Itching, sneezing, rubbing, wheezing: should I take an antihistamine?
Itching, sneezing, rubbing, wheezing: should I take an antihistamine? What is histamine and what is an antihistamine? Histamine is an enzyme, occurring naturally in the body in low amounts. It is secreted normally by many cells of the human body. Some of these cells...
Emollients in SA – Matching Cream to patients
Emollients in SA – Matching Cream to patients (Content updated in March 2025) The Emollient Prescriber, maps the South African landscape of emollients and studies patient perceptions of different base-ingredients in emollients. It was approved by the University of...
Probiotic Use and the Gut Microbiota
Probiotic Use and the Gut Microbiota The gut microbiome is a community of billions of bacteria and fungi that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. They have an influence on metabolism, body weight, immunity, appetite and mood. The more richly diverse this community of...
Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Avocado Burritos
Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Avocado Burritos https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sweeet-Potato-Avo-Black-Bean-Burrito-300x300.jpg A quick and easy vegetarian recipe for a midweek, healthy lunch. The star of the dish is the mighty avocado!...
Allergy sufferers – know your pollen counts
Spring has arrived and the pollen season is now in full swing. Grass and tree pollen levels are currently high. We know this, not only because seasonal hay fever sufferers are sneezing, but because in Cape Town we have weekly pollen monitoring. Pollen is identified...
Regulations for food chains preparing food on their premises
Regulations for food chains preparing food on their premises Following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, Allergy UK are calling for changes to the food labelling regulations as they apply to chains preparing high volumes of food on their individual sites....
Living with peanut allergy and OIT – A mom’s point of view
Living with peanut allergy and OIT - A mom's point of view Since I was breastfeeding Mikey when we found out about his allergies (and there were many!), the specialist insisted that I exclude the allergens from my diet. While I mourned the loss of chocolate peanuts,...
Parents Allergy Action Plan
Parents Allergy Action Plan Helping parents and children with allergies in the school environment. Starting school for the first time can be a stressful and daunting affair, even for the hardiest of children. It is a time for children to leave the security of their...
Asthma and Diet
Asthma and Diet According to a study recently published in the European Respiratory Journal, adults with asthma who eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains experience fewer asthma symptoms, and tend to have improved control over their condition. Adult...
Pomegranate and Chickpea Pilaf
Pomegranate and Chickpea Pilaf https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AFSA-Pomegranate-and-chickpea-Pilaf-Recipe.jpg Free from gluten, eggs, peanuts, dairy, soy and tree nuts. This dish is healthy as a vegetarian light meal or as an...
Food labelling and allergens
Food labelling and allergens Coping with food allergies can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding food labels. AFSA investigates what information is and isn’t required on food labelling, as well as food industry regulations with regards to...
Is Eosinophilic Oesophagitis part of the allergic march?
Is Eosinophilic Oesophagitis part of the allergic march? Food for thought - is Eosinophilic Oesophagitis part of the allergic march? Atopic March, sometimes called Allergic March, refers to the natural history or typical progression of allergic diseases that often...
Allergies in a Breastfed baby
Allergies in a Breastfed baby There is evidence that allergens can be transmitted via breast milk. However, allergens are usually transmitted in a highly processed form which is tolerated well by the vast majority of infants. Occasionally, exclusively breast fed...
Baked sweet potatoes with spinach, leeks, white beans and coriander tahini
Baked sweet potatoes with spinach, leeks, white beans and coriander tahini https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/baked-sweet-potato-1-AFSA.jpg For our breastfeeding moms…leafy greens like spinach, swiss chard, kale and broccoli are filled...
Living With Asthma
The aim of this video is to develop awareness regarding severe allergic asthma at a psycho-social level and to improve asthma self-management. The video depicts real life stories of two South African families living with severe asthma....
A Guide To Using An Epipen
A Guide To Using An Epipen Instructional video by Prof Mike Levin (Allergist) on how to use an auto-injector or Epipen. Watch Video
Faces of Anaphylaxis
Faces of Anaphylaxis True life stories of South African families living with anaphylaxis and aims to highlight that anaphylaxis is not only a First-World problem. Medical content to help you understand anaphylaxis better - presented by Prof Mike Levin (Allergist)
Learn more about your microbiome
Learn more about your microbiome Background of the microbiome: As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental disorders and respiratory diseases account for 71% of all deaths globally....
Super-Fast Broccoli Soup
Super-Fast Broccoli Soup Whilst most hearty broths benefit from a significant time simmering on the hob, this simple soup is actually one of the few dishes to taste better from less cooking time – overcooked broccoli is never a pleasant experience. Omit the cream if...
Kids and allergies, by the season
Updated 9 December 2025 Kids and allergies, by the season This year-round guide will tell you what common allergens you can expect and when. For the millions of SA children with seasonal allergies, a change of season means more than a change of scenery. Differences in...