So I popped down to the local pharmacy to try out their allergy testing service. Pharmacies running the service can check whether you're allergic to 10 of the most common allergens, including pet fur, house dust mites and a variety of tree and grass pollen.
In the private consultation area, a member of the pharmacy staff took a sample of my blood, which involved nothing more than a quick finger prick with a special measuring device. I then had to wait for 20 minutes for the results (or I could have popped back later on that day if I'd preferred).
Before giving me my results the pharmacy staff member told me that along with the test results they'd normally provide advice on which medications are best for each particular allergy. In my case, it turns out I'm allergic to dust mites! The pharmacy staff member advised me to make sure I cleaned my bedding at a high temperature as well as regularly hoovered the carpet and shake dust off the curtains and sofa from time to time. Thankfully, my dust allergy isn't too serious (or I just keep a very clean house!) but the pharmacy advised me to pop back in if I ever thought asthma might be kicking in.
So if you ever wonder what's giving you a runny nose and sore throat, it's worth getting tested at your local pharmacy to find out rather than spending the next few months on medication that you don't need. Their allergy testing service is quick and simple and whilst you're there they can also tell you what type of allergy medications are best.
The study involved more than 5,000 children, whose parents were asked about feeding methods up to the age of 12 months and subsequent health problems up to the age of four years. Those who were not breastfed at all had a higher risk of suffering from respiratory problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm compared with those who were breastfed.
The researchers say more work needs to be done to find out if breastfeeding also protects children against asthma when they are older.
In the private consultation area, a member of the pharmacy staff took a sample of my blood, which involved nothing more than a quick finger prick with a special measuring device. I then had to wait for 20 minutes for the results (or I could have popped back later on that day if I'd preferred).
Before giving me my results the pharmacy staff member told me that along with the test results they'd normally provide advice on which medications are best for each particular allergy. In my case, it turns out I'm allergic to dust mites! The pharmacy staff member advised me to make sure I cleaned my bedding at a high temperature as well as regularly hoovered the carpet and shake dust off the curtains and sofa from time to time. Thankfully, my dust allergy isn't too serious (or I just keep a very clean house!) but the pharmacy advised me to pop back in if I ever thought asthma might be kicking in.
So if you ever wonder what's giving you a runny nose and sore throat, it's worth getting tested at your local pharmacy to find out rather than spending the next few months on medication that you don't need. Their allergy testing service is quick and simple and whilst you're there they can also tell you what type of allergy medications are best.
The study involved more than 5,000 children, whose parents were asked about feeding methods up to the age of 12 months and subsequent health problems up to the age of four years. Those who were not breastfed at all had a higher risk of suffering from respiratory problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm compared with those who were breastfed.
The researchers say more work needs to be done to find out if breastfeeding also protects children against asthma when they are older.
