Worried about Allergies this Winter ?

With allergies and food intolerances on the rise & frequent articles on the subject in the local & national press it is not surprising that many people who are suffering from an undiagnosed health issue are concerned. The latest surveys show that allergies throughout the world are now affecting some 30-35% of people at some stage of their lives. Patterns are also changing in that initially asthma & allergic rhinitis (hay fever) were the most common it is now food allergies that are becoming more prevalent especially amongst children. Genetics, changes in foods that we eat particularly processed foods & environmental factors all play a part.

It is crucially important to be clear about the difference between allergies & food intolerances. A food allergy involves body’s immune system & is a reaction to specific food or foods eg dairy or nuts. Symptoms be mild or severe involving the gut,skin, breathing or circulatory system. if you suspect that you have a food allergy the first port of call is your GP. Food intolerance is not as clear cut & although not life threatening it can & often does make you feel extremely unwell having a major impact on your working & social life. Gut & skin symptoms can often be symptomatic of a food intolerance.

To establish whether you have an allergy or food intolerance a visit to a specialist allergy clinic is advisable where a clear diagnosis following testing can be obtained. The Devon Allergy Clinic offers comprehensive screening through non invasive testing & a detailed health questionaire by the clinic director Marlene Hochstrasser who is a Registered Nurse & has a Diploma in Allergy. Follow up advice is given after the test & specialist supplements may be offered if appropriate to improve the health problem in question.