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A skin prick test is a quick, simple, and minimally invasive procedure used to identify specific allergens that may cause allergic reactions in your child. During the test, a small amount of various common allergens is applied to the skin, typically on the forearm. The skin is then lightly pricked to allow the allergen to penetrate the outer layer. If your child is allergic to any of the substances, a small raised bump resembling a mosquito bite will appear at the site.
The test can identify a wide range of allergens, including:
If allergen solutions are not available, prick-to-prick testing with real food can also be performed.
Skin prick testing helps doctors diagnose symptoms such as chronic cough, sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, abdominal pain, eczema, or nasal congestion. Identifying the cause of these symptoms, particularly food allergies, can be challenging as they can present with various signs affecting different organs, including the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract. Early detection of allergies can significantly improve your child's quality of life and prevent potential health issues.
Antihistamines and corticosteroids can inhibit skin reactions. Therefore, it is essential to stop all medications containing antihistamines at least three days before the appointment. Systemic steroids should be discontinued the day before the test, and topical steroids should not be applied to the arms.
Our Paediatric Allergy Consultant will discuss your child's clinical history with you and determine which allergens to test for. During the skin prick test, the nurse will apply the test allergen to your child's skin, usually on the forearm, using a blunt lancet to introduce the allergen. If your child has an immediate allergy to the substance, a wheal will typically form within 10-15 minutes.
Skin prick tests are relatively safe for children. It is exceedingly rare to cause a life-threatening event such as anaphylaxis. In the unlikely event this occurs, your experienced clinician will manage your child's condition appropriately. The prick may cause slight discomfort, but most children tolerate the procedure well. It should not cause bleeding, though your child may experience mild itching, which usually subsides quickly. We can provide antihistamine medication if necessary.
Book your child's appointment with us today by contacting our team to schedule a visit.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children living near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, and all nearby areas.
The primary goal of VCE is to visualize and assess the mucosal surface of the small bowel, which complements traditional diagnostic methods by enabling the identification of abnormalities.
Key indications for Video Capsule Endoscopy include:
Video Capsule Endoscopy is generally considered safe. However, there is a small risk (less than 1%) of capsule retention, where the capsule may not pass naturally and could require surgical intervention for removal.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.
An echocardiogram (Echo) is a widely used diagnostic tool for assessing heart conditions, utilizing non-invasive ultrasound technology. This procedure provides detailed insights into the heart's structure, function, and blood flow dynamics without the need for surgery.
Before the scan, it's beneficial for your child to practice lying still at home to ensure optimal imaging quality during the procedure. During the echo, your child will be asked to remove their top and lie on a bed next to the echo machine. You are encouraged to stay with them throughout the approximately 60-minute process.
The cardiologist will apply a small amount of gel to the chest area and use a probe emitting ultrasound waves to generate real-time images of the heart. Both you and your child will be able to observe these images on a screen beside the bed.
Rest assured, an echocardiogram is entirely safe, with no associated risks. The gel used may feel cool on the skin but is harmless. The procedure itself is painless and has no lasting effects.
Following the scan, your child can return home immediately. The cardiologist will analyse the results and discuss them with you, outlining any necessary next steps such as additional tests if required.
To prepare for the scan, ensure your child wears loose clothing that can be easily removed or undone to facilitate access to the chest area.
If you have any concerns or questions about the echocardiogram, please don't hesitate to discuss them with a member of the team. We're here to support you and ensure a comfortable experience for your child throughout the process.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.
To ensure the highest standard of care, we have partnered with the Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic. This collaboration enables us to offer a comprehensive, ‘one-stop’ clinical service for all paediatric gut conditions. Our combined expertise allows us to provide a full range of diagnostic tests and procedures, ensuring precise and accurate clinical diagnoses. These services include:
Advanced Imaging Techniques
We utilize advanced imaging techniques to provide detailed insights into gastrointestinal conditions:
Our Approach to Care
Our approach is family-centred, ensuring that the treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of each child and their family. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with dietitians, psychologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
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If you have concerns about your child's gastrointestinal health, please reach out to our team for an appointment. We are here to provide the expertise and care your child needs for a healthy and happy life.
By choosing our paediatric gastroenterology service, you are opting for a holistic and compassionate approach to your child’s health, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey and all nearby areas.
Paediatric cardiology specialises in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children as they grow and develop. This includes addressing congenital heart disease (present from birth), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and issues with circulatory function.
Heart disease encompasses a wide range of conditions that can affect the heart. In children, these conditions can vary significantly, from minor issues with no symptoms that go undiagnosed to severe, potentially life-threatening problems apparent at birth.
Common Heart Conditions in Children
Our paediatric cardiology evaluations help us identify any heart-related issues in your child. Once a diagnosis is made, we can determine whether immediate treatment is necessary and outline the best course of action.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.
Acne: Acne is an extremely common skin condition linked to hormonal changes during puberty, affecting individuals predominantly during their teenage years but potentially at any age. Research shows that around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 experience acne to some extent. In girls, it is most common from ages 14 to 17, while in boys it typically occurs between ages 16 to 19.
Atopic Eczema: Atopic Eczema, a common form of eczema, often runs in families and affects 20% of children in the UK, typically from an early age. Fortunately, most children outgrow this condition as they get older.
Urticaria: Also known as ‘nettle rash’ or ‘hives,’ urticaria presents as a red, itchy, and bumpy rash that can appear anywhere on the body. It is common, affecting around 20% of people at some point in their lives. Children may experience a single episode lasting a few days or several episodes over 4-6 weeks before it settles down.
Rashes: Various factors can cause rashes in babies and children. While most rashes are benign, parents should seek medical advice if their child appears seriously unwell alongside the rash. Common causes of childhood rashes include:
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey and all nearby areas.
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Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule a private consultation with our private paediatric dermatologist. At Paediatric Diagnostics, we are committed to making your child's experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Glue ear, a common condition in children, involves the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, leading to hearing problems. Grommet surgery involves placing tiny tubes in the eardrum to allow fluid drainage and air circulation, improving hearing and reducing the risk of infections.
Intracapsular Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy in Children
For children suffering from chronic tonsillitis or sleep apnoea, intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are effective surgical options. This technique removes the majority of the tonsil tissue while preserving the tonsil capsule, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
Microsuction for Wax Impaction
Microsuction is a safe and effective method for removing earwax buildup. This procedure uses a gentle suction device to clear the ear canal, providing immediate relief from discomfort and improving hearing.
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can interfere with a child's ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. Our skilled surgeons perform frenectomy surgery, a simple procedure to release the tongue, allowing for improved mobility and function.
Preparing for Surgery
When your child needs surgery, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We provide thorough pre-operative assessments, detailed explanations of the procedure, and post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your child.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our paediatric ENT service.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.
Inattentiveness:
Children/ Young people with inattentiveness may struggle with poor concentration, easy distractibility, poor working memory, forgetfulness and organisation, and poor attention to detail.
Hyperactivity:
Children/Young people with hyperactivity may be constantly on the go, fidgety, restless, talkative and unable to play quietly.
Impulsivity:Children/Young people with impulsivity may be impatient, engage in dangerous activities, constantly interrupt conversations, and find to wait their turn or wait in a queue.
Before the Appointment
When you first request an assessment for ADHD, we will tell you if the assessment can proceed after screening your request. If your child is accepted for an assessment, we will send you our child and family form, which you must complete fully. You will then be notified of your first appointment with the ADHD Specialist (virtual).
At the initial appointment
The ADHD Specialist will take a thorough neurodevelopmental history and check the information recorded on your Child and family form. The neurodevelopmental history will include a history of ADHD symptoms and signs. Your child will be required to be present at some point during the virtual consultation. The ADHD Specialist, as part of the assessment, will request further information from you, your child (if applicable), school and relevant professionals. This information gathering is a crucial step in the diagnostic procedure – often, parents are surprised by how much depth our clinicians go into. However, it is critical to ensure the correct diagnosis is given.
During the assessment
At the initial appointment, The ADHD Specialist will take a thorough neurodevelopmental history and check the information recorded on your Child and family form. The neurodevelopmental history will include a history of ADHD symptoms and signs. Your child will be required to be present at some point during the virtual consultation. Following the initial consultation with the ADHD Specialist, your child will be referred for the ADHD Computer Performance test (QbCheck). Please click on the link for more information about the QbCheck. A trained Paediatric Nurse will conduct the QbCheck. This will usually be face-to-face and will involve some observations, which will then be fed back to the Neurodevelopmental Consultant.
After the assessment
A further follow appointment will be carried out to discuss the assessment findings. The consultant will provide a detailed, comprehensive report detailing the diagnosis, where one can be made, any further assessments recommended for your child, and treatment plans will be provided to you. You may circulate copies of your report to the school and relevant professionals.
Management of Children with ADHD
There are a combination of different approaches when managing ADHD symptoms in children and young people. The approach is usually multi-modal or holistic, and include parent support /training, social skills training, educational support , cognitive behaviour therapy for older children and adolescents and ADHD medication . The ADHD specialist will also signpost you to useful ADHD resources and websites . It is however essential to liaise with your child’s GP to signpost you to your local ADHD parent support organisations and resources.
There are a combination of different approaches when treating ADHD such as:
Management of Children with ADHD
There is a combination of different approaches when managing ADHD symptoms in children and young people.
The approach is usually multi-modal or holistic and includes:
The ADHD specialist will also signpost you to useful ADHD resources and websites. It is, however, essential to liaise with your child’s GP to signpost you to your local ADHD parent support organisations and resources
ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, especially when all other relevant interventions for the child/young person and parent have been established. Our ADHD specialist may commence ADHD medication if your child is deemed eligible for treatment in private clinics. Eligibility will be decided by the ADHD Specialist and discussed with the parent/carer. Medication will not be commenced, for example, in children presenting with complex medical or mental health issues. Medication is generally available only in the short term until safe transfer to the NHS. Medication options will be thoroughly covered in the clinic, and benefits and side effects will be thoroughly discussed. Parents/carers will be expected to sign a medication consent form before ADHD medication is commenced. Due to ADHD medications being controlled drugs, children/young people commenced on ADHD medication will be monitored closely by the ADHD Specialist.
Our children's ADHD service is available at our private clinics based in Charlwood in West Sussex, Horley in Surrey, and Wimbledon in London. This makes us ideally placed to welcome young patients from all nearby areas, as well as Dorking, Crawley, Kent, Brighton, Worthing, and further afield.
We pride ourselves in offering the following services:
Our Private GP Service can help with a range of medical issues including:
We can see private GP patients at our Dorking and Wimbledon clinics, and Dr Thompson also practices at Gatwick Park Hospital. This makes us ideally located to see patients living in Surrey, Kent, and Southwest London, including Balham, Battersea, Brixton, Clapham, Earlsfield, Streatham, Stockwell, Tooting, Wandsworth, Chelsea, Earls Court, Fulham, Parsons Green, South Kensington, and West Brompton.
We offer flexible appointment times to suit you.
New appointments £130 for 30 minutes
Follow up appointments £70 for 15 minutes
Call us today on: 01293365012 or email: info@paediatricdiagnostics.com
Virtual Appointment:
Paediatric endocrinology focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders related to the endocrine system and the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, which can significantly impact a child's growth and development.
Our services include:
Endocrinology is a specialised field that diagnoses and manages these conditions in children from birth through the end of their growth phase. If you're uncertain whether your child's symptoms are related to an endocrine disorder, our team is available to provide guidance.
Paediatric growth and pubertal development are common concerns, and it's crucial to determine if there's a medical cause behind issues like short stature, early puberty, or delayed puberty. Identifying an underlying cause enables us to recommend appropriate treatment tailored to your child's needs.
While many growth and development issues may resolve over time or with supportive management, a thorough assessment by an endocrine specialist is essential for your child's well-being. Our investigations aim to determine whether an endocrine condition is responsible for your child's symptoms or if they are part of a normal variation that will resolve on its own.
Our paediatric endocrinology tests will highlight any issues that need to be addressed and treated by our expert team.
For more information or to schedule a private consultation with our paediatric endocrinology team, please contact us today.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible provide tests and treatment for children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.
