How an Allergy Clinic Identifies Your Triggers

Allergies can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and their impact can range from mildly irritating to deeply disruptive. If you regularly experience symptoms like sneezing, rashes, itchy eyes, or unexplained congestion, finding out what's causing them is the first step towards relief. This is where a visit to an allergy clinic becomes particularly useful. By identifying your specific allergy triggers, the clinic can help you manage or even avoid symptoms altogether.

Why Allergy Testing Matters

Many allergic reactions overlap with common conditions like colds, sinus infections or skin irritation. Without proper testing, it's easy to misinterpret the source of your symptoms. An allergy clinic helps clarify the cause using a combination of thorough history-taking, physical examination and targeted diagnostic tests.

Unlike home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, clinical testing focuses on evidence. It provides a clearer picture of what your immune system is reacting to and allows for more effective treatment planning.

Step One: A Detailed Medical History

Every accurate diagnosis starts with a conversation. When you visit an allergy clinic, one of the first steps involves discussing your:

• Symptom patterns – when they occur, how often, and how severe they are
• Home and work environments – including exposure to dust, pets, or mould
• Dietary habits – any food intake linked to discomfort or symptoms
• Medication use – including reactions to prescribed or over-the-counter drugs
• Family history – any record of allergies, asthma or eczema

This consultation helps narrow down likely allergens and guides the type of testing that follows. For example, frequent sneezing and itchy eyes during spring may point to pollen, while digestive symptoms after eating certain foods could indicate a food allergy.

Step Two: Skin Prick Testing

This is one of the most common diagnostic tools used in an allergy clinic. It's quick, minimally invasive, and provides results within about 20 minutes.

Here’s how it works:

• Tiny amounts of suspected allergens are applied to your skin, usually on the forearm or upper back
• A small, sterile lancet gently pricks the surface, allowing the allergen to enter just below the skin
• If you're allergic, a small red bump will usually appear within 15 to 20 minutes

Skin prick testing is typically used to detect:

• Environmental allergens like dust mites, tree and grass pollen, mould spores and pet dander
• Food allergens including nuts, shellfish, dairy and eggs
• Insect venom such as bee or wasp stings

It's safe for both children and adults and is often the first-choice method for immediate-type allergies.

Step Three: Blood Testing

In some cases, skin testing isn’t suitable – for example, if you have certain skin conditions, are taking antihistamines, or are at risk of a severe allergic reaction. In these instances, a blood test (commonly called a specific IgE test) may be used instead.

This test measures the amount of allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in your blood when exposed to particular allergens. It is especially helpful for:

• Diagnosing food allergies
• Detecting reactions to medications
• Confirming sensitivity to multiple allergens at once

Although results take longer to process than skin prick tests, blood testing remains a valuable diagnostic option and can offer detailed insights when combined with your symptom history.

Step Four: Elimination Diets and Food Challenges

If your symptoms are thought to be linked to food, you might be advised to follow an elimination diet. Under medical supervision, this involves removing suspected foods from your diet for a period, then slowly reintroducing them one at a time.

Food challenges are sometimes carried out in the clinic, especially when the diagnosis is uncertain or needs confirmation. These involve consuming a very small amount of the suspected food in a controlled setting, where immediate help is available if any reaction occurs.

This method is often used to:

• Confirm or rule out suspected food allergies
• Monitor whether a child has outgrown a previously diagnosed allergy
• Help adults with mild but persistent reactions to common foods

Because food challenges carry risk, they are always conducted under professional supervision.

Step Five: Patch Testing for Skin Reactions

If you're experiencing delayed skin reactions like eczema or contact dermatitis, a patch test may be recommended. Unlike skin prick tests which show immediate responses, patch tests help identify substances that cause reactions after hours or days.

Here’s how it works:

• Small patches containing potential allergens (such as preservatives, fragrances, or metals like nickel) are applied to your back
• They remain in place for 48 hours, then are removed and reviewed over several days to check for delayed responses

Patch testing is particularly useful for identifying allergic contact dermatitis caused by personal care products, jewellery, or occupational exposures.

Common Allergens Clinics Can Test For

An allergy clinic can test for a wide variety of allergens. These typically include:

• Airborne allergens: pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould spores
• Foods: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, shellfish
• Insect stings: bee, wasp and other insect venom
• Medications: antibiotics (especially penicillin), pain relievers
• Contact allergens: nickel, latex, fragrances, cleaning agents

Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may suggest testing for one or more of these groups.

What Happens After Testing?

Once testing is complete, the clinic will discuss your results in detail. Importantly, a positive test alone doesn’t always mean you are allergic – results are interpreted in the context of your symptoms and history.

If you're diagnosed with an allergy, your specialist will create a tailored plan which may include:

• Avoidance strategies – tips for reducing exposure to your allergens at home, work or outdoors
• Medication – such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or topical creams to relieve symptoms
• Allergen immunotherapy – in some cases, you may be offered treatment to gradually desensitise your immune system to the allergen over time
• Emergency action plans – particularly if your allergy carries a risk of severe reaction

You’ll also be given guidance on managing flare-ups and recognising early warning signs of more serious reactions.

When to Visit an Allergy Clinic

Many people live with allergy symptoms for years before seeking help, often assuming they’re seasonal or unavoidable. But ongoing issues like persistent nasal congestion, recurring skin rashes or unexplained digestive upset shouldn’t be ignored. A specialist can help you understand what’s behind them and offer a clear path forward.

You might consider visiting an allergy clinic if you:

• Have frequent sneezing, coughing, or congestion with no obvious cause
• Notice skin reactions that don’t respond to moisturisers or over-the-counter creams
• Experience digestive issues after eating certain foods
• Have had a reaction to medication, insect stings, or unknown triggers
• Want clarity after years of managing suspected allergies on your own

Moving Forward With Confidence

Living with allergies doesn’t mean you have to constantly guess what’s behind your symptoms. A consultation and testing at a dedicated allergy clinic can provide clarity and peace of mind. Understanding your triggers is the foundation of managing them effectively, whether through avoidance, medication or specialist treatment.

Contact Harley Street ENT Clinic today to book a consultation with our experienced specialists. Whether you're struggling with airborne allergens, food sensitivities, or medication-related reactions, our team is here to provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment options.