Allergy symptoms in children can be worrying and sometimes difficult to understand. A rash after eating, suspected food allergy, persistent hay fever or unexplained reactions may benefit from specialist assessment.
Dr Sheng-Ang Ho is a Consultant Paediatrician with expertise in paediatric allergy. He offers private consultations at Spire Manchester Hospital to assess symptoms, consider whether allergy testing is appropriate and advise on management.
Allergy problems assessed
- Food allergy: Assessment of suspected reactions to foods, including hives, swelling, vomiting or breathing difficulties.
- Cow's milk allergy: Assessment of suspected immediate or delayed reactions in babies and children.
- Hives and swelling: Assessment of recurrent urticaria and episodes of swelling.
- Hay fever and allergic rhinitis: Advice for sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
- Eczema and possible allergy: Assessment if allergy may be contributing to symptoms.
Allergy testing
Not every child needs allergy testing. Depending on your child's symptoms and medical history, assessment may include skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests. Results must be interpreted alongside the child's history because a positive test does not automatically mean that a child has a clinical allergy. This helps avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and treatments.
The preferred test for acute allergy is skin testing because it does not involve needles or blood tests and results are available in 15 minutes. If you suspect a food allergy to any fruits, vegetables or other food please bring a small sample with you. However, please do not bring any nuts, sesame, wheat, egg, milk and all airborne allergens which are provided. Please ensure your child has not taken any antihistamines for at least 4 whole days (96 hours) before skin prick testing because these medications interfere with the accuracy of the tests. Please note for patients with Axa private medical insurance only allergy blood tests are done and a follow up appointment will be required to discuss the results when available.
What to expect
The consultation includes a detailed discussion of your child's symptoms, medical history and any previous investigations. The findings will help guide advice, treatment and any further investigations that may be appropriate.
Allergy skin prick testing £150 for up to 10 test and £250 for 11 or more tests. In addition there will be Manchester Spire Hospital’s fees for allergy testing currently approximately £120 (please confirm at time of booking)