Infant Weaning & Allergies: How to Introduce Allergens Safely and Prevent Food Allergies
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies we celebrate #NationalWeaningWeek by guiding you through the exciting—and sometimes nerve‑wracking—journey of introducing solid foods to your baby. We're joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Dr Karen Wright, senior research fellow at the University of Southampton, whose allergy expertise spans NHS practice and international research. Together we unravel the myths and jargon around weaning, guiding you with clear, evidence‑based advice on recognising when your little one is ready for solids and how to introduce common allergens—like peanuts, eggs, fish and dairy—safely and confidently. Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is key to allergy prevention, how to spot an immediate‑type allergic reaction in an infant, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses the needs of babies at higher risk of developing allergies and shares practical tips for families already managing allergies at home. For further guidance, head to our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step‑by‑step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. Let’s make those first bites joyful, confident and allergy‑aware.
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Anaphylaxis UK’s Next Step: Addressing the Emotional Impact of Allergies
Living with serious allergies isn't just a physical challenge—it can take a significant emotional toll. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we explore an innovative new initiative from Anaphylaxis UK aimed at tackling allergy-related anxiety.Funded by Innovate UK, through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Surrey, this programme will develop resources and support services to help individuals manage the psychological impact of living with allergies.Joining us are Anaphylaxis UK’s Chief Executive Simon Williams, counselling psychologist Dr. Erin Alford, and allergy psychology expert Prof. Chrissie Jones. Together, they discuss why allergy anxiety is often overlooked, what practical strategies can help, and how this programme aims to provide long-term support for those affected.Tune in to learn how this initiative could transform allergy care and ensure that no one faces the hidden battle with allergies alone.
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Preparing for Secondary School with Food Allergies
Discover essential strategies for managing allergies as your child transitions to secondary school in this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies. The move from primary to secondary education brings new challenges for families dealing with allergies, but with proper preparation, you can ensure your child's safety and inclusion.Join us as we welcome back Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With her extensive experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with severe allergies, Tracey offers invaluable insights on navigating this crucial transition.Learn about the key differences in allergy management between primary and secondary schools, and ways to empower your child to take more responsibility for their allergy management.For more information on how to manage allergies at school, visit out Safer Schools Programme. The information and resources in this programme will support your school to develop best practice policies and procedures to ensure children with allergies are managed safely. This includes the importance of whole school allergy awareness, information about our AllergyWise® for Schools online training course with, best practice resources, such as a model policy for allergy management at school, a downloadable allergy awareness assembly presentation, information about spare pens in schools, responsibilities, allergy bullying, FAQs for schools, plus more!
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Understanding Penicillin Allergies: What Every GP Should Know
In this short episode, we revisit a conversation between our Chief Executive Simon and GP & Allergy Specialist Dr. Helen Evans Howells, as they delve into the complexities of penicillin allergies and the process of delabelling. Despite many patients believing they’re allergic to penicillin, research shows that only about 1% truly are. This mislabelling can lead to unnecessarily longer hospital stays and a heightened risk of complications, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis.Dr. Helen explains how GPs can better assess a reported penicillin allergy by exploring the severity and history of reactions. This approach not only helps ensure patients receive the most appropriate care but also minimises the potential complications associated with an incorrect allergy label.Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, GP and allergy specialist, chairs the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical & Scientific Panel. She runs Dr Helen Allergy, a private clinic for adults and children in Bournemouth and Dorchester, offering virtual consultations and advice. Follow her for allergy and eczema support: drhelenallergy.For the studies referenced in the episode, visit:Wilcock, M., & Powell, N. (2021). Challenges of delabelling penicillin allergy. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, 59(11). https://doi.org/10.1136/dtb.2021.000019Ferner, R., & McGettigan, P. (2020). The patient who reports a drug allergy. The BMJ, 368. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6791
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Visiting your GP for Allergy Care
In this episode, our CEO Simon Williams sits down with experienced GPs Dr. Lisa Brigstocke and Dr. Helen Evans Howells, to guide you through every step of your allergy appointment. From what you should bring and what tests to expect, to understanding the follow-up care and practical tips for making the most of your visit.Whether you’re new to managing allergies or have been on this journey for years, this conversation is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your GP appointment successfully. Join us as we break down the process of visiting your GP for allergies, ensuring you’re fully prepared to take charge of your allergy care.Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, GP and allergy specialist, chairs the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical & Scientific Panel. She runs Dr Helen Allergy, a private clinic for adults and children in Bournemouth and Dorchester, offering virtual consultations and advice. Follow her for allergy and eczema support: drhelenallergy.Dr. Lisa Brigstocke has been practicing as a GP with an extended role in allergy since 2019, offering tailored care for patients with complex allergy-related conditions. Her postgraduate training has equipped her to integrate advanced knowledge of immunology into patient consultations, ensuring comprehensive and effective management of allergic disorders. She currently works at Frimley Park Hospital, where she combines her general practice expertise with a specialised focus on allergy care.Simon also highlights our video demonstration on how to use an adrenaline auto-injector with Dr. Matt Doyle. You can watch this helpful guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYvSbH3dUtI
Welcome to the Anaphylaxis UK Podcast ‘Let's Talk About Allergies’, your go-to resource for all things related to serious allergies. Our episodes raise awareness about anaphylaxis, provide expert answers to common questions, and offer insights into daily life with allergies. Our goal is to educate, support and foster a sense of community, helping those with allergies feel informed and less isolated. Tune in to learn about recognising and treating anaphylaxis and living confidently with allergies.Visit our website for more resources: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/
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