Everything you need to know about fruit allergies

30th March 2022

Everything you need to know about fruit allergies

When you want a sweet snack, is there anything better than fruit? It’s the healthy alternative. It tastes good. It’s natural. What’s not to love? Well, for some people, there’s plenty to not love – especially when it triggers an allergic reaction.

Around 2% of UK adults have something called “pollen food syndrome”, causing a reaction when they eat fruit. But what else do you need to know about it? Let’s look at fruit allergies and what you can do about them.

More about fruit allergies

So, to start, what is pollen food syndrome? It’s a sensitivity to not only fruits, but vegetables and nuts too. AKA, plant-based food. As you can tell from the name, it’s related to pollen-bearing fruit and how a sensitivity to pollen also affects a person’s reaction to fruit. So there may be some crossover with hay fever.

This tends to happen with raw and fresh fruit. The proteins that cause the pollen food syndrome will change when heated or digested. So an allergic response is usually mild and immediate.

Do note that this isn’t the only cause of people reacting to fruit. Pretty much any food can cause a serious allergic reaction, and fruit is no different. In these cases, it likely isn’t pollen food syndrome, but an allergy to a specific fruit or fruit family.

Symptoms to look out for

In milder cases, you might experience:

• Swelling around the mouth and tongue
• Itching around the throat
• Oesophagus or stomach problems
• Sneezing or itchy eyes (or other hay-fever-like symptoms)

As we said before, it can be more severe. In those cases, you’re likely to see:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Anaphylaxis

For these serious symptoms, medical attention will be needed. Anaphylaxis is a dangerous reaction that can result in death.

What can cause a fruit allergy

What you react to with pollen food syndrome depends on the type of pollen you’re allergic to. A birch tree allergy, for example, might mean you react to apples, apricots, cherries, or kiwis.

Whereas an allergy to grass pollen might mean you react to melon or watermelon. And if it’s weed pollen, you could react to bananas. These lists aren’t exhaustive. What’s important is that you know what kind of allergies you have.

Because when you have this information, it makes it easier to avoid the fruits that can trigger you. If you’ve ever noticed a strange reaction to fruit, this could be the culprit. Now is the best time to talk with an allergy specialist about figuring out what the specific causes are. This will help you separate pollen food syndrome from other allergies and allow you to eat with true peace of mind.

Talk to one of our experts today. We can guide you through your allergy test results and advise you on how to live safely. To find out more, reach out to us on 02031 433 449. You can also join as a new patient here.

Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever

23rd March 2022

Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever

We recently talked about seasonal allergies and how they seem to be coming earlier and lasting longer. We’re well into March now, so some people will be starting to notice those telltale signs. A runny nose. Itchy eyes. Scratchy throat. Yep, hay fever season is here.

But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here’s our springtime guide for dealing with your hay fever and pollen allergies, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.

Symptoms to look out for

The problem with seasonal allergies happening earlier is that there’s overlap with winter illnesses such as a cold or the flu. Along with something like coronavirus. So some people might not realise it’s actually their hay fever acting up.

We all know the obvious symptoms:

• Runny, stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat or coughing

But there are some you might not realise are related to your allergy:

• Headaches, particularly around the temples (likely a sinus backup)
• Exhaustion
• Earache
• Loss of smell

Headaches, especially, are something we often attribute to something else. Not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep – you get the idea. But you might want to pay attention to the kind of headaches you get. Do they feel like they come from a blockage? Are they more around the front of your head? If so, it could be hay fever and sinus-related.

How to minimise symptoms

There are steps you can take to keep your symptoms at bay. The issue is when pollen reaches you and causes a reaction. So you need to do what you can to keep the pollen away.

If you like to have your windows open, this could be making your symptoms worse, so keep them closed. Make a habit of checking the pollen counts too, so you know if it’s worth going outside. Speaking of outside, don’t dry your washing in the fresh air. Pollen can stick to it and you’ll bring it right into your house.

If you like going for walks, stay away from grassy, open spaces. If you live near the coast, consider going there. If not, stay in more urban areas. Especially if the grass near your favourite walking spot has just been cut.

Preventative measures

There are other ways you could prevent hay fever from bothering you. Over-the-counter antihistamines are regularly used by people suffering, as are nasal sprays. Before you do this though, you might want to talk with your doctor.

They may have a better suggestion for helping you deal with your symptoms. It might also be the case that they recommend you don’t take over-the-counter medication. Always consult them before taking any medicine, just in case.

It’s always a rough time of year for people with hay fever, but don’t worry. Just follow these tips and you’ll avoid any unnecessary exposure to pollen. You won’t ever be 100% able to get rid of it, but at least you can minimise any aggravation.

Don’t let your hay fever get you down this spring. Talk to the experts at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. We can help you with any allergy woes. Sign up as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

When is allergy season? And why is it lasting longer?

16th February 2022

When is allergy season? And why is it lasting longer?

For anyone with a pollen allergy, certain times of the year can be a bit uncomfortable. These seasonal allergies crop up annually and are a miserable time of runny noses, watery eyes, and scratchy throats. If you have one, such as hay fever, you know how much of a pain they can be.

But did you know there are actually a few different seasonal allergies? People are typically only allergic to a certain type of pollen – most typically grass – but tree and weed pollen allergies exist too and can cause just as much trouble.

So when can you expect these allergies to appear? And why do they seem to be happening earlier and lasting longer?

Different types of pollen allergy

As we mentioned, there are three common pollen allergies:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Weed pollen

In the UK, tree pollen is often the first, turning up around March and lasting until mid-May. Then you’re likely to see grass pollen last from here until July. At which point weed pollen kicks in until September.

This isn’t a guarantee as it will depend on where you are geographically. For example, colder or more urban environments might see less grass pollen because, well, there’s less grass. And it’s normal for people by the coast to have fewer symptoms for the same reason.

So your allergies will only start up in the appropriate season. If you notice hay-fever-like symptoms in September, it could well be a weed pollen allergy.

Climate change

But some people are noticing their symptoms start earlier and last longer. And it has been theorised that this is due to climate change. It makes sense; changing weather patterns will affect when plants distribute their pollen.

Trees tend to disperse their pollen in spring because the weather gets warmer and they can start to blossom. But if climate change is leading to milder winters around February time, then it stands to reason that they’ll release their pollen sooner.

This has the same impact at the tail end of the pollen seasons. If it stays warmer well into the autumn months, weed still has the perfect environment to release theirs. Some even think that pollen could be present for practically the entire year.

That’s before getting into invasive species. If the UK gets warmer, it could be a good place for foreign plants, like ragweed, to take hold. They can disperse a billion grains of pollen per season and cause strong reactions.

Thankfully, pollen allergies can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. But you should always follow the advice of your doctor. Don’t take medication you aren’t sure you need. Talk to them first to find out more. Even better, talk to an allergy specialist who can test you for potential allergies, such as hay fever.

Our team of allergists has the knowledge and expertise to help you with any allergy woes. Register as a new patient or reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Three common autumn allergies and how to fight the symptoms

18th August 2021

Three common autumn allergies and how to fight the symptoms

Autumn is almost here. How time flies! For many, this time of year conjures up cosy feelings of reading a book by the fire or wading through a blanket of fallen golden leaves. 

But for others, the season can bring on a stuffy nose, teary eyes, and an out-of-sorts feeling. So what are the common autumn allergies and how can you combat them?

Weed pollen

When people think of hay fever, they usually think of the summer. While summer hay fever is incredibly common, different types of pollen release at different times of the year. Between the end of June and September, weed releases its pollen, causing hay-fever symptoms even in autumn. 

To fight a weed pollen allergy, it can help to wear a scarf, mask, or bandana over your mouth and nose to prevent pollen from irritating your nose. And it might be worth talking to your GP about taking antihistamines before the symptoms set in.

Mould

Mould is more common in the colder months as we have more damp weather, making it easier for moisture to build up. And since most mould spores are invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy for them to thrive in the home. 

Since moisture is such an important factor in mould growth, reducing the humidity in your home can help. You can use dehumidifiers and open the bathroom window to prevent steam. It’s also a good idea to rake up any leaves and debris in the garden to prevent it from growing.

Dust mites

Did you know humans aren’t actually allergic to dust mites? It’s the proteins in their droppings that sets us off. And like mould spores, moisture affects the number of dust mites in the home.

Since moisture is such an important factor, opening windows to reduce humidity can help. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean dust. This way, the particles stick to cloth instead of dispersing into the air, which can aggravate your symptoms.

Allergies can cause a lot of disruption to your daily life. But with some preparation and forethought, you can reduce your symptoms and create a more comfortable living environment.

Are allergies getting you down? Don’t wait around. Get in touch with us at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, or call us on 02031 433 449.

Preventative measures you can take to keep your hay fever in check

17th March 2021

Preventative measures you can take to keep your hay fever in check

Spring is here. The days are getting longer. The weather is getting warmer. For many, it’s the best time of year. But for others, it signals the return of a particularly pesky condition: hay fever.

Stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats are all they have to look forward to. But other than taking over-the-counter antihistamines, what preventative measures can you take to keep your hay fever at bay? Here are a few suggestions for how you can look out for your health this spring and summer.

Tip #1 – Keep it clean

The cause of hay fever is pollen. It gets into our body and sets off our immune system, which sees it as a threat. That’s why the symptoms are mostly around your face and throat – it’s your immune system trying to fight the pollen away.

But pollen is tricky as it can stick to you. Your clothes, your hair, your furniture, and even your pets can play host to pollen. So one good way to keep yourself healthy is to wash anything the pollen might come into contact with. If you go outside, change your clothes when you get back and stick them in the wash. Shampoo your hair every night. Vacuum your floor and furniture you use a lot. And give your dogs and cats a brush down too. Anything to get rid of the pollen.

Tip #2 – Avoid the outdoors where you can

This tip doesn’t mean you should stay indoors forever (no matter how good at it we are now). But if you can avoid interacting with the outdoors, then it’s the best action to take. We mean something like not opening your windows; if you do, the pollen has an easy way to get inside.

Don’t hang your laundry outside – as we said in tip #1, it’s easy for pollen to stick to clothes. If someone else can do gardening in your household, maybe delegate that task to them. It’s about avoiding any unnecessary interactions with the outdoors.

Tip #3 – Dress appropriately

There are certain items you can wear that will reduce the chance you come into contact with pollen. First, you can invest in some wrap-around sunglasses. These make it harder for pollen to come into contact with your eyes, preventing watery, itchy eyes.

Another item is a cap or other hat. This stops pollen from getting in your hair, reducing the need to wash it as frequently. The last one you will already have – a mask. Pollen particles are actually quite large, meaning the mask you already use to prevent the spread of coronavirus might also help with your hay fever.

Hay fever isn’t fun and can put a real damper on your summer. But they say prevention is better than the cure. So take some basic steps to reduce the chance you come into contact with pollen and talk to your doctor about medication you can use to ease symptoms.

Allergy Clinic London has a team of allergists ready to help you discover and manage your allergies. Don’t let them control your life. Get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

Can you have hay fever all year round?

30th September 2020

Can you have hay fever all year round?

Many of us have made peace with our hay fever. In fact, up to 30% of adults and 40% of children have to live with it! Each year, we’re met with the same, familiar symptoms. Waking up to a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and thinking “well, here we go again”.

But, while we’ve come to expect hay fever – or allergic rhinitis – during late spring and summer, what if the symptoms persist through the colder months too? 

First of all, we’re sorry to say that it is possible to suffer from hay fever all year round. But let’s look at why.

Hay fever in autumn

Normally, autumn approaches and we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that hay fever has packed its bags for another year. That is until we wake up in mid-October sneezing with our eyes puffy.

There are two main reasons for hay fever to stick around through autumn. Firstly, it could be down to pollution. Pollution can prevent pollen from rising through the atmosphere. It traps it down on the ground with us. Meaning even when pollen season ends, some pollen sticks around.

And second, hay fever in autumn could simply be the result of a late pollen season. Really cold winters can delay pollination. So instead of a spring/summer hay fever season, we’re left with a summer/autumn one.

Hay fever in winter

Down to similar reasons as above, hay fever in winter is also possible. Mild winters have the power to speed up pollen season. As trees and bulbs develop quicker under these conditions, we can find ourselves suffering from hay fever much earlier than we’re used to.

And, like above, pollution can keep pollen around for longer than we’d like and mix with it to make its effects more powerful. So what little pollen might be around during the winter months can affect you a lot more.

It’s worth noting that allergic rhinitis can also be caused by dust or mould spores. Which, if you’re spending more time indoors – as you probably will be during the colder months – could explain your hay-fever-like symptoms!

And there you have it. Why hay fever might be an ongoing problem for you – even during the colder months! It might sound terrible, but there are always ways you can minimise your symptoms. Talk to your GP or an allergy specialist to find a solution that works for you.

If you want to find out more about your allergies, or would like to book an allergy test, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

20th May 2020

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

When summer arrives, we might have a new problem to contend with. The invasive ragweed is set to cause havoc for hay fever sufferers. Allergies are bad enough in the summer, but an estimated 13.5 million people across Europe will have trouble thanks to the ragweed’s pollen.

It isn’t a species native to our continent, so where did it come from? How will it affect your allergies? And could a non-native beetle be the answer to reducing the amount of ragweed?

What is ragweed?

Ragweed comes from North America and has somehow found its way over to Europe. It can now be found in 30 European countries, including here in the UK. Its pollen can trigger hay fever reactions such as sneezing and itchy eyes, even going as far as aggravating other conditions, such as eczema and asthma.

It thrives in the summer as the ideal conditions are cool nights and warm, dry days. We might not get many of those over here, but there’s still plenty of opportunities for them to do their damage.

Depending on the conditions, it can carry through to September and has even been known to drag on through to November in the USA. That is less likely to happen here, but the idea of pollen allergies sticking around in autumn and winter is not something many want to entertain.

The North American ragweed leaf beetle

New research suggests the answer to the ragweed problem is the aptly named ragweed leaf beetle. It comes from the same continent as the ragweed itself, and their appetite for its pollen can reduce symptoms in millions of people.

If their model is correct, researchers predict the beetle could reduce the number of people affected from 13.5 million to 11.2 million. This would also help reduce the estimated cost on our healthcare systems – it costs £6.5 billion per year.

They are already trialling using the beetle in Italy but don’t expect it to happen here quickly. Introducing foreign species into a new ecosystem is always a risk that needs assessing. Australia is already a country that has decided against this course of action. Another mark against us is our climate; the beetle thrives in warmer temperatures so they might not survive here.

If you have hay-fever-like allergies this summer, it might be the ragweed. To fight off the symptoms, you can follow many of the same tips we’ve given for hay fever in the past. You can also use the same anti-allergy medication too. As always, check with your doctor before you try any new medication.

Whether it’s hay fever, ragweed pollen, or any other allergy, the symptoms are never fun. They can be a drag on your life and ruin your mood. Don’t let your allergies control you – get in touch with us today to talk to a professional allergist.

Three simple things that could make your allergies better

5th February 2020

Three simple things that could make your allergies better

Allergies can be unpredictable, life-altering, and – at the very least – annoying. It’s hard not to feel down sometimes when your allergies are causing havoc. With seasonal allergies, this is common because, for some of the year, you’re fine, but you spend that time dreading the next few months. 

Around 13 million people know they will suffer from hay fever each year. But there are so many simple things people with allergies don’t realise can make their symptoms worse. So it’s time to cut it out. 

Hanging your laundry outside

You might opt to stay indoors, but the summer temperatures are often perfect to dry your clothes the natural way. You can save money on the heating bill or electricity costs from your dryer. But when you dry your clothes on the line, you’ll be bringing plenty of pollen back into the house with you. It will spread to furniture, other people, and other rooms, leaving no place for escape from hay fever, even in your own home. 

Wear a pollen mask

Sometimes, we can’t avoid going outside, even when the pollen count is high. But you can still protect yourself from the pollen by wearing a pollen mask. It will stop you breathing in pollen and other allergies to avoid the annoying symptoms, and you’ll be able to go about your daily tasks.  

Wash your hair

Washing your hair every day is not only time consuming, but it can also lead to dry, brittle hair. This is why so many people, especially those with long hair, wash their hair every couple of days to keep it healthy. 

But, by doing this, you allow pollen in your hair to spread around the house, bedding, and pillows. It then continues to cause your allergies to flare up. If you want to keep your hair healthy while getting rid of pollen, invest in some quality moisturising hair products and use protective styles designed to keep your hair healthy during the allergy season. 

These three things are simple, everyday tasks, which is why so many people with allergies don’t realise they could be making their symptoms worse. By changing your behaviour, you’ll protect yourself during allergy season. But the best way to protect your body from allergens is to seek professional advice so you can follow the right steps to stay happy and healthy. 

All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of the consultants and The London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. They will give you the best solutions to your allergy problems to help you live more comfortably.

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.

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.