The ALEX2 test, also known as the Allergy Explorer, is a modern diagnostic tool designed to identify specific allergens that may be causing allergic reactions. Although not offered on the NHS, it is available privately. Traditional allergy tests such as skin prick testing can be invasive, time consuming and restrictive. Unlike these, the ALEX2 test…
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Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is caused by an allergy to different pollens. In England, the grass pollen counts are particularly high in late spring and mid summer. They subsequently peak in July, before coming back down to virtually zero by the end of autumn. If you are suffering from severe symptoms, then…
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Living in Dorset means enjoying beautiful landscapes and lush greenery. Together with the beautiful beaches around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and the coastal currents, our area can also make an ideal ground for high pollen counts. If you suffer from tree pollen allergy, the worst is gone. However, it’s the grass pollen season that is…
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Lupin allergy affects about 1% of the population, so it’s not classed as a common allergen. While it doesn’t cause problems in most people, it can lead to anaphylactic shock in those susceptible, especially if ingested through contaminated food. The Lupin plant is readily recognised as having vibrant spikes of flowers which tend to flower…
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Cat allergy is relatively common in the UK and other parts of the world. It’s also the most common type of allergy to animals, affecting about 20% of the general population. This also means that it is significantly more common than allergy to dogs. Getting a cat allergy test is therefore straightforward and can be…
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Getting a nut allergy test is the right step forward if you suspect that you might be allergic to tree nuts. Unfortunately, the incidence of tree nut allergies has gone up in the last 10 years across the world. Nuts are now one of the most common and serious food allergens affecting both children and…
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Peanut allergy can be one of the most problematic allergies in both children and adults. It affects about 2% of the population in the UK and it can often cause reactions as severe as anaphylaxis. Unfortunately, its incidence is also on the increase, with about a 3.5-fold increase in the last two decades. Up until…
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Tree pollen season has already started with Alder and Hazel pollen about to peak towards end of February and early March. If you have tree pollen allergy, then you might have already started getting some of the typical symptoms. Tree pollens do affect a significant portion of the population each spring and early summer. Symptoms…
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According to a recent study, up to 95% of people identified as having a penicillin allergy are found to be incorrectly labeled following comprehensive allergy testing. Just over 4 million people in England have been told that they are allergic to penicillin. However, in 2.7 million cases, this is incorrect. Unfortunately, due to the potential…
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A food intolerance test is available to determine whether you might be sensitive or intolerant to certain foods. Do you sometimes get that bloated feeling, a nagging headache, or just feeling unusually tired after eating? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us go through similar experiences, often wondering what could be causing it. The difficulty…
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