Medical articles from Professor Nick Makwana

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31/12/2025

Paediatrician

Managing allergic reactions in children

Allergic reactions are common in childhood and can range from mild skin symptoms to more serious, rapid-onset reactions. Understanding how to recognise and manage an allergic reaction when it occurs is essential for parents and carers.

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30/09/2025

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

PENA immunotherapy: What parents need to know

If your child has been diagnosed with an allergy, you may have come across the term PENA immunotherapy during your search for treatment options. This approach aims to reduce allergic reactions by gradually training the immune system to tolerate certain triggers.

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02/06/2025

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

A taste of medicine: food immunotherapy in children

Many children have allergies to certain foods and ingredients that can make it difficult for them to socialise and go out to eat without constant supervision. Of course, as food allergies can be very serious and without quick thinking may result in tragedy. However, not all allergies have to be forever. In this article, a consultant paediatrician explains food immunotherapy, a practice to build resilience to allergic foods in children, so that they can safely enjoy foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds.

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31/03/2025

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

5 tips for treating hay fever in children: A paediatrician’s guide

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition among children. It occurs when a child’s immune system overreacts to allergens (pollen, mould, dust mites or pet dander), causing symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. Parents who understand how to manage hay fever effectively can help their children feel more comfortable and improve their quality of life. In this article, consultant paediatrician Professor Nick Makwana offers practical advice for both hay fever prevention and treatment.

20/08/2024

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

How can eczema be managed?

In this article, we take a look at eczema; a chronic skin condition; and tell you how the condition can be effectively managed.

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23/04/2024

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

Desensitisation therapy for allergies in children: part 2

In the second article of a two-part series, Professor Nick Makwana explains more about how desensitisation therapy can be used for allergies in children, including what ways it can be used and side effects of the treatment.

desensitisation-therapy-for-allergies-in-children-part-1 article image

09/04/2024

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

Desensitisation therapy for allergies in children: part 1

Desensitisation, or immunotherapy, is a treatment for allergies where individuals are exposed to increasing amounts of the allergen to reduce immune reactivity. It aims to lessen allergy symptoms and decrease medication dependence. This method is effective for allergies like hay fever, allergic asthma, and insect venom reactions. Distinguished consultant paediatrician Professor Nick Makwana explains how it can be used to enhance the quality of life for children and their families.

understanding-child-allergies-common-triggers-symptoms-and-management article image

07/03/2024

Professor Nick Makwana

Paediatrician

Understanding child allergies: Common triggers, symptoms, and management

Childhood allergies are a prevalent concern for many parents, impacting the quality of life and overall well-being of their little ones. At Top Doctors, we understand the importance of providing accurate information to help parents recognise, manage, and alleviate allergies in children. In this article, renowned consultant paediatrician Professor Nick Makwana delves into the most common allergies in children, how to identify them, their duration, and effective management strategies.