I am astonished to read that NHS has so limited facilities for allergic patients. I come from Sweden (just like other Nordic countries it is sterile, high tech and with an extremely allergic population) our health system offers us the possibilty to test for allergies and provide us with proper health care. I think Britain should learn from them since your population is getting increasingly allergic (in tact with the Nordic countries). The supermarket (In Sweden) are stocked with all sorts of food for allergics and when I came to the UK I found that it was extremely dificult to find food that didn't have additives in it. You had to look on the back of packages, but that was 8 years ago. I think Britain is becoming more like the Nordic countries.

Ingrid , Jonkoping ,

My son who is now 35 has suffered a peanut allergy since he was approx. 5 years old. I did take him to the doctor at the time and he laughed more or less accusing me of being a stupid Mother and having a troublesome child. As the years went by he became increasingly sensitive and has been admitted to hospital on numerous occasions with sudden attacks. There has always been very little help available but we were very fortunate to have a child who was very sensible about his condition and we did everything to help him understand. Despite the fact that one of your readers says that peanuts are easy to avoid I have to disagree, Many foods are cooked in peanut oil which can be difficult to detect and during preparation most foods come into contact with peanuts. This becomes even more difficult when travelling abroad as people generally do not understand the problem and the dreadful consequencies if an attack is not treated promptly. Things have improved in recent years but not enough.

Janice Thorpe, Solihull, England

I've lived most of adult life in Finland (yes, a sterile high-tech country...). I've always known that some scents make me feel sick and that I get a rash from sme nuts and additives (Tested for free three times as a kid, in teens and later). It was never a prob, because Allergies are very common in Finland and for example nuts are easy to avoid as well as lactose and some other everyday allergies.

I recently moved to central-Europe and seem to find nuts everywhere! Because almost every ready-to-eat product has fragments of them, it seems to just accumulate and I'm constantly sick to my stomach and itchy. And when I say that I can't eat chocolate the French look me like I would be mad..

My problem is still rather a mild one, as I won't die when I eat nuts and for eample lactose isn't a prob, but how in the hell would a really allergic person survive here? Allergies are still treated as if the person would just be picky and not, as the case be, in a risk to loose ones life.

Hmpf., France,

I think what they are also pointing out is that people who grow up in a "sterile" environment develop the worst allergies. Too much of anything is a bad thing and in this case it's cleanliness. Let your baby eat mud and put dirty things in it's mouth, if not it's immune system won't develop properly. After living in South America for a few months where I saw and heard of very few people suffering allergies or forms of disabilities I wonder if it may also be the additives in the food we eat. They eat natural, healthy stuff over there (the tomatoes don't look as nice but they taste the same and they skin them before eating to get rid of the pesticides...) and every house has a blender to blend fruits and make juice... we could learn a lot.

Graeme, Edinburgh,

I am surprised that your normally well informed readers have not made the connection between allergies and those which are be compounded by proximity to dust mites. My associates and I have many testimonials from allergy sufferers who have simply had the bed mattress or other soft furnishings treated with a non toxic allergenic UV system. 85% of of children with allergic asthma are sensitive to dust mites and their by products, In Germany the figure is significantly lower where mattress sterilisation every 6 to12 months is as common as having your windows cleaned.

Colin Grozier, Bournemouth, Dorset

Last July my daughter who was then six had an anaphalytic reaction to a wasp sting. We had to fight with our GP to be taken seriously - he was even reluctant to issue her with an epi-pen. We are fortunate to have an allergy clinic at our local hospital but had to fight to get a referral. Eventually we were told she she has allergies various allergies which included peanuts - wasp venom could not be tested as the sample used was out of date. In May this year she was stung by a wasp whilst at school. Her epi-pen was used as her face and throat swelled in front of staff. She was taken to hospital, monitored and was running around the next day. Without her epi-pen and the fast action of staff I dread to think what could have happened. Until last year I never appreciated the effect allergies can have. |t is essential that everyone have access to specialists and care plans regardless of where they live and that GP's start taking allergic reactions seriously.

Penny, Colchester, UK

Two visits to my GP in two years received the reply - there is nothing wrong with you. Twice I collapsed shortly after these visits and was taken to hospital. My consultant said you developed have a clear case of asthma - people who don't treat it sensibly can die.

Who knows what caused it? But oh to be an overpaid GP and accountable to no one.

JR, Cambs, UK

I had suffered from eczema since childhood and have been told that I have 'grown out' of asthma. I have been prescribed steroid creams for many years but none of them have worked. I know that both conditions are worse when I have dairy but it is difficult to avoid it completely. Then I went to Australia and found my cure!

Medihoney. I don't think it is available in the UK but it is wonderful and I would encourage people to try and find this all natural product. It contains special honey, aloe vera, a few other ingredients and only one preservative.

Good Luck to you all!

Jennifer, Melbourne, Australia

I agree with the view that air fresheners, spray polishes, cleaners, etc. could be causing some allergies. Virtually all cleaning products now come in a spray form which when used, sends a fine mist of chemicals across the room instead of actually landing on the surface, window, table etc. which needs cleaning. The chemicals are breathed in by children and enter the blood stream via the lungs. I've even seen spray cleaners used in playgroups and on high chair trays in nurseries. Totally unnceccessary and possibly very harmful in my view. They also smell disgusting. I never buy spray cleaners or polishes as I believe they are toxic and harmful to health. We should all demand cleaning fluids with squeezy type tops which you apply direct to the cloth or surface .

F Murray, Kent,

As the partner of a severe nut allergy sufferer it seems to me that there is far too little being done to support not only the sufferer but also the families of sufferers. As the report has shown there are far too few allergy specialists in the UK, but this is not the end of the problem. If a patient is diagnosed then the problems really begin. Where and how do you get help to find foods that you can eat? What does your allergy mean to you and your family. This problem is continuing to grow and a whole generation is about to be released, as a young adults, into society. As the owner of a food company that was set up to support allergy sufferers we find that we are a major source of information for the newly diagnosed sufferer, a role we undertake freely but which I believe should be fulfilled by an expanded official support service.

Martin Hopkins, Furness Vale, UK

Anjli -

To answer your question, yes.

Our immune system needs to work. If there are insufficient "enemies" attacking the body from without, the immune system will turn inward.

Therefore, Yes, a sterile (read 'too clean') environment is harmful to children and adults. Clean is OK, sterile (by the over use of anti-bacterial cleaning agents) is not.

Predisposition will affect the severity of the reaction and be an influence on how much/how little is required to trigger the reaction, but not so much on if one will have a reaction, or not.

"I refuse to weaken my immune system by living in a sterile environment" (my sound bite response when asked, "Are you ever going to clean this place?").

There is another danger lurking here: Any poison that is not 100 percent effective will, over time, become 0 percent effective.

DanO, Mount Vernon, USA

Removing your shoes at the door can reduce the risk of your family being exposed to allergens.

Matthew C, Worcester, UK

The overwhelming majority of GP's have not had any allergy training at Medical School this also applies to almost every specialist. It is little wonder that allergy sufferers turn to Pharmacists for medication because it's cheaper as their GP has previously not helped them to find out the cause of their allergy which would enable them to manage their allergy and reduce their medication. Happier patient, less drugs used and less of a burden on the NHS. The Department of Health has devolved responsibility for allergy to Primary Care Trusts. PCT's have NOT been given any funding resulting with allergy has been swept under the carpet - result unhappy patients and more of a burden on the NHS. The Dept of Health is failing people with allergy whereas allergy is escalating by 5% a year. You can do something by asking your local MP 2 questions what allergy services are available in your constituency and what plans your local PCT has to improve allergy services - You will be disappointed.

Peter Dewint, Sidcup, Kent

I have suffered from allergic rhinitis for many years. More recently this has lead to sinus problems. I was recently re-tested for allergies and the specialist concluded that I am allergic to house dust, cats, grasses and certain trees. This is a little unfortunate as we live in part of a large old Victorian house that’s difficult to keep spotless, especially with the two cats that we have. We also have quite a lot of lawn and a small wood! As my wife and children are all very fond of the house, the cats and the garden and I am very fond of the wife and family my nose and sinuses seem to be doomed to a lifetime of sneezing and inhaling various drugs!

Kevin Miller, Penshurst, UK

I have huge numbers of allergies and am one of the lucky few to be with an NHS allergy clinic, but I keep being told that they cannot do any more to help me, and they always seem keen to get me off their books!

Juliet, London,

Doesn't it seem odd that atuoimmune diseases, such as, allergies, asthma and autism, have increased so dramatically in recent years?

Indeed, Harvard University just reported that today's US parents were far more healthier than are their children. The question is why?

After all, this generation of children is the most heavily vaccinated generation in history.

Bob Moffitt, Sloatsburg, United States

Some studies suggest that it is down to lowered immunity in the stomach during infancy and that is backed up by comparing to whether children were breast fed. There was a much lower incidence of allergic conditions in those that were. Would be interesting to conduct a study nationwide to establish a link between various factors.
People forget that there are alternative therapies to deal with these conditions and acupuncture and chinese herbs are among those and can be very effective (herbs probably more so than acupuncture in chronic, long standing conditions). I don't understand why problems aren't tackled until they are so severe that immediate medical attention is needed.

Diana, London,

My son has a severe allergy to peanuts and therefore we have to avoid all nut products. It strikes me that there are considerably more nut products around these days compared with when I was a child, when it seemed as if the only time we ate peanuts was in a marathon (snickers) bar or at parties. Now it seems as if they are in everything. I am sure that over exposure to nut protein is behind the current rise in peanut allergy

Frankie, Shetland,

I having suffered from chronic eczema from the first childhood egg allergy. Despite numerous oral corticosteroid treatments for severe reactions and prolonged use of topical cortisone ointments I have at last found relief at the age of 60.

A chiropractor who used "tort release" therapy and perhaps with the combination of being post menopausal I no longer suffer to the same degree.

Sixty years is a long time to endure a moderately deforming and esteem damaging condition. Perhaps the study of underlying conditions and/or alternative treatments may be worthwhile.

Maria Harvey, Beechworth, Australia/Victoria

Most autistic children have food allergies. They need to be tested for these. It is almost impossible to get these tests unless you pay privately.
My daughter, from the age of 35, showed adverse reactions to certain foods. After a 2 year wait she was just told to avoid these foods!!! No dairy produce, wheat , potatoes, beef , chicken or pork and most fruits were banned.. If she eats them she goes red in the face, and breaks out in a sweat, then stays in the loo for the rest of the day.
He recommended she only eat lamb, pears, and rice or have a "stone age diet" ! Tried that. Ugh!!!
He ignored the fact that 63 of my paternal family cannot digest dairy, wheat or most meats. We inherited the problem from my Native American grandfather, 75% of us do not produce the enzymes needed for a Western diet. I went into a supplement shop and got her a bottle of digestive enzymes. No problem any more. She can eat anything again.
Hayfever and athsma aren't a problem if you take Serrapeptase.

Beryl, WINDSOR, England

I suffered from frequent bouts of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea throughout my childhood and teens, and missed a good deal of school. As an adult, I gradually realised that certain foods triggered these bouts, and began to avoid them. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when a traffic reporter on Radio 2 referred to someone she knew who had to avoid the same foods (most tree-fruits), that I discovered that I had latex allergy, and was able to report this to my GP. The allergy is potentially problematic during surgery, as operating theatre staff use latex gloves. I occasionally still suffer when eating out, as latex allergy seems not, unlike nut allergy, to be widely recognised, and thus cross-contamination is not specifically avoided in kitchens. I’ve also noticed that people often prefer to believe that I am shielding a dislike of fruit behind the buzzword “allergy”; given how much I miss pears and avocado pears, this is deeply irritating.

Amanda Hopklins, Rugby, Warwickshire, UK

I have suffered from eczema, asthma and hay fever since childhood. However, it wasn't until moving to Finland in my mid-20s that I was offered an allergy test. Whilst I had already figured out some of my allergies, it was a huge shock to discover some food allergies. My doctor was very surprised that I hadn't been offered similar testing and advice in the UK. Now my diet has changed, my quality of life has improved and medication is reduced. When I asked my UK doctor about allergy testing - he said it wasn't available in my area. It's a simple test, which is more than paid for in the savings in medication and reduced visits to the GP.

K, Tampere, Finland

Most homes these days are filled with hundreds of different synthetic perfumes. All teenagers are plastered in sprays of all types to cover up any suggestion that they might smell like a human. From my own experience I am convinced that this constant low level bombardment leaves the body's defences under attack and it then takes only one other allergen to tip sensitive people over the edge into asthma etc.

I think it is an accumulative effect and I hope that eventually perfumes and air fresheners will be banned in the same way that smoking is now!

Sue, Swansea, Wales

How does one associate an allergy to certain food proteins and naturally occurring materials such as ‘wool’ with the subject of ‘cleanliness’? Are you simply inferring that ‘cleaner households’ and children raised within a safe environment are being harmed?

Some people are pre-disposed to these conditions and have a tendency to run in families… skipping the odd generation.

It would appear these allergies have remained hidden for so long and have only just begun to surface and now on the radar of local GP’s.

But further research studies are required before these ‘simple minded’ conclusions are banded around as fact; don’t you think?

Anjli, London, UK

At 55 I have recently started suffering what seem to be allegic/asthmatic reactions to things that I've never been allergic to before. I was up all night on Saturday wheezing and when I went to the doctor on call yesterday he described my symptoms as "bizarre". I have spoken to a number of people who have had similar symptoms. It can be quite frightening when you don't know what your body's playing at. But it is reassuring to read articles like this and to realise that perhaps something will now be done.

Mrs Deb Atkinson, Southport, UK

Too many modern chemicals like air-fresheners, clothes-conditioners, anti-bacterial cleaners and chopping-boards (!), not to mention food-additives. Is it any wonder that our bodies are protesting? Our obsession with unreasonable cleanliness is probably responsible when one considers that we are designed to cope with so much of what the normal environment throws at us. If this were not so, none of us would still be here because the human species would never have survived the pre-antiseptic/antibiotic era. Kids don't get dirty anymore and they are far too cossetted.

Tom Marshall, Lichfield, UK

As a sufferer of hay fever for the last 30 years I can now say that this is the first year that I have not experienced any significant symptoms since I was eleven years old. The only change in my lifestyle is by a daily dollop of honey on my toast. I don't care that some may scoff at this but I consider this a release from the month-long sniffling and wheezing that I have put up with previously.

Archie, Cardiff, Wales