Food Allergy Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment

Food Allergy Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment

Expert care for allergic reactions affecting digestion, skin, breathing and overall wellbeing

Food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in specific foods, triggering symptoms that range from hives and digestive discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. We provide comprehensive diagnosis and management for food allergies in children and adults, combining advanced testing with personalised care plans. Our clinic is led by Professor Gideon Lack, whose LEAP study transformed global guidance on food allergy prevention.

Comprehensive testing to identify specific food triggers

Evidence-based prevention and management strategies

Expert guidance for introducing foods safely in early life

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What is food allergy?

Food allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to proteins in certain foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Food allergies affect up to 8% of children and about 2-4% of adults in the UK, with some allergies resolving over time and others persisting throughout life.

When to seek specialist care

While mild allergic symptoms can sometimes be managed with the help of your GP, specialist care is recommended if you or your child:

Has experienced severe allergic reactions to food

Has multiple food allergies or suspected allergies

Needs comprehensive allergy testing to identify specific triggers

Has eczema which may be a risk factor in the development of food allergies

Requires support with nutrition when avoiding multiple foods

Would benefit from early prevention strategies based on family history

Needs guidance on safely introducing potentially allergenic foods in infancy

Has skin or digestive symptoms that might be related to food allergies

For infants and young children specifically, early specialist intervention is vital following Professor Lack's groundbreaking research showing that early introduction of allergenic foods can prevent food allergies developing.

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Why choose us for food allergy testing and treatment?

Our clinic is uniquely positioned to provide expert care for food allergies:

Led by Professor Gideon Lack, whose groundbreaking LEAP and EAT studies transformed food allergy prevention globally

Evidence-based approach grounded in cutting-edge research

Comprehensive care addressing both immediate and delayed food allergies

Specialised protocols for infants and children at risk of developing allergies

Personalised management plans tailored to your lifestyle needs

Support for the whole family in managing food allergies

Coordination with dietitians, schools and other healthcare providers

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Pioneering research, personalised care

Our approach combines our team's groundbreaking research into the causes and treatment of allergies with deeply personalised care. Professor Lack's LEAP and EAT studies have transformed our understanding of food allergy prevention, demonstrating that early introduction of allergenic foods can significantly reduce allergy development in children. As global leaders in allergy prevention and treatment, we're dedicated to transforming lives through evidence-based therapies and early intervention strategies.

More About the LACK Clinic

What's the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

Food allergies involve the immune system and can cause potentially serious reactions. They occur when the body produces an antibody response to specific food proteins. Food intolerances, however, don't involve the immune system and typically cause digestive symptoms only. While intolerances can be uncomfortable, they aren't life-threatening. Common examples include lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk sugar) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Our specialists can help determine whether your symptoms indicate an allergy or intolerance.

Can my child outgrow their food allergies?

Many children do outgrow certain food allergies, particularly those to milk, egg, soy and wheat. Research shows about 80% of milk and egg allergies resolve by adolescence. Peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are less commonly outgrown, with only about 20% of children outgrowing peanut allergy. Regular assessment by our specialists can track changes in your child's allergies and determine if they've developed tolerance. This may include carefully supervised food challenges when appropriate.

How accurate is food allergy testing?

While food allergy testing, such as skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests, are powerful diagnostic tools, it's crucial to understand they identify sensitisation rather than a definitive allergy. At LACK Allergy Clinic, we go beyond simple test results.

We meticulously combine these findings with your detailed clinical history, physical examination, and, when necessary, supervised oral food challenges to ensure the most accurate and comprehensive food allergy diagnosis possible. This integrated approach minimizes false positives and negatives, preventing unnecessary dietary restrictions while ensuring patient safety.

For definitive diagnosis, we consider:

Your detailed clinical history
Physical examination findings
Results from multiple testing methods
Supervised oral food challenges when necessary

Our comprehensive approach ensures the most accurate diagnosis possible, avoiding both unnecessary food restrictions and potential safety risks.

What is the difference between immediate and delayed food allergies?

Immediate (IgE-mediated) allergies typically occur within minutes to two hours after food consumption and involve IgE antibodies. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, respiratory difficulties, and potentially anaphylaxis. Delayed (non-IgE-mediated) allergies develop hours to days after eating and don't involve IgE antibodies. They typically affect the digestive system or skin, causing symptoms like eczema flares, reflux, or altered bowel movements. Some children can have mixed reactions with both immediate and delayed symptoms. Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing both types of allergic responses.

What is pollen-food syndrome?

Pollen-food syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome) is a form of food allergy that affects people with existing pollen allergies. It occurs when the immune system recognises similarities between pollen proteins and related proteins in certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Typical symptoms include immediate itching or tingling in the mouth and throat after eating these foods. The condition occurs because the proteins responsible are similar in structure to pollen proteins but are usually destroyed by cooking. Our specialists can help identify specific triggers and provide management strategies for this condition.

What is LACK clinic's approach to preventing food allergies?

Professor Lack's ongoing research, particularly the LEAP and EAT studies, revolutionised our understanding of food allergy prevention. His work demonstrated that early introduction of potentially allergenic foods (particularly peanut) can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies, contrary to previous advice recommending avoidance.

Introduction of allergenic foods from around 4-6 months of age
Continuing breastfeeding alongside food introduction when possible
Careful introduction protocols for high-risk infants (those with eczema or family history)
Regular consumption of allergenic foods to maintain tolerance

This evidence-based approach has been adopted in clinical guidelines worldwide and forms the foundation of our prevention strategies at LACK Clinic.

Food Allergy Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is food allergy?

How food allergies develop

Common symptoms

Common food allergens

When to seek specialist care

Our expert approach to food allergy care

Why choose us for food allergy testing and treatment?

Pioneering research, personalised care

Your questions answered

Ready to take control of food allergies?