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Allergies and intolerances

Home tests

4 replies

screamingsiblings · 07/02/2024 00:13

Are the tests you can buy any good?
I have been referred to an allergy clinic, but there are no appointments available. Now it’s saying they have refused my referral.
there seems to be blood or hair sample tests available to buy to try and find the source of the allergy.
thank you.

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DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 00:16

Most of the tests you'll see available are useless. Even with reliable allergy testing (skin prick tests and IgE bloods) there's a high chance of false results (positive and negative) so tests always need to be interpreted alongside clinical history.

What are your symptoms and what do you suspect is causing them?

Allergy clinics usually won't see you if it's likely to be a minor allergy or if it's likely to be an intolerance.

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screamingsiblings · 07/02/2024 09:51

AH thanks.
I have minor symptoms, so that is probably why the clinic refused me. Thank you for the explanation.
I get itchy hives in the morning and in the evening (before I go upstairs to bed).
Itchy/red/puffy eyes and a runny nose which can onset very quickly. Often when I'm in the car during the day.
I have done all the obvious stuff re bedding/mattress/cleaning/washing detergent etc. and take anti histamines (sp?) daily since September. But now it seems to be getting worse, and the itching is occurring even with the tablets during the day now.
Any help advice greatly received. Thank you.

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DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 10:00

That does sound very annoying. Your GP should be able to prescribe different antihistamines and/or larger doses of what you're taking.

You might want to try standard hayfever treatments in the form of Opticrom eye drops and Beconase nose spray (or similar, those are brand names, I can't remember the active ingredients!), but maybe talk to your GP first. These sorts of allergies tend to be best controlled by taking meds etc regularly not just when symptoms appear.

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screamingsiblings · 07/02/2024 16:12

@DrSpartacular Thank you very much.
I will try and get to talk to my GP again then. Failing that, I guess I will have to go private to try and get to the bottom of what's causing it.