Could An App Help Families Manage Allergies More Confidently? ACE Launches Allergy Assist

For families managing food allergies, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis, day-to-day life can involve a constant stream of questions. Is a new symptom serious? How should allergens be introduced during weaning? What happens when a child starts school, goes on holiday, or begins managing their condition independently?

Now, a new digital health platform aims to provide specialist support between clinic appointments.

The Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE) has officially launched Allergy Assist, an app-based service designed to help families navigate the practical realities of living with allergic conditions. The platform gives users direct access to specialist nurses and expert guidance, offering support for a wide range of allergy-related concerns.

Founded by Professors Gideon Lack, George Du Toit and Adam Fox, ACE describes itself as the UK’s first specialist allergy hospital. The organisation is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was recently awarded accreditation by GA²LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network) through its ANACARE programme, which recognises centres specialising in anaphylaxis and food allergy care.

Bringing Specialist Support Into The Digital Age

While allergy diagnosis and treatment often take place in clinical settings, much of the ongoing management happens at home. Allergy Assist has been developed to bridge that gap, providing families with a digital channel to access advice when questions arise.

The service covers a broad range of conditions, including food allergies, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Users can seek guidance on topics such as introducing allergens during weaning, managing allergies at school, travelling safely, eating out, handling accidental reactions and transitioning teenagers towards independent allergy management.

The platform also supports patients undergoing immunotherapy and offers advice on managing environmental allergens such as pollen and house dust mites.

Features Designed Around Everyday Needs

At the centre of the service is an app-based chat function that allows users to contact specialist nurses during extended weekday hours. According to ACE, messages submitted between 8:00 and 20:00 on weekdays receive a response within two hours.

Alongside chat support, users can book telephone and video appointments, access educational resources through a knowledge hub and participate in virtual support groups.

The platform also includes additional services such as postal prescribing, dietician appointments and access to psychological support. ACE says the service can help explain clinic results, discuss treatment options and provide guidance following accidental allergic reactions.

For families managing severe allergies, the service also offers support around adrenaline prescriptions and virtual training on how to use adrenaline devices correctly.

The Growing Role Of Digital Health

The launch reflects a broader trend across healthcare, where digital tools are increasingly being used to improve access to specialist expertise and provide ongoing support outside traditional appointments.

For chronic conditions that require continuous management rather than one-off treatment, digital platforms can help patients access information more quickly and reduce uncertainty between consultations.

With allergy rates continuing to rise globally, services such as Allergy Assist highlight how technology is being used to make specialist healthcare more accessible, bringing expert guidance directly into the hands of patients and their families.

ACE stresses that Allergy Assist is a support service rather than an emergency helpline. In cases of suspected anaphylaxis, patients should administer adrenaline immediately and seek emergency medical assistance.