Allergy simply put, is an adverse immune reaction to a protein (or allergen) in our environment, which is normally harmless to the non-allergic person. It may present as mild itching of the skin, tissue swelling and wheezing or even progress to full-blown anaphylaxis and death. Only a small proportion of the population exposed to an allergen will develop an allergic reaction.

Allergy develops after repeated exposure to the causative allergen. Sensitisation takes place on initial exposure (a process that may take up to 6 weeks to develop) and no adverse reaction appears to occur during this sensitisation. Some time later on repeated allergen exposure, the full-blown allergic reaction will occur.

During sensitisation, Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced by our white blood cells and on re-exposure these IgE antibodies bind the allergen and attach to Mast Cells, which release Histamine. This triggers the beginning of the Allergic Reaction, which may manifest anything from a mild itch to anaphylaxis and death. Late phase reactions also may follow 6 to 24 hours later with inflammation and tissue swelling.

Some people may become sensitised to an allergen and have positive allergy tests but not ever had an allergic reaction. This is called "Latent Allergy" and has no ill effects. These people go about their lives completely oblivious to this fact.

Common Allergic Manifestations include Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis or Hayfever, Atopic Eczema, Urticaria or Hives, Food Allergy, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Bee Venom Allergy and allergy to Medication such as Penicillin.

The Practitioner needs to have plenty of time available for the consultation and a keen interest in allergy is paramount. In Allergology (the study of Allergy) the patient’s description of their allergy and careful questioning by the doctor goes 90% of the way to a correct diagnosis. This is usually followed by a brief examination of the relevant organs such as nose, eyes, lungs, glands and skin. Allergy tests should only be done to confirm the suspected allergy detected from the history. Tests should not be used as blind searches for an allergic component to the patient’s symptoms.

Once diagnosed, the sufferer needs to have the implications of their allergy explained to them in detail. They should be given "easy to read" educational booklets on allergy to take home. Understanding the nature and causes of the allergy will make future allergy treatment much more successful. A follow-up consultation is important as it provides an opportunity to discuss problems associated with the allergy and to reinforce the need for treatment.

We strongly encourage all patients to discuss referral to the clinic with their own GP. We also like to keep the GP informed regarding a patients condition and suggested treatment.

Allergy clinics are held twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). We offer appointments at the Cape Town Allergy Clinic situated in the comfortable venue in central Claremont with plenty of on-site parking.  Appointments can be booked by telephoning Farieda at 021 674 3637. We encourage  patients to be referred to the clinic by their own GP or Specialist.  Where this is not possible, we like the patient to inform the GP that they are attending the clinic.  We usually send a full clinical report to the patient and a copy to their GP. .

January 2008                           Visit the Allergy and Allergies Agency web site