Allergy Awareness Week: Diagnosis Matters

Allergy Awareness Week starts today, and we are reaching out to the millions of people across the UK who are living with allergy symptoms but don’t have a diagnosis. Our clear message is Diagnosis matters. 

As part of our ongoing “I Wish I Knew” campaign, we are urging people to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of allergic disease sooner and seek the support they need. We are highlighting how earlier diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life and reduce health risks.

Allergy affects a substantial proportion of the population but remains widely misunderstood and under-recognised. For some people, the consequences can be serious. Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have risen significantly over recent decades and allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis are closely linked.

Around 25% of UK children have eczema, and these children are more than twice as likely to develop asthma and hay fever and almost five times more likely to develop food allergy.

Despite the scale of the problem, access to specialist care remains limited. Fewer than 10% of children with food allergy are seen in a specialist allergy clinic, leaving many families navigating symptoms, referrals and uncertainty on their own.

Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services, says: “Far too many people are living with symptoms of allergy without understanding what is causing them. Recognising the signs and seeking a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the right care and staying safe.

“We hear time and again from people who say, ‘I wish I knew sooner’. This campaign is about making sure more people have that knowledge earlier, so they can take control of their health.

“For some communities, barriers to diagnosis are even greater. Inequalities in access to healthcare, limited awareness of allergy symptoms and long waits for specialist services mean that many people face delays in getting the help they need.

“When allergy is recognised earlier and supported properly, it can transform lives.”

During Allergy Awareness Week, we will highlight:

  • The common signs and symptoms of allergic disease
  • The importance of seeking a diagnosis
  • Real-life experiences of people living with allergy
  • The support available through its Self-Help Hub.

Allergy Awareness Week also coincides with a major milestone for the allergy community – the launch of the UK’s first National Allergy Strategy. The strategy sets out a long-term vision to improve allergy care, awareness and quality of life across the UK.