Children's Allergy

18/11/2025

The bacteria in a baby’s gut do more than help with digestion, they actually help train the immune system too.

New research has found that certain patterns of gut bacteria, particularly those rich in Bifidobacterium, are linked to a lower risk of developing food allergies.

Factors like vaginal birth, breastfeeding, and even having older siblings were linked to healthier gut balance and a lower risk of food allergies later on.

These factors help produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — molecules that calm inflammation and support immune tolerance.

It’s another reminder of how early life experiences and gut health are closely connected to how the immune system learns what’s safe!

Research: J Allergy Clin Immunol (2024) – “Neonatal Gut Enterotypes and Risk of Food Sensitisation and Allergy.”

13/11/2025

At the EAACI Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting, I came across a new device that claims to remove allergens and viruses from the air.

It’s designed to release a fine vapour that coats airborne particles (like pollen, dust mites or pet allergens) and makes them drop to the floor. Yes, it might help reduce viruses, but I have my doubts about its real impact on allergens.

Once those particles fall, they don’t disappear. Without vacuuming them up (with a HEPA filter), they’ll dry and become airborne again.

So while the idea is interesting, I’d be cautious about relying on this kind of device alone. For families managing allergies, a good HEPA-filter vacuum remains one of the most effective tools for keeping allergen levels low at home!

11/11/2025

There are still so many myths around allergies.

As a Consultant Paediatrician in Allergy, I often see parents doing their best with the advice they’ve been given, but much of it is based on outdated information.

I’m breaking down some of the most common misconceptions about preventing allergies and sharing what the research actually tells us.

07/11/2025

There’s been a lot of discussion recently around Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), but also a lot of confusion.

At the BSACI, I heard several statements that, while well-intentioned, don’t align with current evidence or clinical experience.

Here’s what’s important to clarify:
✔️Tryptase is not a reliable marker for MCAS — even in anaphylaxis, it’s often normal.
✔️There is no single clear diagnostic test or universally agreed-upon criteria for MCAS.
✔️ MCAS remains a diagnosis of exclusion, since symptoms overlap with other conditions such as chronic spontaneous urticaria or hereditary alpha tryptasemia (among many others).
✔️Treatment should be stepwise, starting with antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers (like sodium cromoglicate or ketotifen), before considering higher-cost biologics such as omalizumab.

While misinformation on social media can be harmful, many patients have actually found answers because they recognised symptoms others had shared. What matters most is that diagnosis and management are evidence-based and patient-specific.

03/11/2025

Food allergies in the UK have more than doubled in the last decade.

A new analysis from Imperial College London, published in Lancet Public Health (2023), found that:
→4% of preschool children now have a food allergy
→2.4% of school-aged children are affected
→0.7% of adults live with a food allergy

Anaphylaxis is a constant threat, but only 64% of children and 55% of adults with a history of anaphylaxis were prescribed adrenaline pens.

Access to care is also unequal. The study found that 97% of patients were only ever seen in GP clinics, with fewer than 10% seen by hospital specialists. Those in more deprived areas were even less likely to receive medication.

The takeaway?
Food allergy is rising, but many people remain without lifesaving treatment. Awareness, early diagnosis, and better access to care are critical.

Reference: Turner PJ, Custovic A, Quint JK et al. Lancet Public Health. 2023.

30/10/2025

The intranasal adrenaline spray (EURneffy) is almost here, and it’s set to change how we manage anaphylaxis.

Unlike the traditional auto-injectors, this treatment is needle-free and absorbed through the nose, but it works very differently from a regular nasal spray.

A few key things to know:
👉 It’s currently approved for children and adults over 30kg (2mg dose).
👉 A 1mg version for children under 30kg is expected next year.
👉 When you use it, insert it until it seals the nostril, don’t inhale through your nose, keep breathing through your mouth.
👉If symptoms persist after 5 minutes, a second dose should go into the same nostril, not the other one!

It’s an excellent option for those who find adrenaline pens daunting. As always, speak to your GP or allergist about whether EURneffy might be suitable for you!

25/10/2025

The final day of the BSACI Annual Conference brought some fascinating insights.

One of the most exciting areas discussed was food immunotherapy, and not just oral, but sublingual and even through the skin (epicutaneous). There’s a lot of promising research happening in this space, and I suspect we’ll see some very exciting developments in the next year.

Another topic that caught my attention was the ongoing work around combining Omalizumab (an anti-IgE treatment) with oral immunotherapy. Recent U.S. data continues to show encouraging results, and it’s something I’ll be sharing more about soon.

I know I have been posting lots of updates, but it's been a great few days learning, connecting, and staying up to date with the latest in allergy research and treatment innovation.

24/10/2025

Big news in allergy care! EURneffy is the first and only needle-free adrenaline nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, has just been approved in the UK. 🇬🇧

I have done a post on this previously, but it's great to see even more recent data that shows it’s both safe and effective, with many patients needing only one dose to control their symptoms. This is a major step forward in emergency allergy treatment.

If you currently carry an adrenaline auto-injector, speak to your allergist or GP about whether EURneffy could be an option for you!

I will be doing a few more videos on Eurneffy over the next couple of weeks.

23/10/2025

18/10/2025

One of the talks that really stood out at the BSACI Conference was on food insecurity and the cost of raising children with allergies.

explains how It’s something we don’t talk about enough and that managing allergies can be expensive, stressful, and sometimes isolating for families just trying to keep their children safe.

Important conversations like this remind us that allergy care isn’t just medical, it’s social too!

17/10/2025

I attended a fascinating session at the BSACI Allergy Conference!

Medication allergy, especially to penicillin, remains one of the most overdiagnosed conditions in allergy practice. In fact, research shows that over 70% of patients labelled as penicillin allergic aren’t truly allergic and many outgrow their allergy over time.

With accurate testing and assessment, we can safely confirm or rule out these allergies, improving patient outcomes and treatment options.

This conference is a great way to learn from leaders in our field and reflect on how research continues to reshape everyday clinical care.