Can you get allergy testing on the NHS?

[Niyamamama]

I have been waking up everyday with violent sneezing, runny nose, head fog and scratchy throat. Google tells me it's allergic rhinitis as I also have frequent headaches, and itchy nose throughout the day. I've changed my washing powder, cleaning products and hygiene products but it's made no difference. I've narrowed it down to either the dogs or the perhaps mould, but I have no one that can take the dogs for a while (or anywhere to stay myself). I suspect there is mould under the floor of the bathroom, we don't have a bath it's a wetroom/shower room setup. I've called the landlord but as no mould can actually be seen they are not interested.

Can I ask my gp for allergy tests or is that something that has to be done privately? I have read online that those home allergy tests are crap as you need blood tests 😔

Sorry forgot to mention I've always had symptoms very slightly, but they have gotten much worse over the last 3 months.

I had an allergy test years ago in the nhs for a suspected food allergy linked to hayfever. St Mary’s Paddington, I think, in London which had an allergy clinic. I loved it! They stamped my arm and put substances into me. Found allergies I didn’t even know I had. Great day out.

Btw this food allergy developed in adulthood so allergies can certainly move around a bit. See if you can be referred.

Yes sure can. I had them done in Brighton.

It depends on the CCG you're under. Ask the GP.
Have you tried taking anti-histamines?

Thank you for the replies

Zeitgei5t I'd rather find the cause of the allergies rather than take medication to stop the symptoms if you see what I mean. I do take medication in summer for hayfever but I know what causes that and its only temporary 🙂

I only discovered I was allergic to dogs when I took the nhs allergy tests so I’m afraid it might be them. Dust mites and mould also possible.

I suspect it may be the dogs too one of them peed in the kitchen the other day and when I was cleaning it my throat and eyes were on fire. I don't know what I will do if it is them though, they are both rescues from Greece, had them from 9 weeks old and they have never been apart from each other. One is a labrador and the other is a spaniel so not much chance of being rehomed together. I can't imagine rehoming though 😭

You can but the wait is long. I believe privately is quite a few hundred pounds.