Allergy service

The paediatric allergy service provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of allergic conditions including:

• hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)
• perennial rhinitis
• asthma
• allergy related skin conditions such as eczema, urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling of the face, hands etc)
• food allergy
• anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• pollen food syndrome (also known as oral allergy).

Our service consists of a team of health professionals including doctors, nurses and dietitians. The team provides holistic care considering not only the physical aspects of allergy but also the emotional and social impact on the child and their family.

After referral

At the children’s allergy clinic, we offer expert advice, assessment, access to diagnostic testing and practical help from our multi-disciplinary team. We try and see your child in a ‘one stop clinic’, which includes taking a full history, examination, allergy tests, education and seeing a dietitian when needed. Your journey through our department is likely to take time so please allow two to three hours for your appointment.

Allergy test results for most patients are available and discussed with you during the first appointment.

After a diagnosis has been made we will provide an individual allergy management plan for you and your child, which will be shared with your GP. You can choose to share this plan with your child’s school, nursery or childcare provider. 

Nurses trained in allergy and respiratory disease provide:

• diagnostic procedures (skin prick testing)
• training in the use of inhalers, nasal sprays and adrenaline auto injectors, such as an EpiPen
• asthma and eczema management
• allergen avoidance information and management of allergic reactions
• support during day case admissions for food challenges
• appropriate on-going educational support and programmes.

Research

Research is very important to improve the care of children with allergies and we often undertake allergy research within the department. The details of any research will be explained to you if you are interested. Taking part in research is completely voluntary and your child will get the same care if you choose not to take part.