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Articles

This section contains articles about allergies and related conditions written by doctors, specialists, journalists and individuals from professional bodies and organisations.

Most recent articles

The Food Standard Agency are seeking your views on allergen labelling

The Food Standard Agency are looking for your views on allergen labelling. There is a period of consultation which runs from 25 January and closes on 29 March 2019.
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EPD - Enzyme potentiated desensitisation

Enzyme Potentiated Desensitisation (EPD) is a form of Immunotherapy (a form of treatment which involves introducing you to small amounts of the substance which you are al...
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Choosing the right laundry products can help in managing allergies

The enzymes present in a large proportion of washing powders and tablets are used to digest proteins and fats and remove stains. Any fabrics washed with biological produc...
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Eye allergy including conjunctivitis information

Conjunctivitis is a medical term used to describe redness and inflammation of the eye. There are three main types of conjunctivitis; infective, allergic and irritant conj...
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How to establish a healthier, allergen-free home

Maxima Skelton, founder-director of The Healthy House, offers some tips on creating a healthier and allergen-free home in her comprehensive article on Action against Alle...
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Chemical sensitivity

Chemical sensitivity refers to an abnormal bodily response to chemicals in the environment. A sensitivity to chemicals has become an increasing problem in recent years a...
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Could ‘free from’ skincare products be good for you?

If you suffer from any of the many allergens or irritants that are responsible for triggering sensitivities and reactions then maybe ‘free from’ skincare prod...
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Information on testing for allergies

Allergy testing can be done both privately and through the NHS and the type of test that is carried out will depend upon your symptoms or the condition of your skin. The ...
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Life-changing peanut allergy study improves tolerance in children 100-fold

New research has found that children with a severe peanut allergy can significantly build up their resistance over time. The Peanut Allergy Oral Immunotherapy Study of AR...
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Sulphite allergy

Sulphites are preservatives used in the production of some food and drinks and in the UK sulphites are now considered one of the twelve potential allergens.
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Action Against Allergy calls for tighter regulations

The charity Action Against Allergy (AAA), which campaigns for better food labelling on products, has stepped up its call for regulations covering the supply of meals or r...
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Nut and Peanut Allergy Information

The most common food allergy in adults and children is an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts (such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, macadamias, brazils and ...
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Further articles

Myths Concerning Food Allergies - Part 1 by TALKHEALTH
talkhealth talks to Dr Adam Fox about myths concerning food allergies. Dr Fox talks about skin prick blood tests and how to ensure an allergic child has all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Myths Concerning Food Allergies - Part 2 by TALKHEALTH
In this video, talkhealth talks with Dr Adam Fox about myths around food allergies, including nut allergies, multiple food allergies and the use of anti-histamines to help treat allergies
Myths Concerning Food Allergies - Part 3 by TALKHEALTH
talkhealth talks to Dr Adam Fox about myths concerning food allergies, including different kinds of reactions to food allergies, alternatives for those living with milk allergies and the MMR vaccination.
The Obesity and Allergy Link by Dr Nicola Davies
It is thought that around one in four adults in the UK are obese. In addition, the number of people affected by one or more allergies is thought to be more than one in four, with some indicating that the numbers could be as high as 45%. The prevalence and co-existence of both conditions has led many to think there is a link between the two; are people who suffer from one or more allergies more likely to be obese, and why? Or is obesity a contributing factor in developing an allergy?
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)? by Maxima Skelton
Chemical Injury, Chemical Sensitivity, Environmental intolerances are all phrases used to describe the debilitating and dominating condition called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. MCS is a condition that causes unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants or environmental factors, such as solvents (cleaning supplies), perfumes, petrol, smoke, “chemicals” in general and often comes hand in hand with problems with pollen, house dust mites, and pet fur.
Potential new vaccine for bee stings by talkhealth
If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp or other insect, then you’ll know how painful this can be. Symptoms of a sting can include localised pain, swelling, and itchiness. But for some people, a bee sting can lead to an anaphylactic shock and in some cases can be fatal.
Urticaria and angioedema by Dr Michael Radcliffe for Action Against Allergy
I work in a busy NHS allergy clinic in central London and in a full day of seeing patients in the out-patient clinic, I will typically see 10 new referrals.
Babies should be given peanuts early research suggests by talkhealth
According to new research published in the US, babies should be given peanuts as early as 4 months old in order to reduce their risk of allergies. Researchers believe that early exposure may cut the risk of an allergy to peanuts by as much as 80%. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have issued new guidelines for parents in the US which says:
New treatment shows promise in the treatment of peanut allergies by talkhealth
A small wearable patch may be the solution peanut allergy sufferers have been looking for. In a press release published by The National Institute of Health Skin, it was found that this new form of treatment called Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) showed great promise in helping to treat adults and children with peanut allergies.
Pollen problems: Increase in sick days for hay fever sufferers by talkhealth
Hay fever is putting a strain not just on our sinuses, but on our economy as well. A study recently conducted by the Met office has found that hay fever costs the UK 29 million working days a year, which equates to 11 working days a year per hay fever sufferer.
Giving Allergenic Foods to Babies May Prevent Allergies by talkhealth
A major new study into the effect of introducing allergenic foods into infants' diets has found that giving babies small amounts of allergens such as peanut and eggs from the age of 3 months may help to prevent the development of allergies.
Action Against Allergy Supports Two Innovative Programmes for Allergic Children by talkhealth - adapted from AAA press release
Patient support charity Action Against Allergy (AAA) is funding two innovative allergy schemes to help children. Evelina London Children's Hospital within Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust already has the schemes underway.
New MI Allergy Resource Launched by talkhealth
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and other isothiazolinones are preservatives commonly found in cosmetics, wet wipes, household cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and air fresheners.
Increase in hair dye and fragrance allergies in children by British Association of Dermatologists
A study by the British Association of Dermatologists has found a substantial shift in the allergens causing skin reactions in children over the last decade, with some allergies becoming less common and with others, including to hair dye ingredients, on the rise.
Legal levels of common preservative are "not safe for consumers" by BAD
Legal limits of a preservative causing an epidemic of skin allergy are not safe for use in everyday products, according to new research in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Food allergies costing NHS �68m a year and food allergy hospital admissions up by 500pc in 25 years by Pegasus
An estimated 10 million people in the UK are living with one or more food allergy or intolerance. Hospital admissions resulting from food allergies have risen by more than 500% since 1990, giving rise to an estimated £68 million a year in allergy-related hospital admissions.
Eating peanut at an early age prevents peanut allergy in high-risk infants by King's College London
New evidence shows that the majority of infants at high-risk of developing peanut allergy are protected from peanut allergy at age 5 years if they eat peanut frequently, starting within the first 11 months of life.
Management of food allergy: emerging research by Dr Helen A Brough
Food allergy is common, affecting 6-8% of children. Food allergy is most common in infants and toddlers, with 1 in 40 infants suffering from cow's milk allergy and allergies to egg, nuts, soya, wheat and fish/shellfish also being common.
Swansea University study into common triad of diseases published by Swansea University
Academics from Swansea University's College of Medicine, have taken part in a worldwide study into the common diseases of asthma, eczema and hay fever, which is being published in the renowned Nature journal today (Wednesday 18th February 2015).
EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation by Dr Chun-Han Chan, Food Standards Agency
The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation (No. 1169/2011) (EU FIC) was published at the end of 2011, bringing together general and nutrition labelling regulations into a single framework. The new law gave food businesses three years to get on board with the changes required on product labelling as well as the provision of allergen information required for loose foods.
New Survey In the UK found that a fifth of allergy sufferers have taken time off work due to their allergies by sterimar
The number of hay fever sufferers has risen dramatically, with 18 million people suffering in the UK according to Allergy UK. However, new research by Sterimar sea water nasal spray has revealed that the UK population aren't treating their nasal allergies, such as hay fever, as seriously as they might other health conditions.
Anaphylaxis campaign welcomes MHRA recommendations regarding the use of adrenaline auto-injectors by Anaphylaxis Campaign
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently issued revised guidance for the prescribing and use of adrenaline auto-injectors.
Bronchial Termoplasty by Action Against Allergy
Official scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), has featured data from clinical trial examining the safety and effectiveness of the Boston Scientific Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty
Nut allergic families distraught at Alpro's defensive 'may contain' warnings by Foods Matter
Families with nut allergic children are distraught as Alpro put 'may contain nut' warnings on their soya products thus, effectively, preventing these families from buying them.
Understanding Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome - a potentially severe sensitivity affecting infants. by Dr Marie Wheeler MB ChB, MRCP, DCH
Food Protein induced Enterocolitis syndrome (known as FPIES), however, is different and as a result this makes the diagnosis far more difficult.
Anaphylaxis Campaign celebrate 20 year anniversary by Anaphylaxis Campaign
2014 Marks a very important milestone for the Anaphylaxis Campaign as they celebrate their 20 year anniversary. Founded in 1994 by a small group of parents led by David Reading OBE.
Assessing the efficacy of oral immunotherapy for the desensitisation of peanut allergy in children by The Lancet
Small studies suggest peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) might be effective in the treatment of peanut allergy.
Desensitisation - An Alternative Treatment by Dr Damien Downing MBBS MSB, President BSEM
Over the past 30 years we have been living through an epidemic of allergies and autoimmune diseases (and cancers).
The Growing Problem With Fragrance by Action Against Allergy
A 2012 report suggests a rise in the fragrance allergens subject to compulsory individual labelling
New research on allergy information by Food Standard Agency
Research, published by the FSA, provides insights into the provision of information on food allergens used as ingredients on foods that are not prepacked
Allergy UK joins forces to call for improved NHS allergy services by Allergy UK
National charity, Allergy UK is urging millions of allergy sufferers across Britain to get involved in a new initiative to target their local MP as part of a new postcard campaign.
Eczema may play key role in development of food allergy in infants by King's College London
A breakdown of the skin barrier and inflammation in the skin that occurs in eczema could play a key role in triggering food sensitivity in babies, a new study reveals.
HOT TOPICS in Allergens, Allergies and Allergists by Action Against Allergy
New insights into the causes, effects and treatments of allergies were presented at the Lisbon international congress of more than 7,000 specialists from 95 countries.
New British coins bring greater risk of allergy by Karolinska Institutet
Information on how four times as much nickel rubs off on the skin from the new British coins as it did from the cupronickel coins, increasing the risk of allergy and eczema.
Facts about PPD in hair dyes by Action Against Allergy
An article about PPD, an ingredient used in permanent hair dyes and what you need to know about PPD and allergies.
Electricity key to an effective vaccine against dust mite allergy by Elsevier
Research published in Immunology Letters shows that new DNA vaccine technology could be improved with electric charge during vaccination
Agency Welcomes New Allergy Project by Food Standards Agency
Information about a new project into an international study into food allergy which has just launched.
Nickel allergy on rise despite EU directive by British Association of Dermatologists
An article about a study by a team of researchers in Denmark who looked at the incidence rate and persistence of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis.
Neonatal sensitisation to latex - a medical hypothisis by Jennifer Worth
An article examining latex allergy and the possible sensitisation to latex caused by latex gloves at birth.
Contact with nature may prevent allergies by University of Helsinki
An article detailing a recent study on how diverse activities involving soil and plants decrease the risk of developing allergies.
Allergies are 'gender related' by Professor Hasan Arshad
An article about research undertaken by doctors which discovered that childhood allergies are linked to the sex of their parent.
Link between allergies and reduced risk of brain tumours by National Cancer Institute
An article into the research suggesting that there's a link between allergies and a reduced risk of brain tumours.
Egg allergy treatment by Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR)
An article about how giving egg-allergic children small amounts of egg over many months has been found to reduce severe reactions and help shed the allergy entirely.
Hay fever worse in early spring than summer by Letty de Weger, Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center
An article detailing information about research into why hay fever symptoms may be worse in spring rather than the summer.
House dust mite avoidance by Dr R G Turner, Hospital Practitioner to the Paediatric Allergy Clinic, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
An article about dust mite allergy, what it is, how it is caused and what you can do around the home to help.
Dairy free infants and toddlers by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson
An interesting article written by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson about dairy allergy in newborn infants and toddlers.
Eczema, food allergy and tests by Dr R Turner, Allergy Specialist based in the North Hampshire Hospital
An article examining the various tests for food allergies and the links between allergies and eczema.
Food allergy and intolerance by Dr Michael Radcliffe
An article written by Dr Michael Radcliffe, Clinical Allergy Consultant, Royal Free NHS Trust and a Research Fellow in Allergy at the University of Southampton about food allergy and intolerance and the difference between the two.
Serious infant allergy going undiagnosed by Act on Cows Milk Allergy
An article on how a serious infant allergy, cow's milk, is often being undiagnosed.
Britons may be avoiding wheat unnecessarily by University of Portsmouth, commissioned by the Flour Advisory Bureau
An article following research at Portsmouth University regarding British people self-diagnosing wheat allergy and cutting wheat out of their diets unnecessarily.
Dr Chris Steele diagnosed with coeliac disease by Coeliac UK
An article about how Chris Steele, resident doctor on ITV's This Morning show, has been diagnosed with Coeliac's Disease.
An intolerance to gluten by the talkhealth team
Gluten intolerance, also known as coeliac disease or celiac disease, is the result of the immune system's response to the ingestion of gluten and is a life-long inflammatory disease of the upper small intestine.
Lactose Intolerance by the talkhealth team
Lactose intolerance, also known as lactase deficiency, is a common problem where the body is unable to digest lactose due to an inability to produce enough (or any) of the lactase enzyme in the small intestine.
Nickel Allergy by the talkhealth team
Allergies to nickel have become more common in recent years. This, in part, is due to the introduction of more affordable fancy jewellery where the underlying metal layer tends to consist of nickel.
Pet allergies by the talkhealth team
Pet allergies are very common, especially in people who have other allergies or asthma. Most pet allergies are associated with cats, dogs, rodents and horses however people can also have allergies to animals with feathers.
Wheat intolerance by the talkhealth team
More and more of us claim to suffer from a wheat allergy, so we shun bread and other wheat-based foods like pasta and cereals.
Antihistamines for allergies by the talkhealth team
Antihistamines are a group of medicines used to help relieve the symptoms of allergies.
An allergy to eggs by the talkhealth team
Egg allergies are now one of the most frequently reported types of allergy. They tend to be more common in children than adolescents and adults. Many children will outgrow their allergy to eggs as they get older. However, since eggs are used in many of the foods we eat, an egg allergy can pose many challenges.
Bee and wasp stings by the talkhealth team
Bee and wasp stings can be very unpleasant for the majority of us, and if you are stung you will experience some pain and perhaps some temporary swelling (often referred to as a weal).
Fish and shellfish allergy by the talkhealth team
Information about fish and shellfish allergies including potential symptoms and foods to avoid.
The problem of food additives by the talkhealth team
Information about the various types of food additives and how these may cause an allergy.
Could it be your hair dye? by the talkhealth team
Experiencing a reaction when using hair dye is not uncommon and there are various reactions a person may experience.
Dairy intolerance by the talkhealth team
Dairy Intolerance is one of the most common food intolerances to affect people, especially children. It is often also referred to as Lactose Intolerance as usually it is Lactose (the name of the sugar found in milk and milk products) which people are allergic to.
Allergic to penicillin by the talkhealth team
A Penicillin allergy is one of the most common drug allergies. Around one in every 15 people has an allergy to Penicillin.
Caffeine intolerance by the talkhealth team
Some people suffer an intolerance to caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant which means it can make you feel alert and less sleepy for a short period of time.
Allergic to latex by the talkhealth team
There are two types of allergic reactions to rubber. One to the latex protein, a natural component of rubber (NRL), and the other to the chemicals used in processing natural rubber products (this is known as a rubber chemical allergy).

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Talk Allergy

Articles

Most recent articles

The Food Standard Agency are seeking your views on allergen labelling

EPD - Enzyme potentiated desensitisation

Choosing the right laundry products can help in managing allergies

Eye allergy including conjunctivitis information

How to establish a healthier, allergen-free home

Chemical sensitivity

Could ‘free from’ skincare products be good for you?

Information on testing for allergies

Life-changing peanut allergy study improves tolerance in children 100-fold

Sulphite allergy

Action Against Allergy calls for tighter regulations

Nut and Peanut Allergy Information

Further articles

Articles

Most recent articles

The Food Standard Agency are seeking your views on allergen labelling

EPD - Enzyme potentiated desensitisation

Choosing the right laundry products can help in managing allergies

Eye allergy including conjunctivitis information

How to establish a healthier, allergen-free home

Chemical sensitivity

Could ‘free from’ skincare products be good for you?

Information on testing for allergies

Life-changing peanut allergy study improves tolerance in children 100-fold

Sulphite allergy

Action Against Allergy calls for tighter regulations

Nut and Peanut Allergy Information

Further articles

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