Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a substance that is harmless to most people. In IgE-mediated allergy, the reaction is immediate — often within minutes — and can range from hives and itching to anaphylaxis. In non-IgE-mediated allergy, the reaction is delayed and typically affects the gut. Accurate diagnosis matters: avoidance based on an incorrect or over-interpreted test result can cause nutritional harm, while failing to diagnose a genuine allergy leaves patients at risk. At The Vesey we use evidence-based testing — specific IgE, molecular component diagnostics and skin-prick testing — to reach a diagnosis you can act on.
What it is
IgE-mediated allergy (immediate, anaphylaxis-risk) and non-IgE-mediated reactions need different testing and different management. Common adult presentations include allergic rhinitis, food allergy, drug allergy (especially penicillin label), insect-venom allergy and contact dermatitis. Component-resolved diagnostics now allow precise allergen identification.
Symptoms and signs
- Seasonal or year-round nasal symptoms, itchy eyes, sneezing (allergic rhinitis).
- Mouth tingling, lip swelling, hives or breathing difficulty after specific foods.
- Suspected penicillin allergy — most patients labelled penicillin-allergic are not actually allergic, and the label has real harm.
- Anaphylactic reaction (face/tongue/throat swelling, low BP, collapse) — needs urgent epinephrine and same-week specialist follow-up.
- Chronic urticaria — daily hives lasting more than 6 weeks.
How we investigate
Detailed allergy history, specific IgE blood testing including molecular component diagnostics, skin-prick testing where appropriate. Penicillin de-labelling pathway with formal drug-allergy assessment in selected cases. Spirometry where asthma coexists.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Allergen avoidance plans — detailed, practical, with written guidance.
- Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and montelukast for allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
- Adrenaline autoinjector training with action-plan documentation for anaphylaxis-risk patients.
- Allergen immunotherapy — sublingual or subcutaneous, for severe allergic rhinitis or venom allergy.
- Biologic therapy for severe chronic urticaria (omalizumab) and selected severe asthma / nasal polyposis pictures.
What is the difference between allergy testing and food intolerance testing? +
Allergy testing — specific IgE blood tests and skin-prick tests — has a strong evidence base and is recommended by NICE and BSACI. Food intolerance testing (including IgG tests, hair analysis and bioresonance) is not evidence-based and is not recommended. At The Vesey we use only validated, guideline-recommended tests.
What is component-resolved diagnostics (CRD)? +
CRD goes beyond testing for whole allergen extracts (e.g. peanut) and identifies the specific molecular component you are sensitised to (e.g. Ara h 2). This allows much more accurate risk stratification — distinguishing a pollen-food syndrome (low risk of systemic reaction) from genuine peanut allergy (high risk of anaphylaxis).
I have been told I am penicillin allergic — should I be assessed? +
Yes. Studies show that 80–90% of people labelled as penicillin allergic are not truly allergic when formally assessed. The penicillin-allergy label restricts antibiotic choice and is associated with worse outcomes. A structured penicillin de-labelling pathway can safely remove this label if appropriate.
What is allergen immunotherapy? +
Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) is a long-term treatment that reduces sensitivity to a specific allergen. It is the only treatment that modifies the underlying allergic disease rather than just treating symptoms. It is effective for severe allergic rhinitis, insect-venom allergy and selected food allergies. We offer sublingual (under-tongue) immunotherapy for house dust mite and tree/grass pollen.
Pricing at a glance
Initial allergy consultation £290 (60-minute slot). Specific IgE panel from £190. Skin-prick testing from £290. Alex 3 Allergy Explorer (300+ components) £500. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if you have suspected food or drug allergy, chronic urticaria, severe allergic rhinitis not controlled by antihistamines and nasal sprays, or you carry an adrenaline autoinjector without ever having seen an allergy consultant.
Cost and pathway
Initial allergy consultation £290 (60-minute slot). Specific IgE panel from £190. Skin-prick testing from £290. Alex 3 Allergy Explorer (300+ components) £500.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our allergy team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727