1. What are allergies?

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system to substances (allergens) that are usually harmless. Exposure triggers symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to hives, wheeze, gut upset or—rarely—anaphylaxis. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, moulds, insect venom, foods (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, egg, wheat), and medications.

Allergies can be seasonal (e.g., spring hay fever) or perennial (e.g., dust mites), and may affect the nose and eyes (allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis), lungs (asthma with allergic triggers), skin (eczema, hives), and the gut (food allergy). Identifying the specific triggers and the environments where reactions occur is the key to effective control.

2. Common allergy challenges people seek help for

• Hay fever & itchy eyes: sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure and fatigue affecting concentration.
• Asthma with allergic triggers: cough, wheeze, chest tightness, exercise limitation.
• Hives/eczema flares: skin itch, rashes and sleep disruption.
• Food allergy/anaphylaxis risk: fear of reactions, label confusion, eating out stress.
• Work/school performance: missed days, reduced focus, irritability and poor sleep.
• Environmental exposures: pollen seasons, mouldy buildings, pets, dust mites.

These problems are manageable with a structured plan that blends medical care with day-to-day strategies tailored to the places you live, work and learn.

3. How our doctors help — assessment, testing & personalised plans

Our team provides comprehensive allergy care for adults and children:

• Detailed history & examination: mapping symptoms to seasons, settings, foods and activities.
• Testing: skin prick testing and/or specific IgE blood tests when indicated to confirm likely triggers.
• Resident allergy doctors: guide complex cases, interpret results, and recommend immunotherapy or specialist referral when appropriate.
• Personalised action plan: step-by-step avoidance measures, symptom control plan, and emergency instructions.
• Education & coaching: device technique (e.g., nasal sprays, inhalers), label reading, travel planning, and school/workplace liaison.

We focus on practical, sustainable strategies that reduce exposure, calm inflammation and prevent flares—so you can function at your best.

4. Treatment strategies: avoidance, environment, immunotherapy & medicines

Allergy control usually combines several approaches. Your plan will be tailored to your triggers, severity and lifestyle.

a) Targeted avoidance & environmental control

• Pollen: check daily counts, keep windows closed on high-pollen days, shower after outdoor exposure.
• Dust mites: encase mattresses/pillows, hot-wash bedding weekly, reduce soft furnishings and clutter.
• Pets: bedroom exclusion, HEPA filtration, regular grooming/bathing routines.
• Mould: fix leaks, improve ventilation, dehumidify, remediate visible mould safely.
• Food allergy: accurate label reading, cross-contact prevention, safe meal planning, emergency action plans.

b) Behavioural strategies & symptom skills

• Allergy diaries to connect symptoms with exposures.
• Correct technique for nasal corticosteroids and saline rinses.
• Inhaler spacer technique and asthma action plans.
• Stress/sleep optimisation to reduce flare frequency and fatigue.

C) Medications (when appropriate)

• Antihistamines: non-sedating options for itch, sneeze and hives.
• Intranasal therapies: corticosteroids/antihistamines for rhinitis and sinus symptoms.
• Asthma controllers: inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers as guided by your action plan.
• Epinephrine autoinjectors: prescribed and taught for anaphylaxis risk with a clear emergency plan.

d) Allergen immunotherapy (selected cases)

For persistent allergic rhinitis, immunotherapy (subcutaneous or sublingual) can reduce symptoms and medication needs by desensitising the immune response over time. Our resident allergy doctors will discuss suitability, duration and monitoring.

5. Applying strategies in the real world: workplace, school & home

We translate your plan into simple routines that fit your day and reduce disruptions.

Workplace

• Environment: desk-level HEPA purifier where feasible, reduce indoor plants if mould-sensitive, manage perfume/chemical exposure policies.
• Routines: schedule outdoor tasks when pollen counts are lower; keep a symptom kit (saline, antihistamines, spare inhaler).
• Communication: provide concise guidance to managers/HR about reasonable adjustments if needed.

School & study

• Care plans: teacher and admin briefings, medication authorisations, spare autoinjector if prescribed.
• Excursions & sport: pre-planning for food safety and pollen/grass exposure.
• Routine supports: set reminders for daily preventer medicines and nasal sprays.

Home

• Bedroom sanctuary: dust-mite control, clutter reduction and regular hot-wash bedding.
• Cleaning practices: vacuum with HEPA filter; damp dusting to avoid aerosolising allergens.
• Pets & pests: agreed zones, grooming routines, pest control that avoids triggers.

These steps reduce symptom spikes, missed days and fatigue—improving focus, sleep and quality of life.

6. Allergy care pathway at Kensington Park Medical

1. Booking & pre-visit questionnaire: capture symptoms, suspected triggers and goals.
2. Comprehensive assessment: history, exam, review of photos or diaries, discussion of risks (e.g., anaphylaxis).
3. Testing: skin prick/specific IgE tests where indicated; differential diagnoses considered.
4. Personalised plan: avoidance measures, medication schedule, device technique, emergency plan.
5. Follow-up: review response, adjust therapies, consider immunotherapy or specialist referral if needed.

Fees and Medicare rebates vary by test and treatment. Our reception team will outline expected out-of-pocket costs before testing or immunotherapy commences.

7. Frequently asked questions

Do I need testing to confirm my allergies?

Testing helps confirm suspected triggers and avoid unnecessary restrictions. We recommend tests when results will change your management plan.

What’s the difference between intolerance and allergy?

Intolerance (e.g., lactose) does not involve the immune system and is rarely dangerous. IgE-mediated allergy can cause rapid reactions, including anaphylaxis. Assessment clarifies which applies.

How long does immunotherapy take?

Typical courses run 3–5 years with benefits often starting within months. We’ll discuss expected timelines and monitoring.

Are antihistamines safe to take long-term?

Modern non-sedating antihistamines are generally well-tolerated. Your doctor will tailor dose and review interactions with other medicines.

Can allergies be cured?

Many can be well controlled. Immunotherapy can modify the disease course for selected allergens, reducing symptom burden and medication needs.

8. Why choose Kensington Park Medical?

• Allergy Help in Adelaide: accessible to Kensington Park, Norwood, Toorak Gardens, Marryatville, Leabrook and the eastern suburbs.
• Integrated services: testing, action plans, medication review and immunotherapy coordination.
• Respectful, family-friendly care: from preschoolers to adults.

Book allergy help in Adelaide

If allergies are disrupting sleep, study or work, we can help. Kensington Park Medical provides testing, personalised avoidance plans, immunotherapy where suitable and medication guidance—so you can breathe easier and live better.

Book an allergy consultation

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Your doctor will assess suitability for testing, immunotherapy and medications.