It’s now peak pollen season and I’m seeing more and more cases of pollen allergies at both allergy testing clinics in Bournemouth and in London. April, May and June are particularly difficult months for many allergy sufferers because this is when tree pollen is often at its peak. In the UK, tree pollen typically appears…
This week we were able to enjoy the autumnal equinox, a well known date that signifies that we are well into the autumn season. We’ve begun trading the summer heat for crispier, cooler air, and the foliage colour is just transforming into gold and crimson. However, for millions, this beautiful autumn season is shadowed by…
Compared to previous years, this spring and summer have so far been one of the most challenging for hayfever sufferers. If your eyes and nose have been runny, you’re not alone. This has been reported by many of the patients I have seen in the past two months and I also agree that 2025 is…
It’s the first of May and the sun is shining all over London; but so is the first wave of grass pollen for the year! For hayfever sufferers, this means itchy eyes, sneezes and “pollen‐fog”. Grass pollen is Britain’s No. 1 airborne allergen, and the 2025 season is forecast to start slightly earlier after a…
As an allergy consultant, I’ve noticed a significant increase in food allergy cases, and an important study performed by Imperial College London in 2024 confirmed this trend. Compared to 2008, the number of people suffering from a food allergy in the UK has now more than doubled. Why is this important? A large number of…
With temperatures dropping to -4 to -5C in some parts of London, this weekend has been particularly bitter. In fact, some parts of the Highlands recorded -18.9C, which is the coldest temperature in the UK in the last 15 years! In London, the cold temperatures will have prompted many to stay indoors where dust mites…
The challenges of hayfever and pollen allergies have finally subsided for many of us in Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset and South Coast. However, just as this one set of allergens retreats, new winter allergens have begun to emerge. These bring their own health challenges that can dampen the holiday spirit. Winter allergens, though…
Cholinergic Urticaria (aka CU) is a lesser known but not uncommon form of hives. It’s characterized by small, intensely itchy bumps that appear on the skin in response to an increase in body temperature. Unlike other types of hives there are no allergic triggers such as foods, medications, or environmental factors. It is therefore considered…
Happy International Dog’s Day 2024! This bank holiday weekend we join millions around the world in celebrating our furry friends who bring us daily joy, love and companionship. Dogs are not just pet, they have become family for all of us who are raising them. They also play a significant role in our physical and…
Grass pollen allergy, commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, affects millions of individuals globally. It is worst during the high grass pollen count months of May to July. However, it can occasionally last well into September, depending on the particular weather. Locally, in the UK, you should expect your symptoms to go away…