An Allergy is an abnormally severe reaction to a protein or chemical in our environment, which under normal circumstances is harmless. This adverse reaction is triggered by contact with the sufferer’s immune system (the white blood cells), and may result in asthma, hayfever, hives, eczema, swelling and itching with collapse. There has been an unprecedented increase in the incidence of allergic disorders in recent years and scientists have been at a loss to explain this allergy epidemic. Factors that seem to be implicated are our genetic make-up in conjunction with our changing indoor environment, diet and "western" lifestyles .

"Non-allergic" hypersensitivity reactions are those adverse reactions that do not involve the immune system.  Heart palpitations triggered by caffeine are a good example of a non-allergic hypersenstivity (or intolerance).

The aim of the clinic is to offer a personalised comprehensive service to diagnose and treat allergic disorders. This is done at our private outpatient suite at a convenient time. Only scientifically validated diagnostic tests and the most effective internationally recognised treatments are used in the clinic. We adhere strictly to the "Good Allergy Practice" Guidelines of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Current allergy management is to identify the causative agent (the "allergen") and then to remove it from the affected person’s environment. If avoidance measures cannot be implemented the sufferer may need to use "preventer" and "reliever" medication. Occasionally desensitisation injections are used to induce allergen tolerance and reduce the intensity of the allergic reaction.

The initial consultation will involve a thorough allergy and personal medical history discussion, followed by a physical examination and will include basic diagnostic tests such as Skin  Tests and Lung Function Testing. You will receive the results of these tests and be given treatment advice at the initial consultation. Please stop any anti-histamine medication for 3 days before your consultation and if possible, bring a list of suspected causes for your allergy. Occasionally further allergy blood tests (RAST) will need to be done and we can arrange these tests. After your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive allergy assessment in plain language explaining the probable cause and treatment for your allergy.

The full consultation and allergy work-up including skin tests and lung tests costs £140.

Our allergy skin testing consist of a repertoire of over 40 potential inhalant and food allergens.  Depending on the clinical history, a selection are then applied to the skin in droplet form.  The skin is  gently scratched so as to allow some of the allergen to penetrate the skin. A positive test will result in small weal and flare reaction within 15mins, and this is diagnostic of allergic sensitisation to that particular allergen.

 A follow-up consultation is not usually necessary but if this is needed, it will cost £100. The purpose of the follow-up consultation is to further discuss test results, monitor your response to treatment and plan future allergy management strategies. Patients will be expected to settle their account at the time of consultation at the hospital or clinic.

Dr Morris does not hold a full-time NHS consultant post, so unfortunately most private medical insurers will not reimburse allergy consultation fees unless an authorisation number is granted by the medical insurer prior to consultation (BUPA, PPP, Norwich Union etc).  Patients are advised to contact their private medical insurers for advice on pre-authorisation.

The clinics are held  at various private clinics and hospitals during the week and  on Saturday mornings from 9.00am to midday, for your convenience. We offer appointments at the Guildford Nuffield Hospital, London Medical Centre in Harley Street and Classic Hospital Clare Park in their comfortable Private Consultant Suites. Appointments can be booked by telephoning the hospitals directly and asking for Allergy Clinic Bookings. 

Although we prefer patients to be referred to the clinics by their own GP, we realise that this may occasionally be difficult to arrange and will see patients without referral.  However we do prefer to keep the GP informed at all times of any suggested allergy tests or treatment.

Prepared by Dr Adrian Morris, January 2008

© Dr Adrian Morris, 1999-2007
All rights reserved