Allergies and intolerances

London | Aberdeen

Allergies and intolerances

Allergies and intolerances can severely affect life. We see patients of all ages and focus on providing a one-stop clinic for assessment, diagnosis, and solutions.

At ROC, we have been delivering allergy consultations and assessments since 2014. Whether you see one of our trained GPs or a consultant specialist, you will have access to skin prick testing and extensive allergy blood tests. Occasionally, our assessment may reveal an alternative cause behind your symptoms, such as gut or skin health issues. At ROC we are highly experienced in managing a variety of conditions, and we will therefore be able to evaluate and manage these medical issues. Intolerances are more difficult to diagnose than allergies, but our experienced clinicians are highly skilled at identifying these.

We understand how much of an effect allergies and intolerances can have on quality of life, and we are committed to working with our patients to manage these conditions. Proof of our commitment to allergy treatment is our investment in novel therapies such as Rhinolight for allergic rhinitis.

COVID-19 screening is offered to all attending the clinic

Requirements

You may be born with your allergies, or they may develop at any age in your life. We recommend a consultation in the following circumstances:

  • Symptoms of hay fever, affecting your breathing, your eyes or your nose
  • Continuously runny nose and a drip on the back of your throat (rhinitis)
  • Skin issues such as nonspecific rashes, urticaria (also known as hives), eczema or swelling of various parts of your body, otherwise known as angioedema
  • Symptoms that occur after a contact with a certain substance (touching, breathing or eating it)
  • Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or cramps, otherwise labelled as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nausea and Vomiting after ingestion of foods is also an indication.
  • You have been diagnosed with an allergic reaction, but the culprit has not been identified
  • You have symptoms not listed above but you attribute to a certain substance or action. Exercise can also induce an allergic reaction!

Come and see us for a general consultation, and we will be able to advise you if your symptoms are due to an allergy or an alternative cause.

What Tests are available during an Allergy Consultation at ROC?

You may be born with your allergies, or they may develop at any age in your life. We recommend a consultation in the following circumstances:

  • Skin Prick Testing
  • Patch Testing
  • IgE Blood Testing

Other tests such as IgG Blood testing, Gut Health Analysis, Specific Genetic Testing for Coeliac Disease, Stool and Urine tests are available and may be discussed with you during the consultation.

When is Blood Testing indicated?

Blood testing is particularly helpful when rare or unusual allergens are suspected. It is also the test of choice when past anaphylaxis has been experienced. Blood testing also has the advantage of not requiring patients to stop taking antihistamines prior to the test. Given our access to several accredited laboratories, we are able to test to over 500 allergens.

Although IgG testing is available, we feel the evidence behind this investigation is lacking, and will likely advise other tests first.

What is Skin Prick Testing?

Skin Prick Allergy Testing is a well-established method of
identifying allergens.

Skin Prick Testing can reliably identify airborne as well as food allergens. The testing involves applying droplets of allergen extracts usually on the forearm, followed by pricking the skin with a very fine needle in order to recreate a suspected allergic response to that allergen.

The results will be available ready within 15-20 minutes.

Please note: You should stop taking antihistamines up to 5 days before the procedure, depending on the type of antihistamine.

Rhinolight is a recently developed treatment for hayfever and rhinits.

It is the latest treatment for allergic rhinitis that does not involve medication.

This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light on the mucous membrane lining of nose, to reduce the allergy response occurring at a cellular level in the membrane. This offers benefit in individuals suffering from allergic as well as perennial rhinitis.

Please refer to our Fees section for information on prices.

Click here for information on our Specialist Paediatric Allergy Clinic.

Check out our testimonials

It’s always a pleasant experience attending the clinic. From the warm welcome at reception to the superior care I receive from the clinical team. There is always time to ask questions. I would highly recommend the clinic to others.
I was seen within 24 hours of calling. The doctor was fantastic with the consultation, the examination and his comforting expertise. I saw who I needed to see all within the hour. I went home with a sound mind on the issue. Thank you so much.
N.M, 2023
Testimonial
The service in ROC Private Clinic is always top-notch. The clinic is very neat and the service is excellent. From the reception desk to the doctors who are very knowledgeable and friendly.