Newbie- how do I get DS,6, tested for what's causing his 'hay fever' in this pouring rain??!

[miljee]

I gather there's 6 centres for testing in the UK? Did I read this right? My DS has eczema just in the folds of his elbows and the odd additional patch for which we have a mild steroidal cream, but he's rubbing his eyes, has a streaming nose and sneezing more or less continuously- I can't believe it's pollen causing it with the rain lashing down day after day. Could it be dust mites? How can I get him tested for the common irritants without having to trawl through 20 GPs prescribing piriton, day in day out without us really knowing what's causing it thus what we may be able to minimise in our environment? I call upon all those who've been through this mill for advice, please! We are prepared to go private for testing but I'm not even sure how to access this. We live near Southampton. Many thanks

[Sherbert37]

DS1 was 14 when I got him tested - only been bad since he was 10 or so and we soldiered on until last year. Blood test from the GP which revealed allergy to dust mites, grass, animals. Before then he had a nose spray and daily antihistamine tablet which he still takes. His flares up every so often. I took him back last week and the tablets were changed which seems to be working. Hope this helps.

[mumofSlytherinsmonsters]

I have hayfever and have been really suffering this year. Someone said to me that despite all the rain, when it stops - however briefly- the plants and grasses are still desperatly trying to pollenate so the pollen count is sky high when its not raining. There are alsorts that can set off 'allergic rhinitis' and sometimes its combinations of things that make it worse. you can be when tree pollens mix with grass pollens for example but fine with flower pollen iyswim.