https://somersetdaily.co.uk/tags/dogalert/Recent content in dogalert on Somerset DailyHugo -- gohugo.ioen-usFri, 26 Jun 2026 06:30:46 +0000https://somersetdaily.co.uk/somerset-woman-battling-severe-allergies-finds-lifeline-in-her-dog/Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:30:46 +0000https://somersetdaily.co.uk/somerset-woman-battling-severe-allergies-finds-lifeline-in-her-dog/Kate Hegan, a 22-year-old teaching student from Somerset, faces a frightening reality: her body develops new allergies almost constantly, limiting her diet to just 25 safe foods. Each day carries the fear that a severe allergic reaction could become fatal. Diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) just before her 18th birthday, Kate’s symptoms include facial flushing, gastrointestinal distress, brain fog, rashes, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Managing MCAS requires Kate to take 15 medications daily and spend £1,000 a month on antibody injections not covered by the NHS.