Anaphylaxis UK: Let's Talk About 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.

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

Discover how to navigate Christmas events at school when a child has allergies in this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies. The festive season is a time for celebration, but for families managing allergies, it can also mean navigating potential risks, advocating for inclusion, and ensuring safety. Join us as we chat with Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With 16 years of experience as a headteacher in allergy-aware schools, and personal experience as a parent of teens with severe allergies, Tracey shares expert advice and practical strategies to help parents, teachers and children confidently enjoy Christmas celebrations at school.Discover actionable tips for advocating allergy safety, creating inclusive events, and making this holiday season a joyful experience for all. Don't miss this essential guide to allergy-friendly festivities!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!

In this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies, we revisit our CEO Simon Williams’ conversation with Professor Rebecca Knibb, as they explore the significant psychological pressures individuals with allergies face and the progress made in recognising their mental health needs.They discuss the importance of accessible psychological support for those feeling anxious about their allergies. Prof. Knibb shares her journey into the field, discussing how psychological support for allergy sufferers has evolved over the years. She highlights the need for tailored mental health interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help manage anxiety and fear related to allergies. Learn about resources, the significance of addressing mental health in primary and secondary care settings, and how individuals can access psychological support to improve their quality of life.This episode was recorded in 2023 so the studies Prof. Knibb discusses are no longer recruiting. You can learn more about the GAPs study led by Prof. Rebecca Knibb here: Allergy journal article - 2024.Rebecca Knibb is a Chartered Psychologist, practitioner Health Psychologist, and a Professor of Health Psychology at Aston University. Her research interests include the health related quality of life and mental well-being of children, adolescents and parents who are managing allergic conditions and asthma. She is also interested in development of strategies to help families cope through CBT based behaviour change methods and illness beliefs and lay perceptions of medically unexplained symptoms that patients associate with a reaction to food.Follow @rebeccaknibb81

In this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies by Anaphylaxis UK, we revisit insightful interviews with leading experts to break down the fundamentals of allergies, their symptoms, and what to do in an emergency. Hear from experienced healthcare professionals as they explain the differences between IgE and non-IgE allergies, common allergic triggers like food, pollen, and pets, and the potential risk of anaphylaxis. Learn crucial advice on managing allergic reactions, recognising symptoms in both adults and children, and what role medical intervention plays in severe cases. This is the first episode of Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, aiming to help listeners navigate the complexities of allergies and ensure they are well-prepared to respond in critical situations.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.Prof. Adam Fox, a renowned expert in paediatric allergy, has led Allergy services at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals and is a Professor at King’s College London. He chaired the UK Department of Health's National Care Pathway for Food Allergy in Childhood and is a Trustee & Immediate Past President of BSACI. Adam has received numerous awards for his contributions to allergy care. Follow him on Twitter @dradamfox.

In this episode we explore allergies to bee and wasp stings, covering symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Discover effective strategies for managing allergic reactions as our Chief Executive Simon Williams and expert Dr. Andrew Whyte discuss the importance of allergy testing, immunotherapy and emergency response.Dr. Andrew Whyte, a specialist at the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Derriford Hospital, provides care to patients with immunodeficiency and allergies across the South West Peninsula. Along with his colleagues at the Eden Unit, Dr. Whyte oversees UKAS-accredited immunology laboratories at Derriford Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, offering expert advice and guidance to healthcare providers throughout the region.Please note that Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors are no longer available. All individuals with allergies should now carry either EpiPen or Jext auto-injectors at all times.