Private Allergy Testing and Food Intolerance in London
Something you are eating or breathing is making you feel terrible. But which thing? And is it a true allergy, an intolerance, or something else entirely?
Proper diagnosis matters. It determines whether you need to avoid something completely or just reduce it, whether you need medication, and whether you are at risk of serious reactions.
Allergies vs Intolerances
These terms are often used interchangeably but they are different conditions requiring different approaches.
Allergies involve the immune system overreacting to a substance. True food allergies can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis. Common allergies include nuts, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
Intolerances do not involve the immune system. They cause unpleasant symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, or headaches but are not life threatening. Lactose intolerance is the classic example.
Knowing which you have determines management and level of caution needed.
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Symptoms That Suggest Allergies
Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma can indicate allergic rhinitis or allergies to dust mites, pollen, or animals.
Skin reactions including hives, itching, eczema flares, and swelling may signal food or contact allergies.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea occurring shortly after eating may indicate food allergy.
Severe reactions including throat tightness, breathing difficulty, dizziness, and collapse require emergency care and proper allergy assessment afterward.
Testing Options
Skin prick testing introduces tiny amounts of allergens to the skin and measures reaction. It is quick and tests multiple substances simultaneously.
Specific IgE blood tests measure antibodies to particular allergens. These are useful when skin testing is not appropriate.
Patch testing identifies contact allergies causing skin reactions.
Food challenges may be needed to confirm or rule out food allergies, particularly when other tests are inconclusive.
What About Food Intolerance Tests
Many commercial food intolerance tests are available online with limited evidence supporting their accuracy. IgG food panels in particular are not recommended by allergy specialists.
Proper assessment involves clinical history, elimination and reintroduction diets supervised appropriately, and sometimes specific tests like hydrogen breath tests for lactose intolerance.
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What Happens at Your Appointment
Your GP will take a detailed history of your symptoms, when they occur, and what you suspect might be causing them.
Based on this, appropriate testing can be arranged. This might be done in clinic or via referral to an allergy specialist depending on your situation.
Results are explained clearly with practical advice on management, whether that involves avoidance, medication, or further investigation.
When to See an Allergist
Severe or complicated allergies benefit from specialist input. Your GP can refer you to consultant allergists who can provide comprehensive assessment and management plans including emergency medication if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are high street food intolerance tests accurate? Most lack scientific validation. Money is better spent on proper medical assessment.
Can allergies develop in adulthood? Yes. New allergies can appear at any age, though they are more common in childhood.
What if I have had a severe reaction? Anyone who has had anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction needs proper allergy assessment and should carry emergency medication. We can help arrange this.
Can you test for multiple allergies at once? Yes. Skin prick testing and blood panels can assess multiple allergens simultaneously.
Stop guessing what is making you feel unwell. Get proper answers.
