Who would have thought that an apparently sensible, intelligent young woman, would suffer two severe anaphylactic attacks over two years, both with my epi-pen in my bag, and still not take action and administer the medicine that could have reversed the reaction and hastened recovery… and potentially saved my life! I have been lucky. I have also been stupid and careless and … [Read more...]
How to use an EpiPen – a simple demonstration
Everyone should learn how to use an Epipen. It is so simple to use and could save yours and/or someone else's life. I've shown countless friends and family how to use one in the past using a trainer pen, but nothing can prepare you for actually doing it for real. However, if you know how to use one and regularly familiarise yourself with the procedure and order of what needs to … [Read more...]
What is lupin allergy?
Lupins are quite common in most English gardens, recognisable for their tall, elegant stems with many tiny clustered and tightly curled flowers. They are related to the legume family e.g. peanuts, peas, lentils and beans. The seeds from some types of lupin can be used in foods such as seeded bread and can also be ground to make lupin flour, which is used sometimes in foods … [Read more...]
Mastocytosis – you don’t want this!
Mastocytosis is a very rare disorder that can affect both children and adults. It's caused by the presence of too many mast cells in various organs in a person's body. When too many mast cells exist and undergo degranulation, the additional production of histamine can cause a number of symptoms which can vary over time and can range in intensity from mild to severe. A mast … [Read more...]
Surviving Christmas with allergies
Christmas can be hard work for people living with allergies. All the food shopping, parties, gifts you might be allergic to and all the festive traditions that you might miss out on. You probably won't be able to eat the mince pies, chocolate money and chocolate treats on the tree, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, brandy butter, bread sauce... the list goes on. But you CAN … [Read more...]