Based at Nuffield Hospital, we provide allergy testing in Bournemouth and all surrounding areas.
The private allergy testing takes place in the outpatient consultation rooms, in the ground of the hospital with easy parking and access to public transport.
The allergy testing we can perform includes both skin prick testing and blood tests for IgE. The initial consultation with our allergy consultant Dr Elena Salagean includes skin prick test for up to 6 allergens.
The process of allergy testing typically involves several steps. Initially, a detailed medical history is taken. This includes questions about the patient’s symptoms, their duration, any familial history of allergies, and potential triggers. This information is crucial as it guides the healthcare provider in choosing the most appropriate testing method.
What are the various allergy testing options available in Bournemouth?
Skin Prick Tests
One common method of allergy testing is the skin prick test. This is usually the first line of investigation due to its simplicity and effectiveness. During this test, a small amount of various known allergens is applied to the skin, typically on the forearm or back.
The skin is then gently pricked or scratched. Within 15-20 minutes, if there’s an allergic reaction, it will typically manifest as a raised, red bump at the test site, similar to a mosquito bite. This test is widely used due to its accuracy and the speed with which results can be obtained.
Blood Allergy Testing
Another method is blood testing, which measures the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood in response to specific allergens. This test is particularly useful for those who cannot undergo skin tests due to skin conditions like eczema or because they take certain medications.
Management
After identifying the allergens, we offer you a comprehensive management plan. This can include avoidance strategies, medication to control symptoms, and in some cases, immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, involves exposing the patient to gradually increasing doses of the allergen, to desensitise the immune system. This usually takes place over several months.
Our Bournemouth allergy clinic also plays a critical role in educating patients about their allergies. This includes understanding how to avoid triggers, recognising early signs of an allergic reaction, and knowing how to respond in an emergency, especially in cases of severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
What are the most common allergies in Bournemouth?
In Bournemouth, hay fever, also known as seasonal rhinitis, is the most common allergy we come across. This condition is typically exacerbated during the hay fever season. This tends to run from late March to end of September. The symptoms of hay fever can range from mild to severe and include a blocked or runny nose, itchy, watery or red eyes, an itchy throat, and sneezing and coughing.
The primary cause of hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. In Bournemouth, grass pollen is the most prevalent cause of hay fever from May to July, while tree pollen is more common from February to June. Additionally, weed pollen can cause allergic reactions from June to September.
Symptomatic treatment for hay fever includes avoiding exposure to pollen as much as possible and using antihistamines, steroid nasal drops, and anti-allergy eye drops to relieve symptoms. These treatments can be effective in managing the symptoms, however, they do not actually treat the condition.
To get your allergy testing done in Bournemouth, get in touch with us today to request an appointment.