INFORMATION FOR NEW ALLERGY FIRST PATIENTS

How long will my allergy appointment take?

Will the test hurt?

Is it safe?

Overall allergy testing skin/ prick testing is very safe.

Skin prick testing can carry a very small risk of an allergic response and in extremely rare circumstances can cause anaphylaxis. Do not worry our clinic is well prepared and equipped to support such circumstances. 

How do I prepare for my allergy appointment?

Please stop taking (if possible) any medication which can interfere with the skin prick testing:

• Antihistamines – stop taking (consult your physician before ceasing use) 5 days prior to your appointment (Antihistamines interfere with our allergy testing)

• Oral steroids – stop taking (consult your physician before ceasing use) 7 days prior to your appointment (topical and inhaled steroids can be continued to be used).

• Certain antidepressants, cold and flu medications, and blood pressure medications (Beta blockers) can also interfere with your allergy testing. Please inform us if you are currently taking those medications when booking your appointment

• Supplements - Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs can also interfere with your allergy testing. Please inform us if you are currently taking those supplements when booking your appointment

• Nasal sprays, antibiotics, and asthma medications should not be stopped and will NOT interfere with your test

• Please notify us if you are pregnant

Do I have a food allergy or intolerance? Do you test for both (food allergy and intolerance)?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms of food allergy and food intolerance. In general, symptoms caused by a food allergy develop very quickly after consuming the offending food. Symptoms of food intolerance can be immediate, but usually develop after 12-24 hours. Furthermore, unlike with food allergy reactions, food intolerance reactions are usually related to the amount of food consumed. An individual with food intolerance may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms.

Common symptoms of food allergy include: 
- Itching, burning or swelling around the mouth
- Runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Breathing difficulties, including wheezing, coughing and asthma
- Abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Eczema, hives
- Anaphylactic shock 
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing, persistent coughing and asthma
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness

Common symptoms of food intolerance include:
- Mouth ulcers
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Sinus problems
- Headache, migraine 
- Nausea, abdominal pains/bloating and bowel irritability
- Burning sensations across the skin 
- Tightness across the face and chest
- Chronic fatigue and general feeling of being run down
- Irritability and restlessness (more common in children)