Allergy Testing

Allergy in the UK is reaching epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people have allergies and the trend is still rising, with symptoms often becoming increasingly severe. What is an allergy? If you have an allergy, it means that your body's immune system reacts to an allergen - a substance that causes an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction happens when your body's immune system mistakes the allergen, for example pollen, for a harmful invader and produces antibodies. Types of allergy Allergies range from the mildly irritating to the extremely severe and in some cases life-threatening. Allergic conditions can include: perennial and seasonal rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever asthma - difficulty in breathing anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock - a severe whole body reaction allergy to insect venom, drugs and foods such as peanuts, eggs, penicillin etc oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy urticaria and angioedema - hives eczema – an often mild but sometimes severe skin condition extrinsic allergic alveolitis – inflammation of the lung by inhaling organic dust Celiac disease - intestinal reaction to gluten (found in wheat)