Suspected allergy? Get a proper answer.

Blood tests: no — specific IgE testing in blood is not affected by antihistamines. You can continue your usual medications.

Skin-prick testing: yes — antihistamines must be stopped 3–5 days before skin-prick testing, as they suppress the skin response. We don't perform skin-prick testing in this clinic; if your case calls for it, we'll refer to a specialist allergy service and they'll advise on therapy washout.

Children with suspected allergy are usually best seen by our paediatric service first — Dr Velitchkova has extensive experience with children's allergies and can decide whether blood testing is appropriate or whether referral to a paediatric allergy specialist is the right next step.

For older children (12+) with straightforward symptoms (seasonal hayfever, single-trigger food reactions), we can run IgE testing in our adult clinic with parental consent. Complex paediatric allergy — multiple foods, suspected anaphylaxis, allergic march concerns — goes via paediatrics.

A true allergy is an immune-mediated reaction — typically IgE-mediated, with rapid onset (minutes to a couple of hours), and characteristic features like hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, vomiting. These are what specific IgE testing is designed to investigate.

An intolerance (for example lactose intolerance, FODMAP-related bloating, caffeine sensitivity) is not immune-mediated and typically has slower-onset, often gut-related symptoms. There isn't a reliable blood test for non-IgE intolerances — the most useful approach is a structured elimination-and-reintroduction diet, sometimes with dietitian support. We can help you think this through at consultation, but we won't run tests that don't have a clinical evidence base.

Usually yes, once we've identified the diagnosis and you've a written summary of our findings. With your consent we write to your NHS GP requesting shared care — they typically continue NHS-priced treatments for licensed antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops long-term. For adrenaline auto-injectors specifically, both NHS and private treatments are available depending on your circumstances.

You're welcome to bring them, but we'll talk you through the clinical limitations. IgG food sensitivity testing isn't recommended by BSACI, EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology), AAAAI (American academy) or the NHS — the consensus is that high IgG levels against food are a normal response to eating that food, not a marker of intolerance or disease. We'd typically suggest setting those results aside and starting with a fresh symptom-history workup.

Most allergy consultations are available within the same week. For urgent concerns (recent severe reaction, new-onset facial swelling, suspected drug reaction) call 020 7916 0029 and we'll try to fit you in sooner. For active anaphylaxis or rapidly progressive symptoms, A&E is the right place — not us.

This is a relatively common scenario — "idiopathic" reactions where no clear trigger was identified. We'd take a careful history of the reaction, the meal and environment beforehand, and any subsequent suspected episodes. Testing can sometimes narrow this down, but a one-off historical event without further reactions often remains "cause unknown" even after testing.

If you've had a confirmed anaphylactic-grade reaction — especially recent — we'd usually advise NHS consultant allergy referral rather than starting with us. They have the resources for more comprehensive workup including skin-prick, challenge testing and dedicated long-term care.

No — skin-prick testing and food challenge testing require a setting with full resuscitation capability and specialist allergy expertise. We refer to NHS or private allergy clinics for these. London has excellent specialist services (Royal Brompton, Guy's, St Mary's). We provide a clear summary letter and IgE results to support the referral.

Immunotherapy — subcutaneous or sublingual desensitisation, typically used for severe hayfever, dust mite allergy or insect venom allergy — is delivered in specialist allergy clinics over a course of months to years. We don't provide immunotherapy here, but can refer you with a workup summary if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant it. The decision is usually shared between you and a consultant allergist after IgE testing.

If your clinical history suggests you're at risk of anaphylaxis — previous airway involvement, known anaphylactic reaction, severe asthma plus food allergy — we'd prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen, Jext or Emerade) and train you in its use. We always recommend having two on you at all times. If you're in this category, NHS allergy referral for full anaphylaxis management is also strongly recommended; we'd typically arrange both.