Allergy

About us

Our allergy clinic diagnoses and treats you for a range of allergic and related disorders. This includes severe hayfever, anaphylaxis, food allergy, insect venom allergy and hives/swelling attacks.

We work closely with other specialties such as ear, nose and throat, dermatology and respiratory medicine.

How we help

A correct diagnosis is the key to managing allergic and related disorders. Avoiding specific triggers can be helpful, and in other situations medications are more useful.

If you have experienced anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction) we can advise on the cause. We can also explain the risks, how to avoid triggers and how to use adrenaline pens in case of emergency.

Insect venom allergies and severe hayfever can be treated effectively with ‘desensitisation’ injections in our clinic.

We also offer biologic therapy for chronic spontaneous urticaria (skin condition causing raised rash or patches), and a full package of care for people with C1 inhibitor deficiency/ hereditary angioedema (a genetic disease resulting in random and unpredictable attacks of swelling).

What happens at your appointment

During your first appointment, we will explore your symptoms in detail. This the most important element of allergy medicine. We can do this by telephone, but we’re always happy to see you in person if you prefer.

If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, it is important to have an idea of possible foods or medication triggers within 2 hours of the symptoms.  We can organise skin and blood tests at the end of your appointment if we need to do further tests.

Where we are

We are based in the main Outpatients at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Helpful resources

• British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Allergy UK
• Anaphylaxis Campaign
• Hereditary Angioedema UK

How to refer

Referrals from primary care should be sent through the ERS system. Referrals from other teams should be sent to the Booking Hub.