With National Weaning Week taking place from 13–17 May, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes from last year, packed with practical, evidence-based advice for parents. We’ve also pulled together some of the most common allergy-specific questions into this shorter version, making it even easier for families to find the information they need.

We’re joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Karen Wright, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, whose expertise in allergy spans both NHS practice and international research.

Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is important for allergy prevention, how to spot signs of an immediate allergic reaction in infants, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses babies who may be at higher risk of developing allergies and offers practical tips for families already managing allergies at home.

For further guidance, visit our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step-by-step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/infant-weaning/

Episode highlights:

00:56 – What is the likelihood that my child will have an allergic reaction? 01:46 – What are the best foods to introduce first?

04:22 – How often and how much of an allergen should I give my child?

06:46 – What makes a child higher risk for allergies?

08:30 – If my child is at higher risk, when should I start weaning?

10:50 – If a parent has a food allergy, is my child at higher risk?

13:23 – How can we safely wean if there are allergies in the household?

16:32 – What if my child doesn’t like the allergen?

18:45 – What’s the difference between gagging and an allergic reaction, and what should I do if I suspect a reaction?

22:15 – Does redness around the mouth indicate a reaction?

23:20 – Karen’s top tips for parents

One year after launching our initiative to tackle allergy-related anxiety, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Surrey, we reflect on the progress made and what comes next.

Joining us in this Let’s talk about allergies episode are Dr James Dayer Clinical Psychologist and Professor Chrissie Jones of Clinical Health Psychology at University of Surrey, who will help us dive into the research underpinning this work, and share a glimpse on the next phase of the project: the development of accessible, evidence-based resources. Built from a CBT-informed workbook, these tools aim to support people experiencing allergy-related anxiety wherever they are in the UK.

We’re also joined by Vanessa Millward Group Support Coordinator and Sam Phillips (East Yorkshire Support Group facilitator), as we explore the introduction of new peer support groups designed to provide safe, understanding spaces for people affected by allergies. We discuss why these groups are needed, how they are being developed, and the steps being taken to ensure group leaders feel confident, supported, and well-equipped.

Find out more about Anaphylaxis UK support groups here: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/anaphylaxis-uk-support-groups/

First aired 11 March 2025

This week, Year 6 pupils will be hearing the outcome of their chosen secondary school, and taking the next steps.

Discover practical advice for managing allergies as your child makes the big move to secondary school in this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies. Transitioning from primary to secondary education can feel daunting for families living with allergies, but with the right planning and support, your child can stay safe, confident, and fully included.

We’re joined once again by Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. Drawing on her experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools — and as a parent of teenagers with severe allergies — Tracey shares expert insights to help families navigate this important milestone.

In this episode, we explore the key differences between primary and secondary school allergy management, what parents should discuss with their child’s new school, and how to gradually encourage young people to take greater responsibility for managing their allergies with confidence.

For more guidance, explore the Safer Schools Programme from Anaphylaxis UK. The programme provides schools with practical tools and resources to build best-practice allergy policies and procedures. This includes whole-school allergy awareness guidance, the AllergyWise® for Schools online training course, a model allergy policy, a downloadable allergy awareness assembly presentation, guidance on spare adrenaline pens, advice on roles and responsibilities, tackling allergy bullying, FAQs for schools, and much more.

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Adam Fox OBE, and Professor Rosan Meyer. Professor Fox is a leading Consultant Paediatric Allergist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at King’s College London, and co-founder of London’s first specialist allergy hospital, the Allergy Centre of Excellence. Professor Meyer is a leading Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics at Imperial College London, Professor at KU Leuven and Winchester University, and founder of SBS Kidz Nutrition.

Together Prof. Fox and Prof. Meyer answer the questions families and clinicians frequently ask about outgrowing food allergies. We explore what “outgrowing” really means, how likely children are to become tolerant to different foods and how age and clinical history affect those odds. We walk through the clinical pathway — referrals, testing, follow-up frequency — and explain the specialist dietitian’s role in assessment and management. We also cover the risk of recurrence and the red flags that should prompt urgent review.

Prof. Meyer also offers realistic, low-cost tips for keeping foods in the diet, handling ‘may contain’ labels, managing dislikes and preventing cross-contact at home.

Whether you’re a parent, carer or healthcare professional, this episode gives clear, evidence-based guidance and practical steps to help families navigate childhood allergies.

To celebrate #AnaphylaxisAwarenessWeek, in this episode we tackle one of the most asked-about developments in food allergy care: immunotherapy for food allergy.

We’re joined by Dr Helen Evans-Howells — a GP with a specialist role in allergy, Chair of Anaphylaxis UK’s Clinical & Scientific Panel, lecturer at the University of Southampton, and founder of Dr Helen Allergy private clinics in Ringwood and Belfast.

Dr Helen offers expert answers to common questions including: what oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are, the science behind how they reduce allergic responses, who might be suitable, and how protocols actually run. We discuss real-world practicalities — NHS vs private access, likely timelines, cost considerations, monitoring and safety, and the latest research and trials aiming to make immunotherapy safer and more accessible.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, healthcare professional or someone living with allergy, this episode offers clear, evidence-based information and practical steps to help you understand your options and have informed conversations with clinicians.

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Adam Fox OBE, a leading Consultant Paediatric Allergist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at King’s College London, and co-founder of London’s first and only specialist allergy hospital, Allergy Centre of Excellence.

Professor Fox shares expert answers to some of the most common and urgent questions we hear through our helpline and social channels about adrenaline and anaphylaxis. We go right back to the fundamental basics of adrenaline and anaphylaxis — from how it works and when to use it, to why carrying two AAIs is so important, plus side effects and other practical concerns.

We then turn to EURneffy®—what it is, how it compares with EpiPen and Jext, who may benefit, likely NHS access timelines, and practical issues such as switching or carrying devices, and real-world reports of effects.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, healthcare professional or someone living with allergy, this episode gives clear, evidence-based answers and practical steps for staying safe and confident in an emergency.

For the Allergy Action Plans discussed in the episode visit: BSACI Allergy Action Plans.

For helpful updates and easy-to-digest information about children's allergies, why not follow Prof. Fox on Instagram: @DrAdamFox & @allergycentreofexcellence

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we welcome back Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With her extensive 15-year experience as a headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with serious allergies, Tracey shares practical advice for parents whose children are getting ready to start or return to school in September.

Tracey guides you step by step: from building a strong, proactive relationship with school staff to empowering your child’s independence while prioritising their safety. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls, help your child feel included, and navigate what to do if a school isn’t taking allergies seriously. We also discuss how to manage back-to-school nerves, both for children and parents.

Whether your child is starting reception or moving up to secondary school, this episode is packed with practical tips, useful resources, and expert reassurance—everything you need to advocate confidently for your child’s health, happiness, and inclusion all year long.

For more information, visit our Safer Schools Programme and discover how AllergyWise training can support the whole school community.

For the resources discussed in the episode visit:

• Allergy training for schools
• Free school resources to download (risk assessment templates)
• Allergy action plans
• Podcast episode on managing allergies during school events
• Podcast episode on preparing for secondary school with allergies
• Allergy anxiety resources
• Allergy management education newsletter sign up

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we’re joined once again by Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK and leader of the Safer Schools Programme. With her extensive 15 year experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with serious allergies, Tracey shares practical advice for schools on how to keep children with serious allergies safe.

We discuss how schools can start open conversations with parents, gather essential information, and create a culture of allergy awareness without singling out children with allergies. Tracey also covers the importance of regular staff training, emergency preparedness—including adrenaline access—and best practices for managing catering, classroom activities, and transitions between year groups.

Whether you’re a teacher, school nurse, catering manager, or a parent, this episode is packed with actionable tips and resources to help your school develop confident, inclusive allergy management, so that all children are safe and feel included.

For more information, visit our Safer Schools Programme and discover how AllergyWise training can support your whole school community.

For the resources discussed in the episode visit:

• Allergy training for schools
• Allergy action plans
• Podcast episode on managing allergies during school events
• Allergy management education newsletter sign up
• Free school resources to download

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Helen Brough, a leading Paediatric Allergy and Immunology specialist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Professor at King’s College London, and founder of Children’s Allergy Doctors, a specialist private paediatric allergy clinic.

Professor Brough shares her expertise on preventing allergies in children, drawing on her extensive clinical and research experience. We discuss why allergy prevention is such an urgent public health issue, how eczema and skincare play a crucial role, the importance of early and regular introduction of allergenic foods, and further practical steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing allergies.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or healthcare professional, this episode offers clear, evidence-based guidance and answers to the most common questions about allergy prevention in childhood.

For the Allergy Prevention Guide discussed in the episode visit: Preventing Food Allergies in Babies: A Practical Guide for Parents

For our podcast episode on allergies and infant weaning visit: Infant Weaning & Allergies: How to Introduce Allergens Safely and Prevent Food Allergies

Other helpful resources:

Children's Allergy Doctor: Allergy Insights

The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Children’s Eczema at Home

BSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Your Baby

BSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Higher Risk Infants: Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies we celebrate #NationalWeaningWeek by guiding you through the exciting—and sometimes nerve‑wracking—journey of introducing solid foods to your baby. We're joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Karen Wright, senior research fellow at the University of Southampton, whose allergy expertise spans NHS practice and international research.

Together we unravel the myths and jargon around weaning, guiding you with clear, evidence‑based advice on recognising when your little one is ready for solids and how to introduce common allergens—like peanuts, eggs, fish and dairy—safely and confidently.

Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is key to allergy prevention, how to spot an immediate‑type allergic reaction in an infant, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses the needs of babies at higher risk of developing allergies and shares practical tips for families already managing allergies at home.

For further guidance, head to our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step‑by‑step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

Let’s make those first bites joyful, confident and allergy‑aware.