’s the infamous “black mould”, which has been the bane of many homeowners’ lives. But for those who do have an allergy, it adds that extra layer of concern.

Symptoms of a mould allergy

The cause of the allergic reaction is the mould’s spores. Similar to dust or pollen, these airborne particles get into our respiratory systems, causing issues for those with allergies. As such, some of the symptoms will be similar to dust and pollen allergies. This includes:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Symptoms experienced will vary from person to person. Mould may also exacerbate people’s asthma if they have the condition. There is no set time of year this might happen, so mould allergies can be triggered at any time. Though it may be more frequent in spring or autumn when the weather is wetter.

Avoiding your mould allergy

The simplest way to avoid a mould allergy attack is to keep its presence at a minimum. This is something you can only really control in your own home. So keep it well ventilated by opening windows frequently when it’s dry and using extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen. If you don’t have those, look into buying a dehumidifier to extract the moisture from the air.

You’ll also want to get good at cleaning, making sure to frequently tackle your bathroom and kitchen. Invest in a good anti-mould spray and try to get in the habit of using it after every shower or bath. To prevent moisture build-up in other rooms, pay attention to the humidity and avoid drying clothes indoors if you can. If you can’t, follow some of our other tips above.

Other than that, when you’re outdoors, stick to more urban areas. Walks through fields and forests might be a bad idea as that will be where mould thrives. And – as always – talk to your doctor about any persistent symptoms. Keep yourself healthy and safe, and the mould at bay.

Allergies getting you down? Talk to one of our allergy specialists to talk through your concerns, achieve a diagnosis, or receive some helpful advice for managing your allergy. Register as a patient today or call us 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.