Nick Makwana

13/10/2025

https://bslm.org.uk/bslm25-highlights-for-children-and-young-people-cyp/

As the dust settles from another fantastic BSLM conference, I wanted to reflect on the most pertinent CYP highlights (25% of our population but 100% of our future!).

03/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CJcjHfw38/?mibextid=wwXIfr

20/09/2025

BSLM 2025 in . What a great few days of learning 📖.

Discussed so many aspects of how to help people thrive and that’s why we were there presenting our data of positive outcomes from looking after staff and making them feel valued.

Also had some rest and recuperation on the way. A wonderful sunny day in Brighton, managed to get some runs in, ate some fantastic sushi and a great party on the pier.

So many Highlights - but if I had to choose:
- Session on toxic masculinity and how we need to start education in schools to tackle this. Also offering alternative spaces for men to meet rather than the traditional activities.
- Prof Steve Turner reminding us that investing in children’s health means we will have a healthier future adult generation - children are 25% of our population and 100% of our future
- the importance of recognising and valuing nursing (acute, school, health visiting) as a key driver of improving health - recruitment and retention.
- dancing with the Outta Puff Daddys of course!!

Actions
- continue to highlight the importance of wellbeing and reminding colleagues self-care is not selfish
- Being the voice of women, children and those that have unequal access to care in my new role as Deputy Chief Medical Officer 🏥
- Make happen 🕺🏻

18/09/2025

For those of you who know me, you know as well as an allergist, I am a huge advocate of wellbeing at work and at home.

Have delivered my second thriving together course in the Forest of Dean for senior medics this week to help them thrive at work, become happier and ultimately deliver better patient care.

Highlights:
- No phones
- Recognising burnout
- Setting boundaries
- Prioritising diet, exercise and sleep
- Learning to Dance
- How to deal with energy vampires
- Remembering the importance of nature and connection to our wellbeing.

Feedback was amazing and everyone went back with learning to help them thrive and they all loved the dancing ❤️.

Can’t wait to hear how they have implemented and sustained their changes.

Thanks to Mike Blaber and Chetana Kallappa my co-faculty for the support, camaraderie and making this happen with me 😍

04/07/2025

Anaphylaxis in Children – Know What to Do
Anaphylaxis can come on quickly and unexpectedly. Symptoms might include:
• Swelling of tongue or face
• Breathing difficulties or wheeze
• Sudden tiredness, floppiness, or collapse
• Persistent vomiting

If in doubt – use the auto-injector and call 999
You will never be wrong for giving adrenaline. What you don’t want is to wait too long.

Adrenaline is safe. Giving it early saves lives.
Teach children, carers, schools, and friends what to look for – and what to do.

#999

02/07/2025

Important information from allergyuk

02/07/2025

🌍 World Allergy Week – Investing in the Future 🌱
Today I had the privilege of welcoming our new final-year medical students and sharing one of my passions: why allergy matters.

From food to environment, asthma to anaphylaxis – allergy touches every specialty and every stage of life. It’s a field full of science, challenge, empathy, and impact.

Training tomorrow’s doctors to recognise, manage, and even specialise in allergy is how we build a safer, healthier future for all.
Let’s raise awareness. Let’s inspire the next generation.

02/07/2025

So pleased to be part of this great study with to help reduce need for diagnostic food challenges in our patients.

A new blood-based diagnostic test may transform how food allergies are identified. With support from a FARE research grant, scientists are developing a next-generation basophil activation test (BAT) that can assess reactivity to multiple allergens using just a small blood sample, potentially reducing the need for oral food challenges.
While still in the research phase, this simplified and scalable test could lead to faster diagnoses, less patient anxiety, and fewer unnecessary food avoidances. FARE is proud to support innovations that move us closer to safer, more accessible food allergy care. Read more here: https://bit.ly/45PsLYX Healio

02/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19EVjievDc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

So pleased to be part of this study with Alexandra Santos to reduce the need for diagnostic food challenges in our patients.

A new blood-based diagnostic test may transform how food allergies are identified. With support from a FARE research grant, scientists are developing a next-generation basophil activation test (BAT) that can assess reactivity to multiple allergens using just a small blood sample, potentially reducing the need for oral food challenges.
While still in the research phase, this simplified and scalable test could lead to faster diagnoses, less patient anxiety, and fewer unnecessary food avoidances. FARE is proud to support innovations that move us closer to safer, more accessible food allergy care. Read more here: https://bit.ly/45PsLYX Healio

30/06/2025

☀️ Hot Weather Reminder: Keep Your Auto-Injector Safe! ☀️
Adrenaline auto-injectors (like EpiPen, Jext, Emerade) are life-saving – but only if stored correctly.

Top tips for summer safety:
✅ Keep it cool – Store between 15–25°C
🚫 Don’t leave it in hot cars, direct sunlight, or beach bags
🎒 Use an insulated pouch when out and about
👀 Check the expiry date and the solution – it should be clear, not cloudy

Heat can damage the medication, reducing how well it works in an emergency. Take a few simple steps to keep your device safe and effective.

28/06/2025

Peanut Immunotherapy in Action
Saturday mornings = progress for our young people with peanut allergy – without missing school or preschool.

We’re proud to offer oral immunotherapy that’s tailored to the individual – whether they’re in preschool, starting school, or navigating teenage life. Every journey is unique, and every step forward is a win.

Empowering families. Building confidence. One dose at a time.

27/06/2025

🌼 Hayfever Help for Kids – The Right Way! 🌼
Hayfever can really knock kids off their game — itchy eyes, sneezing, poor sleep, and fatigue are no fun. But there are safe, effective ways to help!

✅ Use daily non-drowsy antihistamines
✅ Try a child-appropriate steroid nasal spray
✅ Sunglasses and hats protect from pollen
✅ Shower/change after being outdoors
✅ Keep windows shut on high pollen days

🚫 Avoid steroid injections
They’re not recommended for children — side effects can outweigh benefits and there are much safer options.

👉 Trusted advice: itchysneezywheezy.co.uk
📲 My hayfever tips: Instagram Post

Let’s help children enjoy the sunshine without the sniffles! 🌞