Allergy

Health Advice
Allergy
Allergy

Allergy is a term used to describe an adverse or bad reaction that the body has to a particular substance. Read More

Predisposed individuals
Predisposed individuals

Predisposed individuals are more likely to suffer from allergies compared to the general population. Read More

Quick and effective testing
Quick and effective testing

Selected pharmacies offer an allergy testing service to help you identify which airborne allergen is causing your symptoms Read More

Not to be sniffed at: Allergy Action
Not to be sniffed at: Allergy Action

Chances are that if you’re not whooping for joy over the imminent start of the summer season, you’re a hayfever sufferer Read More

Food allergy

Food allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts in an inappropriate or exaggerated way to a specific food or foods, causing variou ...Read

Drug allergy

Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause various problems. Most symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhoea, are not allergies but side ...Read

Cows' milk protein allergy

An allergy to the proteins in cows' milk occurs in about 1 in 100 babies, usually during the first 6 months of life. Most babies are exposed to ...Read

Quick and effective testing
Selected pharmacies offer an allergy testing service to help you identify which airborne allergen is causing your symptoms allowing you to manage your symptoms more effectively.

The test is a simple finger-prick blood test carried out by specially trained pharmacy staff in a private consultation area. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the test, you can choose to wait for the results, or return later in the day whatever is more convenient for you.

What does the test cover?
The test will identify whether you are allergic to any of the 10 most common allergens carried in the air and found in and around our homes.

• Cat fur and skin
• Dog fur and skin
• House dust mite
• Mould
• Cockroach debris
• Mugwort weed pollen
• Olive tree pollen
• Silver birch tree pollen
• Timothy grass pollen
• Wall pellitory weed pollen

Please note the test does not check for food intolerances or allergies, or skin allergies.

How can the test help me?
Along with your test results, you will get tailored advice and product recommendations to help prevent and limit your allergic reactions as well as manage your symptoms.

For example, the Pharmacist will be able to tell you what product to take and when you should start taking this. Or they could make recommendations on simple steps you could take to limit your exposure to the cause of your allergy.

Where can I be tested?
Our online Pharmacy finder will help you find the most convenient store location by showing those stores offering the service near your postcode be that home or work.

Can I really manage an allergy to pollen?
As well as some suitable over the counter remedies there are some simple steps you can take that will help relive your symptoms these include some obvious steps and others more subtle:

• Avoid walking in fields and tall grass when the weather is dry and sunny
• Avoid tobacco smoke which is an irritant and may increase symptoms
• Dry washing inside so that pollen doesn’t collect on the fibres of your clothes
• Vacuum carpets regularly and avoid having them in bathrooms
• Keep doors and windows closed during the pollen season

What happens when I take the test?
After you have completed a consultation with your pharmacist which will look at your current medical history and current potential allergens, you will then be able to take the test. This involves a simple finger prick test and will provide immediate results so that you can take action to manage your allergy.

How long does the test take?
The test should take about 20 minutes but you should also allow time for the initial consultation and to discuss your results with your pharmacist afterwards.

The test results were clear, so am I free from allergies?
If no lines appear it could indicate that you are not allergic to any of the ten airborne allergens you’ve been tested against. However this does not mean that you don’t have any allergies, while some possibilities could have been eliminated your Pharmacist may refer you to your GP for testing against a more comprehensive range of allergens.

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