There’s been a marked increase in allergic diseases over the past few decades - about a third of the UK population is now affected at some point in their lives - but the NHS has struggled to keep up. There is little medical training in the UK covering allergies, allergy tests are hard to come by and we’re desperately short of specialist allergy services.
So how can you get the best from what the NHS can offer?
Your comments
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Added: Tuesday, 30 October, 2007, 2:33 pm
"I had a bad reaction to cephalexin had told doctor I was allergic to penicillin but gave me anyway I ended up in hospital for 3 days."
Anon, chatham kent
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Added: Tuesday, 30 October, 2007, 11:49 am
"I have true allergies to three things: salycialtes, penicillin and shellfish. The problem is not knowing if a product contains them. I was advised to take glucosamine follwoing a cartilage op, but it took an assistant in a health food shop to tell me that most glucosamine comes from shellfish. Why aren't GPs more aware of this link?"
Anon
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Added: Thursday, 25 October, 2007, 4:31 pm
"i experienced an anaphylactic shock earlier this year, triggered by fish. I'd had a smaller reaction in the past but no-one did anything about it. I was reffered to an allergy centre who prescribed an adrenaline inhaler from America - only they can't get it at the moment. Its been 2 months without medication now. There was also no advice for me when i was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (dust mites).I really need more help, there is not enough support for this common codition!"
Anon
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Added: Thursday, 25 October, 2007, 1:33 pm
"Only a year ago did I have a test for Oral Allergy Syndrome - for years i've been having unpleasant symptoms (itchy, swollen tounge and lips) after eating some nuts and raw fruits/veg. It was a relief to have a definitive list of items I am allergic to. I would recommend anyone having these symptoms seek out a skin prick test immediately!"
Kim, Basingstoke
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Added: Sunday, 21 October, 2007, 12:02 am
"Can your GP help if you have got an allergy? -From experience, no!"
Anon
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Added: Saturday, 20 October, 2007, 5:28 pm
"It took me and members of my family years to work out what was causing our allergic responses. It was miserable at times trying to live on strong antihistamines and coffee... better information and education like this could have improved our quality of life. well done on having this site."
Lesley, Prestwood, Bucks.
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Added: Thursday, 18 October, 2007, 3:47 pm
"Lovely! You are a great help and i love this websitexxxxxxxxxx"
Lauren, oxford
The 'Have Your Say' section is now closed
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