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Allergy

Types of allergy

Our allergy services, including difficult to manage allergies, are for adults of all ages. The allergy team diagnoses and manages all types of suspected allergic conditions, including:

  • allergic asthma - allergens can trigger asthma in adults, so it is important to identify and manage these triggers
  • allergic rhinitis (hayfever)- this causes an inflammation of the lining of the nose and can cause blockages and itchiness
  • rhinosinusitis - this is an inflammation of both the sinuses and the lining of the nose
  • anaphylaxis - a serious allergic reaction, that can be life-threatening or even fatal if not treated quickly
  • insect venom allergy - the most common insects to have an allergy to include bees, wasps and ants
  • drug allergy - this can be an allergy to over-the-counter medications, anaesthetic drugs or even a drug received in hospital
  • food allergy - many people can experience a reaction to food, but food allergy is only the cause in a small number of reactions
  • urticaria/angioedema - this is where itchy wheals develop on the skin because of an allergy
  • nasal polyps and other nasal allergic problems

Skin prick testing

Skin prick testing is a universal allergy test and often used to find out what is causing an allergy. 

Oral food challenge

Oral food challenges are tests that use suspected food allergens. The foods that we most commonly test are peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish.

Drug challenge testing

This form of testing comprises of a series of tests to see if you are allergic to certain drugs, all under close medical supervision. 

Molecular diagnosis

Molecular diagnosis covers tests which can assess whether someone has antibodies against a particular protein in a food which causes an allergic reaction.

Nose clinic tests

Patients coming to the nose clinic will have a number of tests, often including an examination using an endoscope, skin prick testing, chest peak expiratory flow and spirometry.

Lung function tests

We have a number of tests that we use to look at lung function, and how your lungs are functioning in aspects of your breathing and exercise. 

Nasal sprays

Corticosteroid nasal sprays or drops are the most effective standard treatment for hay fever and other nasal allergies.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines prevent histamine causing the itching and swelling that occurs when you have allergies.

Immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment in which the allergen that triggers an allergic reaction is given in order to suppress unnecessary reactions.

Allergy team contact information

Phone: 020 7351 8892

Find us

Fulham wing/South block, Fulham Road

Useful links

Clinics and referrals for our allergy clinics

Our specialist nursing team in asthma and allergy

Important: Inpatient paediatric services are moving to Evelina London Children’s Hospital 

From May 2026, children’s heart and lung inpatient services are moving to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Find out more about the changes we are making to children’s heart and lung services

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