For the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders, here are some of the services provided:
1. Skin prick test/intradermal test: a quick way of finding out IgE sensitisation and what the patient is allergic to. As the patient can see the results themselves, it improves compliance with allergen avoidance and medication usage. It is a good alternative to specific IgE panels. It is useful in all IgE/mixed IgE - non IgE mediated disorders with immediate type reactions and particularly for:
a. Allergic rhinitis/allergic rhinosinusitis - including dust mites, pollen, pet allergies etc.
b. Nasal polyps
c. Allergic conjunctivitis
d. Allergic asthma
e. Chronic cough
f. Urticaria
g. Atopic dermatitis
h. Food allergies e.g. allergies to nuts, cow’s milk, egg, wheat, seafood etc.
i. Oral allergy syndrome/fruit allergies
i. Drug allergies
j. Anaphylaxis
2. Immunotherapy: For selected patients with allergies that are poorly controlled and affecting their quality of life, immunotherapy can cure allergies and prevent further development of allergies. Though it needs long term compliance, it is effective in many allergies such as house dust mites, pollens, fungal sensitisation, venom allergies etc. It’s role in other allergies including food allergies is constantly evolving.
3. Food/drug challenges: Food or drug challenges are useful for both diagnostic purposes and/or excluding allergies. Food challenges are also useful when people outgrow some of their allergies. Patients feel confident and safe in introducing the food which they were earlier allergic to in a safe environment under supervised care, as severe allergic reactions can sometimes occur during the process. Specific protocols are available for different foods for challenge. Based on the risk assessment, challenges can be done at the home/clinic/hospital.
