Allergy Clinic

Allergies affect around 30% of the adult population and 40% of children. This means that one in three adults in the UK will suffer from an allergy at some point in their lives.

AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME WE ARE ONLY OFFERING PAEDIATRIC ALLERGY TESTS. OUR ADULT SERVICE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY PUT ON HOLD.

Fortunately, allergies are treatable and manageable. The most important clinical intervention is to establish a diagnosis, which can be done via private allergy testing at our clinic. By performing an allergy test we can then devise the correct treatment plan for your needs. 

At Spencer Private Hospitals, we currently have an excellent Consultant Allergist: Dr Ola Smith.

Dr Ola Smith is a Paediatric Consultant in East Kent and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Allergy at Kings College Hospital, London.

We can treat many allergic conditions such as:

• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Drug allergy
• Food allergy
• Immunotherapy
• Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
• Urticaria (Hives and Nettle Rash)
• Venom allergy (Bee and Wasp)

Our Allergy Clinic is based at Ashford. To book a paediatric allergy appointment with Dr Ola Smith please call 0330 019 4890 or e-mail us.

For further information please download our Allergy Clinic brochure, by clicking here or the thumbnail below:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you test for allergies? 

We can test your allergies in many different ways. Visiting an allergy doctor (called an allergist) will enable you to access the most specialised advice. Common ways for you to be tested: 

• Skin pricking 
  The skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of allergen into the skin, eliciting a small, localised allergic response, in the form of a wheal (bump) and flare (redness) at the site of testing. These tests can be carried out on all age groups, including babies. 

• Intradermal testing (ID)
  Intradermal tests are used to investigate allergies to some medications e.g. penicillin and venoms of bees and wasps. The test involves a small injection of often diluted medications or venoms into the dermis of your skin. 

• Blood tests
  Blood tests measure the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody circulating in the blood. The test is carried out on a small sample of blood, usually taken from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory and the results are available in 7 to 14 days. 

• Challenge Testing (Provocation test)
  Challenge testing involves exposing you directly to the allergen. This is often  through consuming or injecting small amounts of the allergen to see how you react. The testing is done on hospital grounds so you can be monitored by a medical professional. This is so emergency medicine can be administered in the event of severe reactions. 

How are allergies treated and can they be cured?

Allergies can be treated to improve your reaction from limited to nonexistent with therapy and treatment - though, this isn’t always possible. There is still ongoing research to be done to fully understand allergies, but there are now plenty of treatments available which can be explored for each patient at our private allergy clinic in Ashford.  

The two ways to manage your allergy is by:

• Reducing the risk: Avoid the allergen where possible.
• Medical Treatments: Reduce your symptoms including medications (for example: emollients, anti-histimines) and immunotherapy. 

Do I need a GP referral to go to an allergy specialist?

Usually yes, you would need a referral from your GP to be seen by an allergy specialist. Contact us today to see how we guide you. 

Benefits of private allergy testing

At Spencer Private Hospitals, we know how important it is for you to get an accurate diagnosis and pathway for treatment and therapy for your allergy. An estimated 1 in 4 people suffer from an allergy in their lifetime, and with an increase in the severity of the side-effects from dust, pollen and drugs, it is no wonder people are turning to specialist private clinics. This is because there are so many advantages to going to a private allergy clinic, including: 

• Expertise
• Experience
• Personalised treatment plans
• Holistic approach
• Excellent service