Far North Allergy

24/04/2026

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

04/04/2026

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

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.

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.

28/01/2026

26/01/2026

Do you know a little one about to start solids? Share this with their parents and carers now 👨🏽‍🍼👶🏼🍽️

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) have recently released their updated infant feeding guidelines for food allergy prevention. The updates are informed by systematic review of recent evidence and expert consensus 🧐

Read the paper here ➡️ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.70217

Read the guideline for health professionals here ➡️https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_HP_Guidelines_Infant_Feeding_for_Food_Allergy_Prevention_2026.pdf

Read the guidelines for parents and carers here ➡️https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_How_to_Introduce_Solid_Foods_for_Food_Allergy_Prevention_FAQ_2026.pdf

15/01/2026

Do you or your child have eczema? This might be the resource you’ve been looking for.

My patients know that I often recommend and utilise various resources from Eczema Support Australia. Now you can get their starter pack straight to your email. The starter kit is a warm, friendly and easy to read document that links to sections of the Eczema Support Australia website in a way that helps you build your eczema knowledge and confidence in a clear and structured way - Start ➡️ Build ➡️ Explore.

Oh…. And did I mention there’s different packs for adults, teenagers and parents and carers of babies and young children with eczema!!!

Check them out and let me know what you think 🤔

Eczema Support Australia provides access to professional psychological support. Our mission is to provide support to patients and families.

31/12/2025

✨ What a year. What a journey. ✨

2025 was the year Far North Allergy came to life — a year packed full of learning 📚 growth 🌱 change 🦋 courage 🦁 and heart 💚

To my patients and families, my referrers, the FNA team and my loved ones — thank you for your trust, encouragement and kindness. This journey has been made possible because of you 🫶 Thank you being part of the story

As we step into 2026, I’m filled with excitement for what’s ahead and deep gratitude for what has already been created. Here’s to everything still to come ✨

- Dr Sarah 👩🏻‍⚕️

21/12/2025

🎄✨ Christmas Closure ✨🎄

Dr Sarah is taking a festive end of year break from Monday 22 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026 but is already excited to welcome our 2026 families from Tuesday 6 January 2026 😊

Our incredible Cairns Health Collective reception team will still be on board until the 24th of December and will be back in the office on the 5th of January. They'd love to take your call if you have administrative or appointment questions - 40311204 🤳

Wishing you and yours an end of year period filled with rest, sunshine and quality time 💛💚💙

04/12/2025

😱 It’s 21 sleeps until Christmas 🎄 🤶🏻🎁

But only 5 sleeps until Far North Allergy and Mesmerised Mamas host a FREE education evening!!!

If you want to learn more about allergies in infancy or the perinatal microbiome then book your place now…. We don’t want you to miss out!!!

When: Tuesday 9th December at 6:30pm
Where: Cairns Health Collective

🎫 - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/allergies-in-infancy-and-the-perinatal-microbiome-tickets-1975150366917

02/12/2025

It was great to be back at my old stomping ground, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation, for a day of allergy outreach today 🦐🥜🌾

There’s always a smile and someone ready for a yarn in Yarry. I got to catch up with old friends that feel like family, meet friendly new faces and take the time to hear the stories of patients navigating this crazy world of allergies.

Thanks for having me! I’ll be back next year!!!!

PS: a few quiet moments by the sea on the way home was just what the doctor ordered 🥰