Far North Allergy

Far North Allergy Providing compassionate, comprehensive and evidence-based allergic disease care to the children of Far North Queensland.

21/07/2026

💚 An update from Far North Allergy 💚

After many months of careful thought, I have made the incredibly difficult decision that Far North Allergy will be closing.

This has not been an easy decision. Building Far North Allergy has been a privilege, and the experience has shaped and humbled me in ways I could never have anticipated. I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the incredible opportunity it has been to support so many children and families living with allergic disease across our region.

🫶 To every family who walked through our doors, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey, for your kindness, and for the many conversations we’ve shared.

📧 Over the past week, existing patients have been contacted directly with information tailored to their individual circumstances and ongoing care. If you are an existing patient and have any questions, or have not received this correspondence, please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic and our team will be happy to assist.

🏥 Although Far North Allergy is closing, I remain committed to allergy care in Far North Queensland and will continue my work within the public health system, caring for both paediatric and adult patients, while continuing to advocate for equitable access to evidence-based allergy services across our region.

🌿 To my incredible reception team, colleagues, and the many GPs and health professionals who have supported Far North Allergy - thank you. This practice would never have become what it did without your trust, encouragement and collaboration.

✨ Finally, to everyone who has supported Far North Allergy, whether as a patient, parent, friend, colleague or referrer, you have my heartfelt thanks.

- Dr Sarah Fairhall 🌿

Due to exceptionally high demand, Far North Allergy is unable to accept new patients at this time.Existing patients will...
27/05/2026

Due to exceptionally high demand, Far North Allergy is unable to accept new patients at this time.

Existing patients will continue to be seen, and review appointments can be booked by calling our reception team on 40311204.

I understand this may be disappointing for families seeking allergy care, but I am grateful for the continued support and understanding shown to the Far North Allergy team during this time.

– Dr Sarah 🌿

Today we celebrate the mums, step mums, foster mums, grandmothers, mother figures and all those that love with the fierc...
09/05/2026

Today we celebrate the mums, step mums, foster mums, grandmothers, mother figures and all those that love with the fierceness of a mother’s heart 🦁

We see you…
✨ The chefs
✨ The chauffeurs
✨ The planners
✨ The protectors
✨ The comforters

Wishing a joy filled, relaxing and gentle Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums and caregivers out there

~ The Far North Allergy team 💛💚🩵💙

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them
24/04/2026

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them

From one family to another… wishing you all a very Happy Easter 🐣
04/04/2026

From one family to another… wishing you all a very Happy Easter 🐣

Celebrations, like Easter 🐣✨, are full of joy, family, and (let’s face it) food! But for families managing food allergie...
01/04/2026

Celebrations, like Easter 🐣✨, are full of joy, family, and (let’s face it) food! But for families managing food allergies, this time can also bring additional stress. Here are some simple ways to stay allergy aware and keep everyone safe:

🗣️ Plan ahead and communicate with your hosts or guests:
- Ask them to keep food packaging so you can read the ingredients.
- Chat about how food was prepared and stored to assess the risk for cross contamination.
- If you’re travelling or celebrating away from home, find out where the nearest medical care is and how to access it —especially on public holidays.

🚫 Teach kids not to eat food unless it’s been checked:
- Remind them that even if something looks safe, it might not be. Encourage them to always check with you or a trusted adult before eating anything.

🍽️ Bring safe food for your child:
- Even if others are trying to help, bringing your own options (even if just as a back up) means your child won’t be left out or put at unnecessary risk.

🥚 Consider food-free activities for the kids:
- At this time of year easter egg hunts are ever popular but can lead to increased risk and disappointment when kids can't keep their treasure.
- Instead, hide non-food treasures like stickers, tokens, or small toys to keep things fun and safe for everyone.

✅ Read labels carefully – and read them more than once:
- When purchasing
- When unpacking at home
- Before preparing or serving
*** Easter tip: watch out for cross-contact risks like dairy in dark chocolate!

💊 Don’t forget your allergy kit:
- Always carry your child’s medications (including antihistamines and adrenaline rescue device) and their ASCIA Action Plan.

Staying allergy aware doesn’t mean missing out, it means being prepared so that everyone can relax and enjoy celebrations safely.

When most people think about food allergy, they often picture sudden reactions like hives or breathing difficulties.  So...
28/03/2026

When most people think about food allergy, they often picture sudden reactions like hives or breathing difficulties. Sometimes allergies can be more subtle and trickier to recognise because reactions are delayed hours to days after exposure to an allergen. (Check out my previous post on non-IgE mediated allergies!)

Two of these types of allergies are (Food Protein Induced Allergic Proctocolitis) and (Food Protein Enterocolitis). These allergies typically present in babies in the first months of life, and usually before solids are introduced. In contrast to other forms of allergy, FPIAP and FPE reactions can be triggered by exposure to food proteins in breast milk, as well as to direct ingestion in formula. Because FPIAP and FPE are non-IgE mediated allergies blood and skin allergy testing is not helpful.

What do these allergies look like?

🌿 FPIAP
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Diarrhoea
• Otherwise happy, thriving baby

🌿 FPE
• Diarrhoea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain
• Bub is often unsettled
• Can be associated with slow weight gain

Common triggers include cow’s milk protein 🥛 (this is the most common - and also includes milks from other animals like goats 🐐), soy, and very occasionally other foods.

Management is very individualised to the child an family, but may include:
✔️ Careful monitoring without any dietary changes
✔️ Removing the trigger food from the infants diet
✔️ Maternal dietary modification if breastfeeding
✔️ Using a specialised formula when needed

The reassuring part is that FPIAP and FPE do not cause long term harm, are not associated with anaphylaxis, and usually resolve within the first few years of life.

If you are worried your baby has one of these conditions it is important to seek advice from a health professional experienced in diagnosing and managing these allergies. This helps avoid unnecessary food restrictions (for you and bub), prevents inappropriate testing, and hopefully reduces stress for families.

Address

447 Draper Street, Parramatta Park
Cairns, QLD
4870

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