Allergy treatments

Recovery from an allergy depends on your age, fitness and the type of allergy you have.

Although it’s unlikely you can cure an allergy, we can reduce and control your symptoms using a number of medications, avoidance measures and therapies.

Allergies to foods like peanuts or the venom from an insect can be successfully managed. It can take a while for your immune system to desensitise to the allergen so your body no longer reacts to it.

Some allergies, such as an allergy to latex are difficult to cure, so your allergy specialist will advise you about the best ways to prevent it, which may include wearing a medical bracelet and carrying an epinephrine (adrenaline) pen.

At The London Clinic we offer several types of allergy tests, which your allergy specialist may recommend.

Skin allergy testing works by introducing a potential allergen, such as milk or latex, onto your skin to see how the skin reacts.

Blood allergy testing involves taking a sample of your blood and sending it to a lab for analysis to see if you have specific antibodies in response to an allergen.

If you have a food allergy, testing to find out which food is causing the allergy can help you manage it better.

If you have an environmental allergy to pollen or a household chemical, having a patch test or an allergy blood test can identify it and help your allergy specialist find the right treatment for you.

Medications such as antihistamines can have some mild side effects which include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness

Your allergy specialist will advise you which antihistamines are ideal for you.

Decongestant medications may raise your blood pressure and cause:

• A faster heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Nervousness
• Sleeplessness

Before taking decongestants, your allergy specialist will want to know if you have ever been diagnosed with:

• A heart condition
• Thyroid issues
• Diabetes
• Enlarged prostate
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Corticosteroids can have side effects such as:
• Nasal irritation
• Nosebleeds
• Sore throat
• Long term side effects of corticosteroid use include:
• Bone thinning or osteoporosis
• Muscle weakness
• Eye cataracts
• Diabetes

The medicines you can take for your allergy will depend on what your symptoms are and the type of allergy you have. At The London Clinic, your allergy specialist may offer you:

• Eye drops (sodium cromoglicate)
• Nasal Sprays (corticosteroid)
• Inhalers (salbutamol, terbutaline)
• Tablets (antihistamine and corticosteroid)
• Injections (Omalizumab (Xolair®), adrenaline (Epipen, Emerade or Jext))
• Creams (antihistamine or corticosteroid)

Allergens like dust mites, chemicals found in soap, household cleaners, latex and perfume can cause eczema and contact dermatitis.

If you have skin allergies your allergy specialist may offer you:

• Barrier creams and ointments (antihistamines or hydrocortisone)
• Advice on how to get rid of allergens from your diet and environment

At The London Clinic we offer treatment for allergic reactions that can lead to anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to anything that can lead to anaphylaxis, an allergy specialist may prescribe adrenaline as an emergency treatment for you to carry at all times.

Your eyes can be sensitive to allergens like dust mites, mould, pet dander and pollen. These allergens can cause redness, itching, watering and a burning or a gritty feeling in both eyes. You might have other allergy symptoms such as a sinus headache or a cough.

Your allergy specialist may suggest you try eye drops (sodium cromoglicate, or an antihistamine).

Allergens like pollen and house dust mites can cause a stuffy, runny and itchy nose.

Your allergy specialist may offer you nasal allergy treatments, such as a nasal spray (nasal corticosteroid or decongestant), pills, liquids or melting tablets that contain antihistamine.

Indoor and outdoor allergens including pollen, grasses, weeds, dust mites, mould and animal dander can cause sinusitis, rhinitis and hay fever.

Your allergy specialist may offer you:

• Nasal spray (corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants)
• Tablets (antihistamine and corticosteroid)

At The London Clinic we offer one of the most comprehensive allergy testing and treatment services available, including:

• Dust allergy treatment
• Pollen allergy treatment
• Penicillin allergy treatment
• Skin allergy treatment
• Rash allergy treatment
• Food allergy treatment
• Peanut allergy treatment
• Eye allergy treatment
• Cough allergy treatment

We also provide treatment for less common allergies such as meat and sesame seed allergies.

Allergy treatment at The London Clinic normally requires two to three appointments, which take place in our comfortable and discreet consulting rooms, located in the heart of central London.

All our tests are carried out in-house, in our pathology department. This ensures the highest medical standards are met and there’s a shorter wait time for tests, diagnosis and treatment.