Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy

Allergies underlie a large share of chronic cough, persistent rhinitis and difficult-to-control asthma. We offer structured allergy evaluation including skin-prick testing for common environmental allergens and immunotherapy planning where appropriate.

A positive skin-prick test shows sensitisation, not necessarily the cause of your symptoms. Results need to match your exposure history and symptom pattern. Asthma assessment may also require breathing tests; allergy testing alone cannot confirm asthma or explain every persistent cough.

Immunotherapy uses repeated doses of a clinically relevant allergen to reduce sensitivity over time. It may be considered when avoidance measures and appropriate medicines do not adequately control allergic rhinitis, with or without selected allergic asthma. It is not a quick cure, does not treat all allergies and does not replace an asthma action plan or prescribed inhalers.

Depending on the allergen and preparation, treatment may use injections or a suitable under-the-tongue product. A course commonly lasts three to five years, with regular review of benefit, adherence and side-effects. Mouth itching or local reactions can occur; serious allergic reactions are possible, particularly with injections. Uncontrolled asthma increases risk, so asthma control must be assessed before treatment.