Our specialised paediatric allergy service, where we are committed to the health and happiness of children navigating various gastrointestinal and nutritional challenges. Our mission is centred on delivering exceptional care through accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive management strategies for a wide range of conditions.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Guildford, Caterham, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey and all nearby areas.
Click here to book a consultation with a private paediatric allergist and arrange an allergy test for your child today.
Childhood allergies are becoming increasingly common in the UK. Statistics show that approximately one in sixteen children under six develops food allergies. Additionally, one in four children experiences eczema, one in five suffers from asthma, and one in ten is affected by hay fever. Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in these conditions, especially peanut allergies, which disproportionately impact children.
Food allergies, in particular, pose severe risks of anaphylaxis outside hospital settings and can be life-threatening, affecting a child’s normal development and daily experiences. When combined with eczema, asthma, and hay fever, these conditions can significantly reduce a child’s quality of life, lead to school absenteeism, and hinder academic performance.
At Paediatric Diagnostics, we understand how allergies can affect every aspect of a child’s life. Whether your child is dealing with food allergies, respiratory issues such as asthma, or eczema, our aim is to provide accurate diagnosis and personalised care plans that improve their health and overall well-being.
Food allergies can range from mild discomfort to severe, potentially life-threatening reactions. We offer specialist diagnostic testing to accurately identify food allergens and create tailored treatment plans. These plans help families manage dietary restrictions while ensuring children maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Our focus is on prevention and empowering parents with strategies to reduce allergen exposure.
Conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life. Through comprehensive allergy testing, we identify common triggers including pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Our team provides advanced treatment options, which may include immunotherapy (referral to other sites) and symptom management plans, helping children breathe more easily and live without constant discomfort.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is often aggravated by allergens in food or the environment. Our allergy specialists carry out detailed assessments to identify what is triggering your child’s eczema. We work closely with families to develop effective skincare routines, offer advice on lifestyle adjustments and prescribe treatments to relieve itching and reduce inflammation — helping children feel more comfortable in their own skin.
During your child’s visit, several investigations may be carried out as part of their personalised assessment, including:
Skin Prick Testing
This quick and reliable child allergy test that checks for IgE antibody reactions to specific allergens (e.g. peanuts or eggs) by observing the skin’s response.
Blood Tests (Specific IgE Tests)
Previously known as RAST tests, these measure IgE antibodies in the blood to confirm sensitivities to particular allergens.
Following the assessment, our consultants provide practical guidance on managing allergies — including correct inhaler and nasal spray techniques, eczema care, and strategies for avoiding allergen exposure whilst ensuring a healthy, balanced diet. Where needed, families also receive training on emergency responses, such as how to use antihistamines and adrenaline auto-injectors.
Sometimes, test results do not fully reflect a child’s real-life reactions. For example, a child may develop hives after eating almonds, yet both skin prick and blood tests return negative. Similarly, a child with eczema who has never eaten peanuts may show a slightly raised test result, leaving uncertainty over whether a true allergy exists. Diagnosing medication allergies can be even more complex, as tests have limited reliability.
In these situations, we may recommend an oral food or medication challenge as the most reliable way to confirm or rule out an allergy.
This involves:
Gradually giving the suspected allergen under strict clinical supervision
Monitoring your child closely for several hours to ensure their safety
Most children tolerate the food without any issues; some may develop mild symptoms such as a rash or lip swelling. Severe reactions such as anaphylaxis are rare, but we always take every precaution.
If no reaction occurs, the allergen can usually be safely introduced into your child’s diet. If a reaction does occur, we guide you on continued avoidance and management.
The key benefit of this challenge is the clarity and peace of mind it provides giving families a definitive diagnosis in a safe and controlled environment.
We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children living near Brighton, Crawley, Chichester, Dorking, Havant, London, Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Surrey, and all nearby areas.
Worried about your child's food allergies or eczema? Our specialist paediatric team is here to support you every step of the way.