The Allergy Clinic

10/04/2026

Food hypersensitivity reactions include food allergy, (caused by the immune system) and food intolerance (where the mechanism of the reaction is not based on the immune system). Food allergy is further divided into the more common “typical” immediate type (IgE-mediated) food allergies, and the r...

23/03/2026

13/03/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰?

Many people think allergies are only a spring problem, but that’s not true.

Allergy symptoms can occur all year round, depending on the trigger.

Common year-round allergens include:
* Dust mites
* Pet dander
* Mould
* Cockroach allergens

If your symptoms never seem to go away, it might be due to indoor allergens, not pollen.

06/03/2026

South African Pollen Update The Real Pollen Count

Durban continues to experience high tree pollen, particularly mulberry, with high mould spores also reported. Grass pollen is high in Bloemfontein and moderate in Pretoria and Kimberley.

Most other regions, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gqeberha and George, are reporting generally low pollen levels as we move into early autumn.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, those in Durban and the central regions may experience more symptoms this week.

20/02/2026

We’ve launched a new training initiative, MedEd @ The Allergy Clinic, in partnership with EMGuidance Academy to provide practical, CPD-accredited education for healthcare professionals.

We’re starting with:
“Allergic Rhinitis: When Seasonal Turns Perennial – What Every Pharmacist Should Know.”

Allergic rhinitis is often mistaken for “just another cold,” leading to repeated, ineffective treatment. This course offers a clear, structured approach that can be applied immediately in practice.

Looking forward to continuing to grow accessible, evidence-based CPD accredited education in allergy and medical nutrition.

We’re pleased to announce a new partnership between EMGuidance Academy and MedEd at The Allergy Clinic, founded by Dr Marinda McDonald and Natalie Heydenrych. This collaboration brings practical, evidence-based allergy training to healthcare professionals, starting with the short course “Allergi...

13/02/2026

Pollen Update
Source: The Real Pollen Count

Grass pollen levels are currently moderate–high in Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Durban and may exacerbate allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Tree pollen is low across most regions (higher in Durban), and overall pollen counts remain low in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Gqeberha, with none detected in George. Mould levels are low nationwide.

If you’re noticing increased allergy symptoms inland, grass pollen is the likely culprit.

06/02/2026

Humidifiers can increase indoor humidity, creating an ideal environment for dust mites to thrive, which may worsen allergic rhinitis symptoms.

For dust mite allergic individuals, keeping humidity lower is often the better strategy.

31/01/2026

Did you know a healthy gut can help protect against the development of allergies like eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma and food allergies?

Early feeding choices, diet diversity (in pregnancy and the first 1000 days of life) and lifestyle all help build a strong microbiome and immune system.

23/01/2026

Today’s Pollen Update for South Africa
Source: The Real Pollen Count

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!

Across most parts of South Africa, pollen and mould levels are LOW.

𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠:

📍Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Durban, Gqeberha & George:
- Low tree, grass, w**d pollen and low moulds

📍Kimberley:
-Grass pollen moderate, but trees, w**ds and moulds remain low

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠:

-A relatively comfortable day for most allergy sufferers
-Those with severe grass pollen allergy in Kimberley may still notice mild symptoms