Dr Helen Allergy

15/05/2026

It's International Day of Families, and this year's focus is on child wellbeing and how families navigate challenges together.

One of those everyday challenges? Medical appointments.

Jen, one of our nurses, chose her favourite clinic toy to show you: a dinosaur who "comes to life when no one's watching."

It's a small thing, but when children are nervous about appointments, tests, or procedures, having something to focus on – a toy, a book, a game on a tablet – can take the edge off.

What does your child gravitate towards during medical visits? The waiting room toys? A comfort item from home? Something on a screen?

And let's be honest... sometimes we see the parents (and our team!) enjoying the toys more than the kids...

What works for your family?

13/05/2026

Do these questions sound familiar?

- How do I stop worrying when my child is away at a school residential?
- The school staff are changing and we start school in September. How do I prepare the way for them?
- How can I teach my child about their allergy and the seriousness of a reaction, without scaring them?
- My family keep saying I am making my child's allergy up and that a little won't hurt. How can I communicate with them?
- I am so scared of the future life my child will have. How can I manage my fears and prepare my child?

These are all things that we have covered in The Membership, as an an expert team in Q&As or individual answers.

Tonight, Dr Francesca Sawer (Allergy Psychologist) hosts her monthly live Q&A session in The Membership, our virtual online clinic. Members can attend live or watch a replay.

Whatever the worries, fear, trauma, future fear...
Whatever the age.. be it your child or you...
Whatever the situation - allergy diagnosis, AAIs, bullying, communication, asthma, family, work, school..

Dr Francesca is wonderful at holding these worries and giving practical advice and strategies to help find ways to move forward.

It's one of many resources our members have, and the feedback is always brilliant.

If you are not a member but want more information to see if this might help you, pop me a comment or a DM.

12/05/2026

Happy International Nurses Day.

Today we're celebrating the nurses who make everything we do possible.

Guiding patients through uncertainty. Reassuring anxious families. Constantly learning to deliver the best care. Listening when the fear feels overwhelming. Calming nerves before challenges and immunotherapy. Applying their expertise at every step.

Our nurses don't just deliver clinical care – they support the whole person, body and mind. They're the ones who turn medical interventions into compassionate, human experiences.

To our incredible team: thank you. You make the difference every single day.
I love working alongside you every day.

11/05/2026

What a weekend. I have much to share.

Firstly we started by hosting two colleagues in our Ringwood (Hampshire) clinic Dr Helen Brough from Children's Allergy Doctors in London, and Dr Nick Makwana from Birmingham.

We are all working within the allergy and immunotherapy space, and know that sharing knowledge and best practice is key to advancing the care and options in the field - and ultimately this is to the benefit and safety of the patients and their families.

The day started with a team discussion, each learning from each other's experiences and knowledge. Learning where our practices align, where they might differ and how/why that is.

It was such a wonderful day, and I am very grateful to Dr Helen and Dr Nick for making the journey to Hampshire to come and see me, my team and the clinic (and a few of you!).

I look forward to exploring more exchanges in the future.

08/05/2026

Every allergy journey is different.

On Sunday I am speaking at The Allergy and Free From Show in Birmingham with Dr Francesca Sawer on a multidisciplinary approach to allergy care.

I would love to know who you have seen as part of your, or your child's, allergy journey.

Let me know below.

07/05/2026

Here's the thing.

We do the best with the information we have at the time.

As Dr Francesca Sawer (our fantastic clinical psychologist) says, guilt has to have a purpose.

Sometimes we are very unkind to ourselves, going over what we did, or didn't do. The time we didn't take a safe treat to a party, the time we forgot it was cake day at school.... the time we missed something.

You are just a mum, a dad, a grown adult, trying your best.

So be kind to yourself.

Sometimes it is hard because it IS hard. Life with allergies IS hard at times.

Be kind to yourself.

Dr Helen x

05/05/2026

We are always keen to support research in our clinic, so please do consider taking part in this survey, organised by Imperial. Details from one of the organisers below.

'We are running an international survey as part of an EAACI Taskforce and Imperial College London MSc project, looking at young people’s and parents’ experiences of transition care in allergy and asthma.
The survey is for:
• young people aged 16-25 with allergy and/or asthma
• parents/carers of young people aged 11-25 with allergy and/or asthma

The survey takes around 10-15 minutes to complete and aims to better understand young people’s experiences, challenges, priorities, unmet needs, and confidence in managing their allergy and asthma care.

The study is intended to run for the next 8-12 weeks, and the links below will remain active during this period.
YOUNG PEOPLE SURVEY (aged 16-25)
Link: https://tinyurl.com/42x6jz34
PARENTS & CARERS SURVEY (of young people aged 11-25)
Link: https://tinyurl.com/yfmk2s6z

For any comments or queries, people can contact us at: comments.ayacaresurvey@outlook.com

The survey will be disseminated across a range of countries, including European countries, the UK, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South America. The project has been reviewed and approved by the Imperial College London Research Governance and Integrity Team.

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

05/05/2026

Today is World Asthma Day.

This year's theme is access to the right treatment. Over 260 million people worldwide have asthma, and many don't have access to the anti-inflammatory inhalers that prevent attacks.

Asthma symptoms can be confusing. They're often mistaken for repeated coughs or colds, especially in children. Knowing what to look for and when to seek assessment can make a real difference.

We've put together some free information about recognising asthma symptoms, understanding different types of treatment, and knowing when to push for proper assessment.

👉 Comment ASTHMA HELP for the link.

It's really important that asthma is correctly diagnosed and managed, especially if there are allergies. It can be hard to persuade children to use their inhalers – especially teenagers, this is often a battle in our house – but I can't stress how important it is to manage asthma properly.

Read my free article by commenting ASTHMA HELP, or visit my website via the link in bio.

01/05/2026

It's the start of a new month (how did we get to May already?!)

The start of a new month is a brilliant time to check your body and recognise any changes that might need a check up- alongside checking any medication and upcoming appointment dates.

If you are new here, you might not know that a couple of years ago I found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through a lot of treatment including chemo and I am still undergoing medical care for some of the effects of this.

So I always advocate for checking your body at the start of each month, because catching my cancer early gave me the best chance of being here today.

Catching any health worry early is will always be the preference scenario.

And while you are checking your body, make it a habit to check your allergy medication is in date, hasn't been open beyond the date on the box, has the right storage for the months ahead.

Please share this to remind others. Heath matters.

30/04/2026

Do you know your allergy ABCs?

Swipe to test yourself and drop your answers in the comments.

Knowing these things could save a life.

I'll share the answers in an upcoming post.