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# East Suffolk and North Essex outpaces national rise in hospital allergy admissions
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/east-suffolk-and-north-essex-outpaces-national-rise-in-hospital-allergy-admission/
- Published: 2025-02-18T08:52:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:21:20.000Z
- Description: Local NHS data shows a significant increase in emergency allergy treatments, as experts explore possible causes behind the growing trend.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health & Care Services, #article, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The rise in admissions at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust reflects a concerning national pattern, with potentially life-threatening allergic reactions requiring swift medical intervention.

**By the numbers:**

- 235 admissions for allergic reactions at the Trust in 2023-24
- Up from 175 admissions the previous year – a 34% increase
- 26% increase in admissions across England
- National figures have more than doubled from 12,400 in 2002-03 to 32,300 in 2023-24

![Urgent & Emergency Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1736335316-ipswich-hospital-urgent-and-emergency-care-centre-2-5.jpg)

Urgent & Emergency Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**What they're saying:** Dr Helen Evans-Howell, chair of the clinical and scientific panel at Anaphylaxis UK, said it was not clear why admissions are rising. She cited several possible explanations, including:

- Later introduction of foods to infants
- Changes to gut bacteria
- The "hygiene hypothesis" - suggesting limited early exposure to certain microorganisms could be a factor
- Increased awareness leading to more people seeking treatment

**The bigger picture:** Allergic reactions can develop into anaphylactic shock, which may cause:

- Coughing
- Voice changes
- Tongue swelling
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Collapse

**What's next:** The Department of Health and Social Care says it is:

- Working with the NHS and voluntary organisations to improve allergy treatment
- Meeting with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to discuss appointing an allergy lead

**The bottom line:** While experts investigate the causes behind rising allergy admissions, Anaphylaxis UK advises anyone experiencing a severe reaction to:

- Stay still if possible
- Sit up for breathing difficulties, or lay flat with elevated legs
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector if available
- Call an ambulance, stating "anaphylaxis"
- Seek follow-up care from a doctor and allergist

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