Paediatric Allergy Services

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Welcome

  
 

 

 

Welcome to the Paediatric Allergy Service at Ashford and St Peter's.

We offer assessment, investigation and management of children with suspected allergy.

 

Click on the options below to find out more:

 

 
 
Patient Information
 Your Appointment
 Leaflets
 Eczema Toolkit
 Food Challenges
 
Meet the Team
 Teenagers Toolkit
 Allergy Apps
 Dietary Information
 Useful Websites
 

 

 

What to expect during Allergy Clinic

Your child will see a variety of specialists, including doctors, nurses and dietitians.

 

There are a number of investigations that may be carried out. These include:

  • Skin prick testing – this helps us to work out what your child may be allergic to. It is usually performed during the appointment before seeing the doctor. A small drop of allergen is placed on the skin and pricked with a lancet (this is not a needle) causing a tiny amount of allergen to be introduced into the skin. After about 15 minutes this may produce a wheal. The size of the wheal is measured. One of the drops is histamine and it is expected that this will develop into an itchy wheal. Distracting your child during the skin prick testing and afterwards is helpful in order to prevent them from scratching.
     
  • Peak flow testing – this records how much air your child can blow out from their lungs. This test is usually only done if the child is over five years old. Results are measured according to your child's height.
     
  • Lung function testing (spirometry) – this test is similar to peak flow testing but gives more detailed results.

You may be given advice regarding management of allergic diseases, such as how to use inhalers and nasal sprays correctly, and eczema management.

 

If required, you may receive training about what to do if your child has an allergic reaction, including the correct use of antihistamines and adrenaline auto injectors.

 

Advice may be given about how to avoid certain foods while still ensuring your child has a balanced diet.

 

Using this Information

Do not act on the content of any leaflet (from our website or another) without the advice of a trained clinician. Each leaflet has contact details to receive further help and assistance. Do contact our PALS team if you need a translation of the guidance.

 

 

Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac Infant Formula Recall

On 20 February 2022 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) published a product recall information notice, which was updated on 22 February for two infant formula products used for special medical purposes, due to concerns of possible contamination with Salmonella Newport and Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) ... read more.

 

  
 

 

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