Ibuprofen and paracetamol: can you have a medicine allergy?

5th May 2021

Ibuprofen and paracetamol: can you have a medicine allergy?

We all have that draw or cupboard in the house – you know the one. It’s where we keep our medicine. And one handy tool we always stay stocked up on is the painkiller. It’s easy to reach for when we’ve got a pounding headache or to soothe an injury. You might also keep them in more convenient places, like in your handbag or at your work desk.

But they’re not for everyone. Some people can’t swallow them, while others just don’t like the taste. Then there are some who can’t have them at all because they’re allergic. Yes, you have a medicine allergy – let’s take a look at what that means.

What are medicine allergies?

Not everyone will react the same way to medication. What might be fine for you someone else might react to. But this doesn’t mean all reactions are from allergies. In fact, only about 5 to 10% of reactions to medicine are because of an allergy.

So sometimes it’s just an adverse reaction – a side effect. This is different from an allergy, which is caused by your immune system’s response to the medicine. It’s your body seeing something harmless as a threat. To complicate it further, you might not have an allergic reaction the first time you take it. Sometimes you develop allergies later in life or, as can happen with medicine, your body doesn’t know how to react to it until the second time you take it. If you’re ever unsure, you need to talk to an allergy specialist about it.

What are the symptoms?

Allergies to paracetamol and ibuprofen are rare. But they’re still possible. As with all allergies, their effects range from mildly inconvenient to life-threatening.

At the more mild end of the scale, you have common skin reactions, such as rashes, peeling, or swelling. In some cases, it may lead to mouth ulcers. Then there are more alarming symptoms, such as asthma attacks or a general struggle to breathe. And in the worst-case scenarios, it can cause anaphylaxis, which can lead to death.

The difficulty with medicine allergies is figuring out what is a side effect and what is a genuine allergic reaction. If you ever experience abnormal problems as a result of taking medication, you should always talk to your doctor and find the cause.

Book an appointment today with Allergy Clinic London to find out if you have any serious allergies. Call us 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.

Are you really allergic to penicillin?

31st January 2020

Are you really allergic to penicillin?

On 7th November 2019, researchers published a paper in the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI). It concluded medical databases don’t accurately reflect reality when it comes to penicillin allergies. 

The American study claims around 10% of people have a penicillin allergy noted on their medical records but only approximately 1% of the population is legitimately allergic to penicillin. The NHS suggests similar figures for the UK. 

Why do so many people think they’re allergic?

The reason so many people believe they’re allergic to penicillin is a combination of factors. Some are misdiagnosed. Others were allergic but lost their sensitivity over time, which can happen with a multitude of other allergies. However, their medical records may still state an allergy to penicillin as the information hasn’t been updated. Sometimes, people just grow out of the allergy. 

Why does it matter?

One 2015 study suggests true penicillin allergies only occur in around 0.03% of the population. If there are huge discrepancies like this between the number of people who think they’re allergic and those who are truly allergic, medical professionals should take steps to diagnose the condition more accurately so patients can make use of the amazing qualities of penicillin. 

There are alternatives available for patients allergic to penicillin, but these have a few concerning impacts for patients and hospitals. For example, they:

• Result in longer hospital stays
• Increase the risk of microbial resistant infections
• Incur higher costs

These three factors are particularly concerning for the NHS which is why the accurate diagnosis of a penicillin allergy is of huge importance. 

Some people are allergic to penicillin though, and this research shouldn’t encourage anyone to take a penicillin allergy diagnosis on someone’s medical history less seriously until an allergist has diagnosed them properly.

It’s a great idea for people with penicillin allergies to speak to an allergist to have their allergy evaluated safely. You can book an appointment with one of the consultants at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre by clicking here or by calling 0203 143 3449. 

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.

New study links antacid medicines to allergies

18th September 2019

New study links antacid medicines to allergies

Recently, research published in the journal Nature Communications has found an interesting link between prescription antacid medicines used to reduce stomach acid and the likelihood of needing a prescription of anti-allergy drugs in future years. 

Researchers looked at data from the health records of over eight million people in Austria over four years. This is around 97% of the population – a significant sample for Austria, but perhaps not for the rest of the world. Though is there something we can learn from the study?

The results

The results from the research show people who took proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) – such as antacids – are around two times more likely to get a prescription for anti-allergy drugs in the future. They also found that it was more prominent in women and the elderly. 

Causes

While this research suggests antacids are linked to allergies, it’s not always that simple. Even with other research that shows the same, you can’t say for sure one thing causes the other. It’s what we call ‘causality’. This is especially true when you’re comparing other countries. Sir Munir Pirmohamed, a professor of molecular and clinical pharmacology, says the study has limitations. 

These limitations are things like what health conditions the patients might have had, their lifestyles, other drugs they might take, and other variables. While the study is interesting, we can’t say for sure that antacid medication causes a need for anti-allergy medication in the future. However, there might still be something we can learn.

The study suggests we need to be careful when prescribing medicines as they can have adverse effects on patient health. So we should prescribe medicines only when necessary, in the correct amounts, and after a thorough risk assessment. 

No one is 100% certain what causes allergies, although there are many theories out there. While we don’t know the causes, allergy professionals know the most effective treatments.

If you’re suffering from an allergy and need to find a new way to manage your symptoms effectively, don’t hesitate to contact the consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre on 02031 433 449.

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

5th June 2019

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

Getting people to understand common allergies, such as peanuts or pollen, is difficult enough. Try explaining that you’re allergic to any surface a cockroach walks on or you’re allergic to the proteins found in raw fruit and vegetables.

There are many allergies that sound stranger than fiction. But it’s time to separate myth from fact and reveal some uncommon allergies that may not get the spotlight they deserve.

Cockroaches

For those of us that live in the UK, cockroaches are rare and shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, holidays in hotter countries may cause a bit of bother. If you’re allergic, cockroach bodies and their waste can induce symptoms similar to hay fever, along with skin rashes.

Raw fruits and vegetables

For those wishing to eat a healthy diet, being allergic to raw fruits and vegetables can be a nightmare. Sadly, many people will question whether you’re allergic and say you’re being fussy.

The problem is called ‘oral allergy syndrome’ and causes itching, burning, and pain in the throat. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in fruits and vegetables.

Mobile phones

What could possibly cause a mobile phone allergy? Unfortunately, for some of us, our bodies react to the presence of nickel or low levels of radiation. It can lead to a skin reaction that causes redness, welts, and itching.

Allergy medicine

Being allergic to the very thing that can treat your allergies is a cruel twist of fate. Some people’s immune systems react to the dyes or other ingredients used in common allergy medication. Thankfully, allergists can provide alternatives to help you treat your allergies.

These are just a small handful of bizarre allergies that many people don’t even know exist. If you’re experiencing any allergy symptoms you’re unsure about, it’s worth visiting a professional who can diagnose and treat you.

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.

3 strange but very real allergies and sensitivities

14th June 2018

3 strange but very real allergies and sensitivities

The release of the film Midnight Sun this year, had a lot of people questioning “are sun allergies real?” It’s about a girl who has a life-threatening sensitivity to sunlight. We should point out that allergies and sensitivities are not the same things, although both can produce very similar symptoms. In the case of Midnight Sun, the character has neither. Rather her condition is based on xeroderma pigmentosum. It’s a rare genetic disorder where the skin cannot heal itself after damaging exposure to UV light. Any exposure to the sun is forbidden.

Despite this, allergic reactions and sensitivities to sunlight do exist. It’s strange that something so natural and fundamental to life can cause such nasty reactions in people. But, this is the case with a lot of common allergies. For example, food, pollen, and medicine are all vital to our lives, but for many people, they can be fatal. Interestingly, there are some allergies and sensitivities to things most of us would never suspect, but they are real nevertheless. These are a few of them.

Water

That’s right. Even though water makes up 60% of our bodies, for some, contact with water means a painful skin rash, known as aquagenic urticaria. The understanding of why this happens is patchy at best. Most scientists don’t believe it to be a true allergy to water, but rather speculate it as a reaction to unknown, dissolved substances in the water. Or, they say it could be a reaction between these dissolved substances with some in the skin which creates a new allergen. This sensitivity, although rare, is more common in women and symptoms often start around the onset of puberty.

Semen

Again, something that is so vital to life can cause itching, redness, burning, and swelling. It is thought to be a type-1 allergic reaction, the same as hay fever or cat dander, and is believed to be a result of allergenic proteins produced by a man’s prostate gland. Like most allergies, this issue can appear at any time in your life, and it can be mild or severe. Severe enough to cause anaphylaxis in an unlucky few. Luckily, skin prick tests and blood antibody profiles can determine a semen allergy as doctors sometimes mistake it for a case of chronic vaginitis in women.

Allergy medicine

In what seems to be a cruel twist of fate, some people with allergies can be allergic to the allergy medicine. People can be allergic to any medication, but this one is particularly rare as it causes the problem it is meant to prevent. Usually, dyes and other chemicals in the medicine are responsible for the reaction. If this is the case, a person with this allergy will need to visit an allergy centre to explore other treatments, for example, immunotherapy.

At London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we’ve seen it all. No case is too strange for us to tackle. If you are experiencing symptoms that you think may be the result of an allergy or sensitivity, book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants today online or by calling 02031 433 449. We can do all the tests you need to determine the cause of what you’re experiencing to ensure you can live your best life.

Are you sure you have a penicillin allergy?

30th March 2018

Are you sure you have a penicillin allergy?

Penicillin is the most reported drug allergy in the world. Approximately 10% of the UK population report having a penicillin allergy. Yet it’s estimated that only around 20% of those reporting are truly allergic. So that means it might be closer to 2% of the population. But why do so many people think they are allergic to penicillin when they are not?

Symptoms

Sometimes, perceived allergy symptoms coincide with the use of penicillin. But, they may be due to another cause. For example, some bacterial infections cause rashes. You may believe the cause of the rash is the penicillin rather than the infection. Or, you may have misinterpreted some of the common or less common side effects of penicillin as an allergic reaction. All drugs have possible side effects. Many of them resemble allergy symptoms, but they are not.

For those who are genuinely allergic to penicillin, reactions can occur immediately after exposure. Their symptoms will be those of an immunoglobulin E allergic reaction. Symptoms range from rashes and hives to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal, so it’s still very important to take penicillin allergies seriously. If you think you may have a penicillin allergy, it’s best to seek the diagnosis of professionals to be certain of the cause. Having a false diagnosis, or assuming it’s an allergy, can have adverse effects on you in the long term.

Be vigilant

One of these adverse effects is related to the worrying global issue of antibiotic resistance. 50,000 people die every year from antimicrobial-resistant infections. Some scientists have described it as a bigger threat to humanity than climate change. Skipping penicillin for alternatives is not contributing to microbial resistance as much as other poor practices, like using antibiotics in agriculture or misprescription. But, it does widen the varieties of drugs we are exposing to bacteria. So, not only are microbes becoming resistant to penicillin, they are becoming resistant to the backup options we have as well.

People who are allergic to penicillin cannot avoid this, and proper use of antibiotics is unlikely to contribute to antibiotic resistance. But, the large number of people who use alternatives due to false allergy diagnosis, increases the risk of misuse and therefore, resistance. Also, penicillin alternatives are often more costly, putting greater strain on an already overwhelmed NHS, and they are not always as effective as penicillin in some conditions.

Get it right

This is why ensuring your reaction to penicillin results from an allergy is important. In the long run, it could be worth putting up with mild, non-allergenic symptoms for the greater good. If your symptoms are more severe, it’s best to avoid penicillin in favour of alternatives to protect your health. But, getting a proper diagnosis is still important as it could affect your treatment in hospital.

In some situations when drug allergy is confirmed and there are no alternative options for use of other medications, patients could undergo desensitisation therapy in a hospital setting that will allow one-time use of the drug.

It’s very important to be sure if the historic rash was indeed a sign of severe allergy or was due to something else, in order to have the best options available to you in hospital.

If you want to get tested for a penicillin allergy, or another allergy you think you may be suffering from, book an appointment with us today. If you plan to claim private insurance please get a referral from your GP.