ABC of allergies: Good allergy practice

Abstract

Allergic diseases result from an exaggerated response of the immune system to external substances. They are a common and increasing cause of illness and in Britain affect about 1 in 6 of the population. The annual cost to the NHS and the Department of Health for asthma alone is in excess of £750m. Although the public is concerned that the NHS has inadequate facilities for diagnosing and treating allergic diseases, there are many allergy clinics in the NHS. These are usually linked to specific specialties (such as chest diseases; ear, nose, and throat disease; paediatrics; dermatology; and gastroenterology). The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology provides a regularly updated list of allergy clinics in the NHS (obtainable from the BSACI Secretariat, Membership Services, 66 Weston Park, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0HL).