Sensitive individuals will react to much lower levels of some substances than others. The most obvious example is pollens causing hay fever, but there are many others, such as air pollutants -chemical fumes, perfumes, animal hair, dust, and fungus spores. Food sensitivity, in addition, is an area of increasing concern.
Various methods may be used to test individuals for allergy and intolerance. Recently electronic methods for testIng have been increasingly developed, which are quick and painless. When used by an experienced practitioner the results of these methods are as good - if not better - than the more orthodox forms of testing. They are also acceptable - even amusing - to children.
Conditions such as asthma, eczema, hay fever and rhinitis (particularly chronic catarrh in children) are known to commonly have an allergic basis. But evidence is accumulating that migraine, irritable bowel, colitis, catarrh, arthritis and even psychological disorders such as hyperactivity probably have an environmental basis. In addition, there are some conditions, such as ME, in which allergy is part of the problem.
Recently there has been an increase in electromagnetic sensitivity, and Dr Dowson has developed an interest in this area. See the web site of ElectroSensitivity UK for more information.
Treatment involves the identification of the offending items in the particular patient, and either their avoidance (if possible), or desensitisation using a variety of techniques. In addition, for some patients, the use or homoeopathic medicine or acupuncture may be helpful.
Dr Dowson is recognised by the major medical insurance companies (BUPA, PPP, Health First and WPA) as a specialist in acupuncture, homoeopathy and environmental medicine, although with PPP this is limited to acupuncture and related techniques.
