allergy tests

[Villager2]

I was diagnosed with atopic eosinophiliatic asthma a few years back. I’ve never been sure what the allergies might be as it seems that other symptoms and issues take precedence at consultations. I think it’s time to pursue this angle and identify anything that could be promoting flare ups. I wondered if anyone had experience of commercial testing and how successful it proved to be. On that basis could anyone recommend a provider?

[risabel59]

hi I have many allergies, but have only had hospital based tests. Sometimes it’s difficult to nail down an allergy because you don’t react to the the test. But it’s so hard to test for everything.

[Homely2 Administrator]

I do not know any allergy test providers.

I identified my allergies by simply writing down my attacks for a month and possible causes.

It was clear from this, it was house dust mites, pollen, Gerd and cold air for me. Still not sure Re humidity and wine.

The NHS when they did their blood tests, said much the same, though were more detailed on pollen types, apparently it is tree pollen.

Are you sure the NHS have not done the basic allergy tests on you. They would be in the blood test section on your NHS app, they are called IGE.

If they have not done the allergy tests, how about emailing the consultants secretary and asking if you can have them done. They can only say, no.

[Sparkywoo]

I have had both skin prick tests and specific IGE tests done. I had so many reactions to the skin prick test that the worst were singled out for specific iGE testing. Those came back with the highest score of 6. My consultant pointed out that for people with multiple allergies testing becomes not so useful as there is no way you can possibly avoid all the allergens or a combination of them. house dust mite allergy is so common and now I have no carpets or curtains and fabric sofas I’m definitely a lot better. Try a daily antihistamine and steroid nasal spray too.

[Troilus]

I haven’t got much more to add to what has already been said except to add my personal experience. I had prick tests years ago at the drs where he told me I had multiple allergies which meant I was not a candidate for immunotherapy as I would be like a pin cushion and so was put on Loratadine. All was well, no real problems. Many years later I was given blood tests for allergies. No specific allergen was identified but my IGE was very high indicating multiple allergies. The consultant explained that they could go on “testing for ever” to identify the culprits but that identifying them wouldn’t alter the treatment - in my case increased dose antihistamine.

You do get that you identify things yourself and times of year when more allergens seem to be around. (I have predictable drops in my peak flow.)

Having said all of that it is well worth getting them done either at the hospital or at your GP surgery and then you will be able to tailor your antihistamines accordingly.

[Villager2]

Thanks everyone

All very helpful. It seems the answer is definitely inconclusive and hidden behind identified multiple allegens. I will try to push my consultant on this next week. My own pathetic efforts have ruled out the usual stuff, dander, caffiene, and seasonal pollen hasn’t been an issue so I wondered why it had been initially identified.

I really hope it’s not red wine!

[Itswonderful in reply to Villager2]

red wine is one of mine!!😩

[Poobah]

I wanted to have allergy testing and my hospital respiratory team didn't have anything beyond the IgE general test. I had the skin prick tests about 40 years ago and the usual stuff came up, animal dander, dust mites, tree and grass pollen. Then I presented with aspirin sensitivity and was told to also avoid colourings and preservatives in foods and sulphites in wine & beer. Over the years I learned by trial and error what my triggers were and added omega 6 to the list. Weirdly celery is also a problem. Overall, my reaction to animals has reduced since I've been taking Montelukast. I also used to take an antihistamine if I was going riding.

A colleague of mine had severe asthma and was eventually referred to Royal Brompton allergy clinic and had a huge list of things to avoid, right down to a specific type of apple. Her asthma improved to some degree as she excluded everything from her life but her her asthma was still challenging. It helped, but it wasn't the silver bullet.

There is a search facility on the NHS website for locating allergy services, including "respiratory allergy". My home city has no services despite being a huge centre for everything else and is a centre of respiratory research, but there are services throughout the UK. nhs.uk/Service-Search/other...

[Patk1]

I'd speak to dr re treatment for Eosinophilic asthma.